Erik Lundquist helped provide musical honors for former President George H. W. Bush. Submitted photo

Providing musical tribute during the memorial events for a former president is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and after former President George H. W. Bush died at the age of 94, it was Jamestown resident Erik Lundquist’s high honor.

As a member of the United States Air Force Band, Lundquist played his euphonium for the arrival and departure of Bush’s remains at the Joint Base Andrews just outside of Washington, D.C.

“It was a tremendous (experience) to provide musical honors to former President George H. W. Bush and to be a small part of history,” Lundquist told The Post-Journal. “One of the biggest and most important jobs we do is to honor a former president by playing for state funerals, so if you’re in the Air Force Band for several years, there is a good chance that you will get to play for a former president in this way.”

Lundquist joined the band in December 2016 after a lengthy audition process. When he discovered the band had an opening for a euphonium player in spring 2016, he submitted a sample of his talent and was then invited to a competitive audition in which he was eventually selected to fill the position out of 30 candidates.

“It’s an honor to serve my country through my talent: music,” Lundquist said. “I feel extremely fortunate to have my job.”

For the ceremonies for the former president, Lundquist and his peers were prepared. The band rehearses the state funeral sequence at normal intervals throughout the year, and additional rehearsals were scheduled once the memorial was required. All U.S. military branches’ premier music groups provided musical honors during the former president’s memorial services.

“For the state funeral of former President Bush, we found out about the rehearsal schedule … just one day before (it) began,” Lundquist said.

Lundquist’s euphonium, a tenor brass instrument typically placed next to the sousaphones in a parade block, rang out for the former president as they honored him for his service to the nation. For Christmas, Lundquist was able to return home and serve his family by performing as a civilian in the Christmas Eve service at Zion Covenant Church in Jamestown.

The Air Force Band’s mission statement is “Honor, Inspire, Impact,” and Lundquist felt they have been able to do that with each strictly rehearsed performance. As an active duty member of the Air Force, Lundquist feels fortunate to be able to add his passion for music to his desire to serve.

“Many people worked very hard and performed very well in cold conditions resulting in a polished display for the former president,” Lundquist said.

Lundquist grew up in Jamestown and was provided musical learning opportunities through Jamestown Public Schools in band, chorus and orchestra programs. He earned a bachelors degree in music education and euphonium performance in 2014 and a masters degree in euphonium performance in 2016 from the University of North Texas.