'Come on down!' 3rd MAW Band travels to 'The Price is Right'

10 Sep 2008 | Lance Cpl. Austin Goacher

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band provided musical support for a filming of “The Price is Right” here Sept. 10.

The Veteran’s Day edition of the show featured Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen from throughout Southern California.

The band kicked off the show by playing “Stars and Stripes Forever” as a color guard from Marine Recruiting Station Los Angeles bore the national ensign and Marine Corps colors.

“My family is really excited about us being on the show,” said Sgt. Tiffany Miller, a trumpeter with the band. “They enjoy anytime they can see us on TV.”

Afterward, the first contestants were welcomed to the stage by announcer Rich Fields inviting them to “Come on down.”

Each branch of service was guaranteed to have one contestant eligible to make it on stage at all times, explained Drew Carey, the show’s host and a former Marine sergeant.

Once a service member made it on stage to play one of the plethora of games used on the show, the band serenaded the audience with the service song of the contestant.

“(The band was) a great addition to the show,” said Carey, who hopes to make the tribute show an annual event. “It’s great to have a military band at a military show; they just sound right.”

During the show, the band performed opposite center stage from a designated area within the crowd seating.

“Playing on ‘The Price is Right’ was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had in the Marine Corps,” said Sgt. Mathew B. Simmons, who plays euphonium in the band. “In times like these, it’s great to see how much people like Drew Carey really support and care about the military.”

                                              -30-