The Long Blue Line (Spring 2024)

U.S. COAST GUARD INFORMATION AUXILIARY
expertise that are expected
to be demonstrated by each
musician. AUXMU1, AUXMU2,
and AUXMU3 qualifications
are designed for trained
musicians and confirm the
level of their instrumental
expertise. Certification levels are
accomplished through a very
familiar process—the music
audition. Once an Auxiliarist
has established contact with
the music branch, the new
musician will be instructed to
perform a piece of music of their
selection that demonstrates the
best of their musical talents,
range, and expertise. Musicians
will also be required to run
multiple major and minor scales
and some sight-reading. The
music audition is accomplished
through virtual meetings and the
sharing of audio files.
Further, Mr. Palmer noted that
the audition is evaluated for
“difficulty of music played,
dynamics, control, interpretation,
solo, and sight reading.” This
evaluation “ensures the quality”
of musical performances across
the local flotilla, district, and
national levels. Anyone with
qualifications can participate
in a band, chorus, or solo in
other flotillas or districts. You do
not have to be a member of a
particular flotilla to participate.
In the future, as the program
grows, qualified Auxiliary
musicians may be allowed to
wear a Music Program ribbon
and the music honorary cord
when performing in uniform.
The Coast Guard and Coast
Guard Auxiliary have a long
and colorful musical history. It
is the combination of musical
talents and shared experiences,
such as a love of music,
camaraderie, music history,
and an exceptional level of
commitment, that drives the
success of the Auxiliary Music
Program. The Coast Guard
march “Semper Paratus”
rings in our ears and echoes
in our hearts. Soon, I hope, all
Auxiliarists will be familiar with
the early rendition of the “Fly
Your Ensign” march—OUR
march. So, may the music and
lyrics of these melodies never
escape our memories and spur
us forward with honor, respect,
and devotion to duty. From the
archives, lest we forget:
“Fly Your Ensign” (1959
version)
Chorus:
We are the Coast Guard
Auxiliary
Let’s weigh the anchor,
Set the course and off to
sea.
We are the Coast Guard
Auxiliary
To promote safe boating is
our policy.
Tell each commander and
commodore.
That he can count on us,
From every ship and shore.
So, FLY YOUR ENSIGN
proudly in the breeze,
Steady ready in all
emergencies.
The Coast Guard stands for
safety on the seas.
We are the Coast Guard
Auxiliary.
“Semper Paratus” (1943
version)
Chorus:
So, here's the Coast Guard
marching song,
We sing on land or sea.
Through surf and storm and
howling gale,
High shall our purpose be.
"Semper Paratus" is our
guide,
Our fame, our glory too.
To fight to save or fight and
die,
Aye! Coast Guard, we are
for you!
52 SPRING 2024
THE LONG BLUE LINE