PITTSBURGH,None — Spirit of America pays tribute to the sacrifices and triumphs of the American Soldier. This FREE, live-action, patriotic show tells the history of America through the eyes of the American Soldier.
This September, the cast of Spirit of America will include five Soldiers from the Pittsburgh area. These Soldiers are currently stationed in the Washington area and are a part of the Army's elite ceremonial units, The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
Staff Sgt. Aaron D. Scott - Pittsburgh, Pa., North Hills High School, Youngstown State University and University of Cincinnati Spc. Zachariah Baker - Prospect, Pa., Slippery Rock High School Staff Sgt. Dean Miller - Uniontown, Pa., Uniontown Area High School, West Virginia University Sgt. Maj. Paul A. Murtha - Johnstown, Pa., Johnstown Vo-Tech High School, Duquesne University Staff Sgt. Rebecca A. Davidson - Boardman, Ohio (Youngstown area), Boardman High School, Oberlin College, University of Cincinnati
Staff Sgt. Aaron D. Scott - Pittsburgh, Pa., North Hills High School, Youngstown State University and University of Cincinnati Role in Spirit of America: Clarinet Player - The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" Orchestra About Scott: Scott joined the Army as a way to share his passion for music and pride of his Nation with audiences around the world. As a part of The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," he performs concerts all over the Washington area and does outreach programs with local schools, through master classes and community performances. Scott said, "performing for any Soldier and their family is always a special honor." He said it is great to be in Pittsburgh again. "The Pittsburgh crowds seem to bring an energy to any show," said Scott, "I continue to appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and unique character of this amazing city every time I return." He added, "I think any Pittsburgher would know how I feel when I say it's great to be back in Blitzsburgh."
Spc. Zachariah Baker - Prospect, Pa., Slippery Rock High School Role in Spirit of America: Actor/Under Study - Company A About Baker: Baker joined the Army in 2007 in order to see the world and give back to his country. When not performing as a part of Spirit of America, Baker is part of an escort platoon that conducts missions at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of fallen Soldiers. Additionally, as a part of the Commander-in-Chief's guard, Baker performs battle re-enactments for special events and ceremonies. Two of Baker's proudest accomplishments in the Army are being a Soldier in The Old Guard and getting his Airborne wings. When asked about returning to his hometown with Spirit of America, Baker said he is "ecstatic."
Staff Sgt. Dean Miller - Uniontown, Pa., Uniontown Area High School, West Virginia University Role in Spirit of America: Euphonium Player - Ceremonial Band - The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" About Miller: Miller first joined the Army in 2001 after auditioning with the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." He immediately accepted the job offer and went to basic training to take a position with Pershing's Own. He said, "the Army offers one of the most sought-after jobs for any aspiring professional euphonium player." Miller performs with the Ceremonial Band for various functions at the White House, the Capitol, the Pentagon and other areas in DC. He said his most important performances are those for military honor funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. "I am honored to perform for these Soldiers and their families," said Miller, "no other mission the U.S. Army Band fulfills is more important." Miller said it will be nice to get back to southwestern Pennsylvania to see his family and visit Duquesne University and Heinz Hall.
Sgt. Maj. Paul A. Murtha - Johnstown, Pa., Johnstown Vo-Tech High School, Duquesne University Role in Spirit of America: Chief Arranger, Composer, Music and Audio Consultant - The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" About Murtha: Murtha said he joined the Army "for the opportunity it afforded me to make a living writing music." As a senior enlisted Soldier with the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own," Murtha said that he composes and arranges music for the best band in the world. His proudest accomplishment in the Army he said were "composing an original piece dedicated to the police, fire and rescue personnel that sacrificed their lives in service to others on 9/11 and having it performed in New York City." Murtha said he is looking forward to returning to Pittsburgh and visiting Duquesne University and Primanti Brothers.
Staff Sgt. Rebecca A. Davidson - Boardman, Ohio (Youngstown area), Boardman High School, Oberlin College, University of Cincinnati Role in Spirit of America: Fife Instrumentalist - The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps About Davidson: Davidson said she joined the Army so she could serve her country through music. As a Fife Instrumentalist in the Army, she performs with The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps at events throughout the National Capital Region and the world, to include the 2009 Inaugural Parade for President Obama. She said her proudest accomplishment thus far in the Army is having participated in the 2009 Inauguration. Davidson said she is excited to perform so close to her hometown and that "it's going to be nice knowing my family will be in the audience."
These local Soldiers and more than 300 others will bring history to life with this year's Spirit of America performance. Told by today's Soldiers, Spirit of America captures the true stories of those who have answered the call to duty for our Nation. During the show, Soldiers in historical uniforms re-enact key moments in the U.S. Army and American history. These re-enactments include battle scenes with short periods of simulated gunfire, and performances by the Army's elite ceremonial units.