In collaboration with musicians of the U.S. Army Band & Strings "Pershing's Own," discover techniques to optimize your practice and performance. Gain insights into a wellness-focused approach to music making, and learn how to infuse your playing with purpose, intention, and joy.

In-person attendance is highly encouraged. To attend virtually, register with this link.

SSG Erica Schwartz is originally from Albany, New York. She holds a B.M. from the New England Conservatory, B.A. in Political Science from Tufts University, and a Master of Music from Rice University. An active orchestral musician, she has appeared as a substitute violist with the Houston Symphony, and was the winner of a contract with the Des Moines Metro Opera Orchestra prior to joining "Pershing’s Own". Career highlights include performances of the solo viola role in Strauss’s Don Quixote at Rice University, and participation in the New York Philharmonic Global Academy Program, which allowed her to perform as a substitute with the New York Philharmonic. Schwartz has appeared at festivals such as the Pacific Music Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, Kneisel Hall, Bowdoin and the Banff Centre Chamber Music Residency. In addition to performing, Schwartz has held several administrative positions, including internships with the early music ensemble Handel and Haydn Society and at the Massachusetts State House. She also served as the viola coach for Tufts Youth Philharmonic and now maintains a private studio. Her primary teachers include Roger Tapping, Dimitri Murrath, Ivo-Jan Van der Werff and Joan DerHovsepian. In her free time, Schwartz enjoys hiking, reading, photography, and cooking with friends.

SSG Emory Freeman joined the US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in 2024. Prior to his enlistment, he worked on the administrative staff of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, serving as the Operations Coordinator for the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Freeman received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Master of Music Degree from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (CCM). During his time at CCM, he performed Leonard Bernstein’s Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs as a soloist with the CCM Wind Symphony. His past teachers include Dr. Charles West, Dr. Tiffany Valvo, Ixi Chen, and Chris Pell.

SSG Rebecca J. McFarland is a native of Northern Virginia, and joined The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in 2022. She began her collegiate studies at Virginia Tech where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with concentrations in clarinet performance and music education studying with Dr. David Widder. Following her undergraduate studies, McFarland pursued a Master of Music in clarinet performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music studying with Ron Aufmann of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her collegiate studies, she has privately studied with Jennifer Trujillo, Rob Patterson, Kristen G. Sheridan, and Dr. Robert Little.

Before joining “Pershing’s Own” McFarland worked as a freelance musician and music educator in the Washington D.C. area, and continues to maintain a private clarinet studio at her home in Ashburn, Virginia. Outside of teaching and playing the clarinet, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, reading, and horseback riding.