Upper Moreland High School Grad Ready to Play for National Guard

Brian Ruby always loved music and also developed a strong interest in the military.  The graduate will be able to put both of his passions to good use.

Ruby was recently accepted into the Delaware National Guard's band.  Ruby will have the opportunity to play for the organization now that his high school days are over. The influence of both his brother and father of a close friend paved the way to the band for Ruby.

“I’ve always been interested in the military lifestyle ever since my brother got accepted into the Naval Academy,” said Ruby.  “Also, one of my best friends has a dad who served.  Once he heard about my interests, he started introducing me to people.” 

Ruby was able to set up an audition date for the National Guard unit. 

He went to Wilmington and was allowed to rehearse with the band.  The band was not only impressed with Ruby’s performance, but also his versatility.

“I brought my guitar along with my trumpet,” Ruby said.  “They needed a rhythm guitar player and trumpet player.  I played for their rock band with my guitar.  They were really excited about what I could do.”

The commander informed Ruby he needed a number grade of at least 18 to pass his audition.  Ruby’s performance earned him a 27 and the opportunity to play for the Delaware National Guard Band.

“I had a fantastic time when I auditioned,” sad Ruby.  “It gave me a real chance to see what these people were like and how good the band was.  It’s one of the top army bands in the country.”

Ruby’s background made him a natural fit for the music world.  Ruby first began playing the trumpet in elementary school.  He was strongly influenced by his parents, who passed along their love of music to their son.  Ruby quickly discovered he had a talent for the trumpet and also learned to play the guitar. 

“Both of my parents had degrees in music education,” said Ruby.  “They are both music nuts and I have a lot of that, too.  It was passed down onto me.  I started playing trumpet in fourth grade.”

Ruby credits his experience at Upper Moreland for enhancing his passion for music.  He was greatly influenced by longtime music teacher,.  Ruby quickly worked his way up the ranks of the band after making an immediate impact as a freshman.

“He’s been there for over 30 years,” Ruby said.  “He was great.  They really saw the talent I had along with my friends.  I worked my way up to band president my senior year.  The opportunities I was given were really important.”

Ruby is getting ready to take the first step of his time with the Delaware National Guard Band.  He will be going through the same type of basic training as all other military personnel.  Ruby will then head to Virginia for the musical portion of his training.

“I’ll be training for 20 weeks now,” said Ruby.  “The first ten weeks will be the basic training that everyone in the military has to go through.  Then get a little break before I go to the Army School of Music.  That will last another ten weeks.”

Ruby has already proven he is ready for any challenge that lies ahead with the Delaware National Guard.