NEWPORT, R.I. - U.S. Navy Musician Second Class Leeland Rothrock, (left), a Charlotte, North Carolina, native, plays saxophone while serving with Navy Band Northeast in Newport, Rhode Island.
Prior to joining the Navy in 2009, Rothrock was a public school teacher for three years and taught middle and high school band.
"I had a variety of experiences but most of all, I missed playing music and continuing my development as a player and musician," Rothrock said.
Rothrock studied music at both Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, and Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, graduating with a bachelor's degree and master's degree in music.
Navy Band Northeast is one of 11 official U.S. Navy bands worldwide, providing musical support for military ceremonies, recruiting, morale and retention programs, and community relations. This group of 35 professional Navy musicians supports more than 300 engagements annually throughout an 11-state area of responsibility, performing regularly for high-ranking military and civilian dignitaries, Navy recruiting, public outreach and awareness efforts, and partnership in education programs throughout the Northeast United States.
Serving in the Navy, gives sailors great opportunities to travel and experience different cultures throughout the world. When asked what places has been his favorite to visit, Rothrock said, "My first duty station was Pacific Fleet Band in Hawaii. I participated in Pacific Partnership 2011 and got to visit a few pacific island nations which included: Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, and a short stop in Darwin, Australia. I had never been out of the U.S. before so it was eye-opening. There was so much natural beauty, nice people, and it changed my perspective of my upbringing and the privileges I had growing up."
On his off-time, Rothrock spends time with his wife, Jennifer, his two children, Kai (4) and Rori (1), and dog, Winston.
"Keeping up with them takes up a lot of our time and energy, but we enjoy family activities whenever we can," Rothrock said. "When the weather is nice we do like to get outside, whether its going for a walk or going to the beach. The kids also really enjoy the Children's Museum in Providence."
**See link below for additional photo**
https://www.flickr.com/photos/navyoutreach/46139203134/in/dateposted-public/
Navy Band Northeast is one of 11 official U.S. Navy bands worldwide, providing musical support for military ceremonies, recruiting, morale and retention programs, and community relations. This group of 35 professional Navy musicians supports more than 300 engagements annually throughout an 11-state area of responsibility, performing regularly for high-ranking military and civilian dignitaries, Navy recruiting, public outreach and awareness efforts, and partnership in education programs throughout the Northeast United States.
Serving in the Navy, gives sailors great opportunities to travel and experience different cultures throughout the world. When asked what places has been his favorite to visit, Rothrock said, "My first duty station was Pacific Fleet Band in Hawaii. I participated in Pacific Partnership 2011 and got to visit a few pacific island nations which included: Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, and a short stop in Darwin, Australia. I had never been out of the U.S. before so it was eye-opening. There was so much natural beauty, nice people, and it changed my perspective of my upbringing and the privileges I had growing up."
On his off-time, Rothrock spends time with his wife, Jennifer, his two children, Kai (4) and Rori (1), and dog, Winston.
"Keeping up with them takes up a lot of our time and energy, but we enjoy family activities whenever we can," Rothrock said. "When the weather is nice we do like to get outside, whether its going for a walk or going to the beach. The kids also really enjoy the Children's Museum in Providence."
**See link below for additional photo**
https://www.flickr.com/photos/navyoutreach/46139203134/in/dateposted-public/