SA Navy percussionist to perform in 58th Presidential Inaugural Parade

Navy Petty Officer Joseph Gonzalez says marching in parade career highlight

SAN ANTONIO – Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Gonzalez of the United States Navy Band never imagined performing for President-Elect Donald J. Trump and millions in attendance with others watching across the world. 

Gonzalez also never imagined getting to this point by way of two drumsticks and a snare drum. 

58th Presidential Inauguration dress rehearsal

In just a few days, the Navy will march past the new Commander in Chief, proudly representing the more than 320,000 active-duty Sailors working around the world. Today, we joined thousands of other troops at the #InaugRehearsal to get #SquaredAway4Iday! #Inauguration2017 #GreatTradition #PracticeForJan20 US Navy Ceremonial Guard 58th Presidential Inauguration - Joint Task Force National Capital Region U.S. Navy

Posted by United States Navy Band on Sunday, January 15, 2017

“When I started music, I didn’t really have any intention of doing this professionally,” Gonzalez said. “I was pretty good at drums but I wasn’t the best in middle school. And then I just kept going with percussion and I just learned all the areas of percussion.”

Love for percussion lead Gonzalez to develop his skills through high school and later land him a spot on the Longhorn Band while attending the University of Texas in Austin and at Northwestern University while studying for his master's degree in music.

It's the world's greatest change-of-command ceremony, and it's only five days away. #GreatTradition #Inauguration2017...

Posted by United States Navy Band on Sunday, January 15, 2017

However, the road to performing on Pennsylvania Avenue was a distant fantasy for Gonzales who at times contemplated hanging up the drumsticks. 

“You know, there were some tough spots where I wasn’t sure about it,” he said. “There were a lot times in my musical career where I just wanted to give up (because) it was too hard.”

Gonzalez said he credits his mother for encouraging him to continue the love he had for percussion and dedication to music.

“She was always there to listen but tell me I had to keep doing it because it was what I am really good at and she knew I loved it a lot,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez played with the San Antonio Symphony before enlisting in the military and takes leave regularly from the Navy to perform with the Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio in their concerts as a percussionist.

The 58th Presidential Inaugural Parade will run through Pennsylvania Avenue and begin Friday at 3 p.m. EST.


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