Missouri State University alumna Kendal Blumenthal has been appointed to a full-time position with The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”

Blumenthal graduated from Missouri State’s Department of Music in 2023 with degrees in music performance and jazz studies.

As a band member, Blumenthal will regularly provide musical support at national and international events, funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, and federal events such as arrival ceremonies at the White House and the Pentagon. She will also serve on an as-needed basis for duties within the Concert Band and Army Blues ensembles.

Along with her duties as a saxophonist in “Pershing’s Own,” Blumenthal must also meet the same physical and moral standards of the typical Army enlistment process. This includes a ten-week basic combat training program. When she completes basic training, Blumenthal will move to Washington, D.C. and begin her duties as a member of “Pershing’s Own.”

Rigorous audition process

To audition for “Pershing’s Own,” Blumenthal first submitted preliminary audition recordings in September 2025. She then earned a spot in the semi-final rounds in Washington, D.C.

“The level of musicianship and technical skill expected of military musicians, especially at the premier level, is extremely high,” Blumenthal said. “As a result, the audition process was quite rigorous and time consuming.”

The required audition material demanded that Blumenthal demonstrate precision and versatility. Consequently, each day prior to the audition, she spent several hours rehearsing patriotic marches, concert band repertoire, jazz big band and solo music, classical saxophone solo works and sight-reading excerpts.

Even though she felt confident in her preparation for the audition, Blumenthal said it was a difficult process. Consequently, when she learned of her appointment, she was “in a mild state of shock.”

“I was very relieved to know that my hard work throughout my career had paid off,” she said. “I felt very excited about the opportunity to finally make music for a living at a professional level.”

Admiration and gratitude for professors’ guidance

Blumenthal said her educational experience at Missouri State played a significant role in her getting the position with “Pershing’s Own.” Her instructors ensured she had “a variety of resources and opportunities,” which allowed her to refine and use her skills. In particular, Blumenthal highlighted the instruction and guidance she received from Faculty Emeritus Randy Hamm. Hamm served as Blumenthal’s saxophone instructor and academic advisor.

“Randy is the primary reason I was able to learn and grow as both a classical and jazz musician, as he is a highly experienced saxophonist of both genres,” Blumenthal said. “[He] gave me opportunities to thrive not only within MSU’s musical ensembles, but also throughout the Springfield community through performances with the Missouri Jazz Orchestra and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.”

Blumenthal also had special praise for her other instructors, which included Associate Professor Brad Snow and instructors Kyle Aho and Marty Morrison. Both Aho and Morrison, through personalized and group instruction and “lots of laughter,” helped Blumenthal find her “voice” as a jazz musician, she said. Snow created ways for Blumenthal to gain practical experience by steering her toward performance and leadership opportunities. With Snow’s guidance, Blumenthal performed in Missouri State’s Pride Band, serving as saxophone section leader in 2020. She also performed in the Wind Ensemble and was a concerto soloist in 2023.

“Their dedication not only shaped my technical and musical growth, but also instilled in me the discipline, confidence and curiosity that continue to guide my development as a musician,” she noted. “I am deeply grateful for the lasting impact they have had on both my artistry and my professional aspirations.”

Music an ideal career supplement

Blumenthal firmly believes that participating in musical activities in college can provide a variety of professional, academic and social opportunities.

“Being a music student has many benefits outside of refining your skills on your instrument or voice,” Blumenthal said.

Among the lessons she learned as a music student at Missouri State, Blumenthal cited maintaining personal and professional relationships, keeping an open mind, and being willing to embrace new challenges. These, she added, helped her develop unique skills and a work ethic that she uses to benefit others.

“I know that the learning and performance opportunities I had as an MSU student will prepare me to successfully collaborate with other musicians, meeting high standards in musical skill, communication, problem solving and time management,” she said.

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