EP92: A Legacy in Harmony

WPAOG Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Toven, Commander of the West Point Band, and Sergeant Major Carla Loy Song, a seasoned member of the band. Together, they dive into the legacy and impact of the West Point Band, an institution that has accompanied cadets through generations of milestones and ceremonies. The band, known as the "soundtrack to the cadet's 47-month experience," not only provides musical support at every significant event at the Academy but also fosters a deep sense of community and pride among cadets, alumni, and visitors alike.

Toven, a Pennsylvania native, brings extensive expertise in music and military leadership to his role. With a Bachelor’s in Music Education and Trombone Performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Music in Conducting from Eastman, he has dedicated his career to elevating the Army’s musical presence. His achievements include a Master of Military Art and Science from the Command and General Staff College, where he also graduated from several other esteemed courses, earning honors and multiple military awards. Meanwhile, Sergeant Major Loy Song, who joined as a trumpet player, now holds a dynamic position within the band, also singing and guiding groups such as the Benny Havens Band, a favorite among cadets.

Listeners are treated to stories of memorable performances, including a vibrant concert at the United Nations and collaborations with the New York Philharmonic. The episode showcases how the band adapts to modern musical demands while honoring its storied tradition, all the while enhancing the cadet experience and extending West Point’s influence within the broader community.

Key Quote:

“When the Army was looking at its band structure and trying to figure out what it should look like and how much of that structure we should have, et cetera, and we felt that we needed to articulate in a more concrete way, what bands do for the army. And so, across the army career field, some of us started to get together and who had done some research on our own in different pods, and start putting that together. And out of that was born the idea,’hey, we've got all kinds of research centers here. at the academy, why don't we make one that looks at the effect of music and sound on the human person?’ And so that's the charter of the research center, which opens us up to, the medical things, the performance enhancement, as well as what does music do to people and how does it motivate and inspire them and how can that be beneficial to the army?”
– LTC Toven

Episode Timestamps:

(00:16) The History of the West Point Band

(02:52) Recruitment and Training of Band Members

(13:13) Memorable Performances and Highlights

(16:35) Renovations and Future Plans

(21:44) Community Involvement and Academic Contributions

25:27 Music Selection Process and Upcoming Events for the Band

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Links:

Connect with LTC Toven

Learn more about SGM Loy Song

Learn more about the West Point Band