Musicians@Google: The West Point Band April 18, 2011

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The West Point Bands Quintette 7 selected its name as a witty homage to composer Raymond Scott, incorporating elements of two of his performing ensembles names (The Raymond Scott Quintette and The Secret 7). The ensemble, a mixed septet of four rhythm players and three horns, is comprised of members of the West Point Concert Band and the bands Field Music Group, The Hellcats.

Quintette 7 convened in the fall of 2008 for a one-time performance of the quintet music of Raymond Scott, which was accompanied by a biographical presentation by the Raymond Scott Archives director Irwin Chusid. Encouraged by the success of this performance and the support of the Raymond Scott Archives, Quintette 7 continues to delight audiences with its unique repertoire.

In January of 2010, Quintette 7 recorded twenty-two pieces by Scott for the West Point Bands chamber music CD project. While trying to stay true to the original style, Quintette 7 has taken advantage of the many ?ne instrumentalists in the West Point Band by adding tuba in place of the bass and percussion parts to pieces that originally had no percussion. After the performance in 2008, Irwin Chusid remarked that he could no longer imagine the music without tuba. Chusid also stated that Quintette 7 performs Raymond Scott quintet classics with a restrained passion be?tting the elegance of the compositions...Theres no attempt to overwhelm or overplay; they let the works breathe. Scott created the notes; Quintette 7 provides the sparkle.

Members of Quintette 7 come from varied musical backgrounds, having worked with various orchestras, wind ensembles, popular musicians and chamber ensembles throughout the country. Three members of Quintette 7 attended the Juilliard School, Raymond Scotts own alma mater.

Quintette 7 is proud to serve the United States Army as one of the chamber ensembles of the West Point Band, presenting educational and entertaining performances of popular and lesser-known repertoire to appreciative audiences.