Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
2:31 | When he was transferred to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to play trombone in the band, Fred Webb was able to concentrate on improving his musicianship. He took lessons from a Hollywood studio player, played many Marine events, and then there was the occasional big band concert.
Keywords : Fred Webb band trombone Hollywood Warner Brothers Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Santa Barbara Marine Corps Air Station El Toro Van Johnson Harry James Big Band Evansville IN Stu Brenner James Snyder Ray Anthony
His brother constantly talked about the Marines so that was where Fred Webb enlisted. He was disgusted at the sight of powdered eggs at boot camp, but a few days of physical activity made them much more appetizing. After basic training, the trombone player was transferred into the base band.
After a couple of years playing in the band at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Fred Webb returned home for a few weeks, then it was off to New York to play with a touring Big Band. He had a chance to join a even better outfit, but he decided to remain at home, go to college, and work as a high school band director.
Fred Webb was enjoying his Marine Corp Reserve meetings, but then the Korean War broke out and it was back into the service. The trombonist played in the band at Camp Lejeune and finally got some overseas duty of sorts. He spent a month in the Caribbean on maneuvers.
