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I played for the President of the United States.
How many people can say that?
Debut Orchestra was hired to play for the Air Force One ceremony at the Reagan Presidential Library yesterday.
We got picked up at 6:30, arrived at the Library to go through Secret Service security (including police dogs), had breakfast (which we almost didn't have due to the crazy SS), played some Americana songs as pre-ceremony music. Then the ceremony started and it was incredibly thrilling to play "Hail to the Chief" for the President who was in the same room as us!
Our view of him/the stage was blocked by the press risers, but I got to sneak around the corner and take this picture.
I know it's blurry and all that (he was too far away for the camera to focus well), but it's so special, because it's my very own! :D
This is a picture of where we were seated (under the plane butt! :p). That upper walkway was where the President walked to exit the building!!!! We were playing while he walked by, but my part was repetitive, so I sort of memorized the part and just watched him (and Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Reagan). :D
It was so exciting! It was definitely worth it, even though I missed 2 classes and it ate my day (10 hours due to crazy security and our bus retrieving us super late).
EEK. I still get happy shivers when I open my case and think that I got to play for the President!
P.S. More pictures here