Woody English has been the BBBCs principal cornetist since its formation. As principal trumpet and soloist for the U.S.. Army Band's "Pershing's Own" and for the prestigious U.S. Army Brass Quintet. Woody has performed for audiences around the world in venues ranging from presidential inaugurations to mall gatherings for heads of state. He has spent more Christmases at the White House than at his boyhood home in Coldwater, Michigan.

Woody's military career has also given him the unique opportunity to he present at significant moments in our nation's history. On the eve of Operation Desert Storm, he performed a special service for the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a small room at Camp David. After the events of September 11, 2001, he played at the national memorial services in Washington. He has played his soulful rendition of Taps while standing by the side of every President since Jmmy Carter at wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He has also had the great honor of performing Taps at hundreds of services in Arlington National Cemetery for soldiers as well as for Supreme Court Justices, Senators and Congressmen. He will also play Taps on the shores of Normandy June 2004 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

Many unusual and amusing events have occurred during Woody's twenty six years with Pershing's Own. One Christmas, President George H.W. Bush's dog, Millie, attacked a fellow musician dressed as Rudolph when the red nose on his costume lit up. Another time, General Colin Powell "ordered" the Brass Quintet to entertain his guests by playing classical brass music using rubber hoses connected to plastic funnels. One of the most amazing events happened as Woody was driving his car last March. He heard a broadcast of his own life story on his car radio. The story also explained how the military had created a special recording of Woody playing Taps. That recording is now available for the funerals of all World War II veterans so that all may properly be laid to rest. Woody then heard the familiar voice of Paul Harvey saying, "And that's ... the rest of the story."