Niess ’20 Wins Navy Band Trumpet Audition

Caeley Niess ’20 recently won the trumpet audition with the United States Navy Band. Niess is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Performance (Trumpet) and studies with Assistant Professor of Trumpet Mary Elizabeth Bowden, M.A.

Only a small percentage of musicians in the world can pass a D.C. military audition, which includes making it through a 12-hour day with three rounds of intense playing and keeping your head together.

D.C. military band auditions of the last few years have become even more competitive than those of the major orchestras because of the job security for life that comes with it. It is likely Niess advanced further than many top doctoral students from major conservatories and music schools throughout the country.

About the Navy Band

Since its inception in 1925, the Navy Band has been entertaining audiences and supporting the Navy with some of the best musicians in the country. From national concert tours to presidential inaugurals to memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery, the Navy Band proudly represents the men and women of the largest, most versatile, most capable naval force on the planet today: America’s Navy. Visit www.navyband.navy.mil/explore.html to learn more about the Navy Band.

Photo by Suzette Niess Photography