MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performed their first on-base concert of the year June 11 at the Two Rivers Theater here.

This is one of two occasions Cherry Point opens its doors to the public for a band concert.

“I think it’s not only important for the Marines that we have these concerts, but to open it up to the community to link that bridge with us and the outside world,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Dwyer, the enlisted conductor for the band. “It’s involvement between the base and community that helps us foster relationships with the folks outside of base.”

Featuring the music of John Philip Sousa, Eric Whitacre and Ron Nelson, the band wowed audience members and played a variety of pieces including “Ghost Train,” a piece that creates the sound of a train passing through.

“I think the band was generous and wondrous with their performance,” said Maryann Houston, a Havelock resident. “It’s a big difference from the Christmas concert with different music but either way, how can you not enjoy this band?”

The band opened up with “The Star-Spangled Banner” and, throughout the concert, performed patriotic pieces such as “America the Beautiful” and closed with “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

“We had standard wind ensemble repertoire and music you might see a college band or professional band perform,” said Dwyer. “It was really revolving around American wind music.”

Each piece showcased the band’s talent and brought a bit of every musician’s sound to the public, according to Dwyer.

“We have great musicians and great Marines,” said Dwyer. “Anytime we can perform for the public and provide that positive image for the Marine Corps is great.”

The next concert is expected to take place near Christmas.