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Alumnus to Conduct U.S. Army Field Band in Hattiesburg Campus Concert

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 02:14pm | By: Mike Lopinto

U.S. Army Field Band Conductor Bruce Pulver

When The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus comes to The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus for a performance at 8 p.m. on March 23, it will be led by School of Music alumnus and deputy commander of the band Major Bruce Pulver in a program of popular favorites and classic band repertoire.

Pulver graduated from Southern Miss in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in music education. He taught in Petal and Jones County prior to joining the Army. For 19 years he has served as a conductor with the Army bands, having performed in almost every state and around the world. This summer, he moves to Germany to take command of the U.S. Army Europe Band & Chorus.

“For me, it's like coming home. Southern Miss is more than just my alma mater,” said. Pulver. “I got married here and both of my children were born here. In fact, my daughter is currently a senior music education major and will graduate this May.

“I attribute much of my success as a conductor to the excellent educational experience I had at Southern Miss.”

Returning to the Hattiesburg campus and the very familiar stage of Bennett Auditorium, he will be reunited with a former teacher who will also conduct on the program, Dr. Tom Fraschillo. “I'm honored that Dr. Fraschillo has accepted my invitation to be guest conductor. His passion for music and conducting inspired me to pursue a career as a conductor,” Pulver said.

“It is an absolute thrill to have Bruce here again,” Fraschillo said. “He is a credit to the music program and it is my honor to be a part of this event.”

From Boston to Baghdad, Tampa to Toronto, The U.S. Army Field Band has been thrilling audiences of all ages for more than six decades. As the premier touring musical representative for the Army, this internationally-acclaimed organization travels thousands of miles each year presenting a variety of music to enthusiastic audiences throughout the nation and abroad. Through these concerts, the Field Band fosters the support of the American people for members of the armed forces and supports diplomatic efforts around the world.

The band is considered by music critics to be one of the most versatile and inspiring musical organizations in the world. Its members, selected by highly-competitive audition, represent some of the finest musical talent in America. More than six decades as the military's most traveled musicians have earned them the title "The Musical Ambassadors of the Army."

Free tickets to this concert are available at the University Bands office Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - noon and 1-4 p.m. For more information, call 601.266.4990.

The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music has a longstanding international reputation for excellence. It is recognized for its eminence in musical artistry, education and community service.  Serving more than 450 majors from around the world, the school has a strong record of placing graduates into competitive jobs and graduate programs, having trained many of this region's finest educators and performers.

The School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. For more information, online visit www.usm.edu/music