Alum Performs on the Late Show with The President's Own United States Marine Band

Cleveland Institute of Music alum Staff Sgt. Heather Zenobia (BM ’01, Smith) performed on the Late Show with David Letterman as a member of The President's Own United States Marine Band. The performance was introduced by First Lady Michele Obama who wanted to pay tribute to the late night host.

The First Lady, a guest on the show, thanked Letterman for his continued support of US troops and veterans. “You've been a tremendous support to me and my family, but mostly to our men and women in uniform, and our veterans,” she said. Then as a surprise tribute, The Marine Band, with Zenobia on the flute, began marching into the studio playing John Philip Sousa’s march “Semper Fidelis.”

Zenobia earned her bachelor’s degree from CIM in 2001, where she studied with Joshua Smith, and earned a master’s degree in 2006 from New England Conservatory. Zenobia performs with The Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra both at the White House and across the country.

Watch the full segment here.