Kettering Music Alumni - Musically Serving Their Country X2

What a Kettering coincidence! Earlier this fall, Christine Menchen contacted Fairmont band director Michael Berning to say that another former student would be joining her Marine band soon. It turns out that student was recent Fairmont graduate Chris Raymond. Chris played percussion in the Fairmont bands and enlisted right after high school, continuing his music education at the Naval School of Music. Christine played clarinet in the Fairmont band program and continued her education at Northern Kentucky University.

Sergeant Christine Menchen (class of 2012) and Lance Corporal Chris Raymond (class of 2018) are both stationed with the 2nd Marine Division Band in Camp Lejeune, NC where they provide musical support for the 47,000 for whom Camp Lejeune is home. Their job entails performing music both on base and around the world but they also qualify on Rifle, Pistol, and Machine Guns, take Marine Corps Martial Arts Classes and serve as security platoons.

Mr. Berning recalls both Chris and Christine as wonderful band members and great citizens. “It is great to see them serving their country and continuing to perform on instruments they started right here in the Kettering schools music program!”