Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Bennear 

Baritone Vocalist and Concert Moderator Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Bennear of Keyser, West Virginia, joined “The President's Own” United States Marine Band in January 2000, becoming the third featured vocal soloist since the position was established in 1955. This will be his 16th concert tour with the band.  

Bennear will perform three selections while on tour: “Arm, Arm, Ye Brave” from Judas Maccabaeus composed by George Frideric Handel, Singing with the Stars arranged by Marine Band Staff Arranger Gunnery Sgt. Scott Ninmer and Chairman of the Board: The Hits of Frank Sinatra, also arranged by Gunnery Sgt. Scott Ninmer.  

Bennear will solo on each night of the concert tour, and he's eager to bring these pieces to the stage. He's confident that audiences will find something to love about each piece.  

“Arm, Arm, Ye Brave” has proven to be one of Handel's most famous oratorios, next to Messiah. The piece explodes with themes of bravery, victory and courage in the face of oppression and proves to be a crowd favorite time and time again.  

“If you've ever sung [or heard] anything by Handel, you'll definitely recognize the sound of Handel in this aria – the runs, the melody, the way it's orchestrated – you'll be able to identify,” Bennear said. “And if you haven't, I think you're going to love it because it's just such beautiful music, and a bit of a challenge to sing!”  

Next, Singing with the Stars brings some of pop culture's most beloved and quintessential songs to the stage, such as “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” and Bennear's personal favorite, “Moon River.”  “If you love the silver screen, there will be a lot of pieces that you may recognize,” Bennear said. “Each of the songs has a place in movie history.”  

Last but certainly not least, one of Bennear's specialties: Sinatra. “Ole blue eyes! One of my favorite singers. I listen to him all the time because of the way he phrases, the way he uses breath support and control to create such a beautiful and iconic sound in American popular music.” You'll surely be singing along to the songs in the medley, such as “The Way You Look Tonight” and “That's Life.”  

In addition to his riveting concert repertoire, Bennear is looking forward to performing in his home state of West Virginia. He hopes to inspire musicians young and old to have a life-long love of music and singing.  

Read Bennear's Biography 

Gunnery Sgt. Russell Sharp  

Trombonist Gunnery Sgt. Russell Sharp of Mustang, Oklahoma, joined “The President's Own” United States Marine Band in January 2017. Sharp will perform Arthur Pryor's “Blue Bells of Scotland.” This will be his fourth tour with the Marine Band.  

Sharp described “Blue Bells of Scotland” as an iconic piece that features all that the trombone is capable of. “Audiences love this piece for its beautiful melody. The theme and variations keep adding on to it and make it a real pleasure to listen to,” Sharp said.  

“I love this piece because it is so free, and I get to have lots of artistic leeway, but I'm also very cognizant of being true to the composer's intent and staying true to that old band style that people love,” Sharp said. He has performed this piece many times, the first being while at Mustang High School in Oklahoma. 

As a proud graduate of Mustang High, University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University, Sharp is thrilled to return to his hometown.  

“I started my musical training when I was about 6, playing piano when I lived in Del City, Oklahoma, but moved to Mustang when I started band in the sixth grade,” Sharp said. “My time at Mustang was great – I played in as many ensembles as I could and made important friendships that I still have to this day.”  

Sharp says his experience at Mustang High built a solid foundation for his musical journey after graduating. He is looking forward to playing for family, friends and neighbors that he hasn't seen in a long time.   

Sharp will perform “Blue Bells of Scotland” in the following cities on tour: Harrisonburg, VA; Asheville, NC; Hoover, AL; Metairie, LA; Broken Arrow, OK; Mustang, OK; Elk City, OK; Lubbock, TX; Denton, TX; and Houston, TX. 

Read Sharp's Biography 

Master Sgt. Gerald Novak  

Percussionist Master Sgt. Gerald Novak of Alamogordo, New Mexico, joined “The President's Own” United States Marine Band in December 2006. This fall will be his seventh tour with the Marine Band. Novak will perform alongside Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Kiewett on the duet Benny & Lionel arranged by Loran McClung.  

Benny & Lionel is a tribute to two incredible jazz masters: Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton. This medley arrangement, created by Master Sgt. Loran McClung of the United States Army Field Band, includes classics such as “Fascinating Rhythm” by George and Ira Gershwin, “Memories of You” by Eubie Blake and Andy Razaf and “Slipped Disc” by Benny Goodman.   

