SHS student invited to join U.S. Army All-American band
SALEM – Salem High School student Matthew Soderberg became the first in the school’s history today to be invited to join the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band.
The 17-year-old drum major and trumpet player of The Pride of Salem Band received his All American Marching Band Jacket and plumed hat at an assembly in the school’s gymnasium.
He auditioned earlier this year and was chosen out of about 2,000 musicians in the nation. A contingent of Army men stood by as Soderberg received a standing ovation from fellow students, faculty and staff.
He will play with the Army All-American Band on Jan. 7 in San Antonio, Texs, that will be televised live by NBC and also over the Internet.
Only 125 high school band members in the United States are selected each year.
During the ceremony, Soderberg’s band director, Jim Paxton, received a U.S. Army hat.
For more details and photographs, see the Nov. 17 issue of the Salem Times-Register, your hometown newspaper since 1854.
