THE REGIMENTAL Band at the University is the oldest collegiate military band in the country. Norwich employed its first Professor of Instrumental Music in 1823. Since then, there have been numerous iterations and evolutions of music at the University.

The band functions as part of the official duties of the Corps of Cadets. Director LTC Larry Porter notes that they work with the Regimental Commander and the staff of the Office of the Commandant. “The Regimental Band is ready anytime the Corps needs something,” he said. When the Corps is in retreat often the full band is present for a pass and review. Sometimes for a march, they need just a drummer for assistance in keeping in step.

As the seasons turn, the duties of the band change and LTC Porter alters the format of rehearsals to that of a Concert Band.

“This change brought out a few more musical students out of hiding,” LTC Porter noted, “including those who don’t like the marching aspect as well as civilian students.”

In the scope of his duties as Director, LTC Porter is working hard to revitalize and expand the scope of the musical offerings at the University. On Sunday, December 13th at 2 p.m. there will a Winter Concert featuring the band and a number of other musical offerings that are a result of his work.

The concert will feature seasonal music and include members of the 50 piece Concert Band and the chorus, the Campus Choraleers with more than 20 members.

Transformations in musical offerings include the formation of brass, string and woodwind quintets, and a jazz ensemble. The music space, located under White Chapel has been reconfigured to allow for more practice rooms. A Band alumnus made a recent generous donation that Norwich has used to create storage lockers to organize and make better use of available space.

When talking to students about music, LTC Porter commonly hears the comments, “used to play” and “Hey I just want to play” and his overreaching goals have sought to provide students with the space to do just that. A system called Music Minus One, which combines a solo and accompanist where each part can be learned, was purchased and can be used by any student.

New to his position as Director of Bands and Assistant Commandant for the Provisional Division as of the summer of 2009, LTC Porter came to Norwich after a long and circuitous career. He started as a music educator in a high school in Maine. His career then transformed into 34 years of active duty service in the United States Army National Guard. He retired as a Colonel after holding a number of positions which included a two year assignment in Iceland and a position in Washington D.C. as a liaison to FEMA. Next summer he will be awarded a PhD in Emergency Management from George Washington University.

LTC Porter has also worked as a consultant with NUARI and designed and taught seminars in Emergency Management for the School of Graduate Studies. He moved to Northfield to “retire” in 2004.

Of his current position at Norwich which was a dream job for him, LTC Porter said, “I am really enjoying getting back to music.”