“Shannon and I first discussed performing this piece together over a decade ago,” Novak said. Unfortunately, their attempts to perform this piece on previous tours were hindered by COVID-19. Needless to say, they're excited to finally bring it on the road.  

“We've waited a long time to perform this piece,” Novak said. “Benny & Lionel is a celebration of the collaboration of famous clarinetist Benny Goodman and vibraphone master Lionel Hampton. It's great fun for the band to perform, the soloist to perform and for the audience to listen to.”  

As a graduate of Baylor University, another highlight of this year's tour is returning to Texas. “I will always look back with fondness at my time there and hope to run into some old friends during the band's travels across the state of Texas,” Novak said. “I'm also looking forward to some great Mexican food when time allows!” 

Read Novak's Biography  

Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Kiewitt  

Clarinetist Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Kiewitt of Sevierville, Tennessee, joined “The President's Own” United States Marine Band in January 2011. This will be her 10th tour with the Marine Band.  

Kiewitt is just as excited as Novak to bring their performance of Benny & Lionel to life this fall.  

“Goodman's music played a critical role in popularizing jazz and swing music, breaking down racial barriers in the music industry and becoming the soundtrack of a specific era,” Kiewitt said. “For many, Goodman's music awakens a sense of nostalgia for a former era, while for others, it offers a look into a crucial period in American history.”  

Kiewitt herself can sympathize deeply with the nostalgic elements of this piece. “I had a cassette tape of Benny Goodman hits that I would play over and over anytime I was in the car with my Dad. When I hear Benny Goodman tunes, especially 'Memories of You,' it really hits home for me – It makes me think of my Dad who passed away last year.”   

It will be special for Kiewitt to solo on this particular tour through her home state of Tennessee, where her family has lived for over 40 years. The Marine Band's performance in Maryville is just one county away from where she grew up. It was her high school band director, Ron Hicks, who first introduced her to “The President's Own” United States Marine Band.  

“I remember how he proudly displayed the posters and paraphernalia of the band in his office and the band room. He was and is a big fan of the band,” Kiewitt said. It wasn't long after being taught by Hicks that Kiewitt's interest in the band sparked along with her aspirations to become a member.  

“I owe so much to Mr. Hicks and his great teaching and support during those years. Coming back to my hometown and playing for friends, family and Mr. Hicks (who is supposed to be in the audience) will be a very special occasion!”  

Novak and Kiewitt will perform Benny & Lionel in the following cities: Beckley, WV; Maryville, TN; Smyrna, TN; Pearl, MS; Conway, AR; Stillwater, OK; Odessa, TX; College Station, TX; and Cypress, TX.  

Read Kiewitt's Biography  

Master Gunnery Sgt. Nomar Longoria  

Saxophonist Master Gunnery Sgt. Nomar Longoria of McAllen, Texas, joined “The President's Own” United States Marine Band in May 2001. This will be his 15th National Concert Tour with the band.  

Longoria will perform 'Oodles of Noodles,' which was composed and originally performed by American clarinetist, saxophonist and big band leader Jimmy Dorsey.  

“The first time I heard “Oodles of Noodles” was on a recording by the great clarinet and saxophone player, Al Galladoro. I have read that Jimmy Dorsey said Al was 'the best sax player who ever lived,' and I always think of Al and try to emulate his performance when I play 'Oodles of Noodles',” Longoria said. 

Longoria originally performed this piece in 2013 with the Marine Band during a concert tribute to the transcriber of the piece and former Chief Arranger for the United States Marine Band, Sammy Nestico. 

“Oodles of Noodles” is an exuberant, up-tempo piece with a lyrical middle section. Longoria expressed that while excited to perform this piece, it is not without great technical challenges. Between the double tonguing, altissimo and stylistic nuance, Longoria spent lots of time listening to old recordings and workshopping in the practice room.  

As a Texas native, Longoria is looking forward to paying tribute to his great home state while on tour. “I am a product of one of the many fantastic junior high and high school music programs in Texas, a graduate of Baylor University, and I attended the University of North Texas for two years before moving to the National Capitol region,” Longoria said. “Texas is a place that holds music education in high esteem, and it is very gratifying to know that we are performing for such appreciative and welcoming audiences. I always love coming home to that.” 

You can hear Longoria perform “Oodles of Noodles” in the following cities on the National Concert Tour: Mooresville, NC; Florence, AL; Memphis, TN; Monroe, LA; Springdale, AR; Norman, OK; Amarillo, TX; Abilene, TX; and Georgetown, TX.  

Read Longoria's Biography