By Lyndy Berryhill

NATCHEZ — A Natchez native will be marching to the beat of a U.S. Navy drum in the Presidential Inaugural Parade for her fifth time.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Laura Grantier was selected to be a part of the 58th presidential inauguration joint task force where she will play clarinet.

“I feel very honored and proud to have the job there to represent where I am from,” Grantier said. “I’m just proud to be from Mississippi.”

The navy band is made up of 170 members, which compose a concert band, ceremonial band and other ensembles that perform at different functions throughout the year.

“It’s just what we do,” Grantier said of performing. “It’s interesting to see history being made.”

Navy band members can be involved in more than one ensemble. Over Grantier’s 21 years, she has served in the concert band, ceremonial band and the band responsible for performing at funeral services.

“It’s very meaningful,” Grantier said. “It’s a really, really critical part of our job to provide that service to the family. No matter how many times we play … it’s always important.”

Grantier first performed in the 1996 inaugural parade to commemorate the reelection of former President Bill Clinton. She joined the U.S. Navy in 1995.

Grantier said she is proud of her Mississippi heritage, but she actually did not get involved in music until after she moved to Louisiana.

Grantier attended McLaurin Elementary School before moving to Denham Springs, La. Her father coached football when Natchez High School was still named South Natchez–Adams High School. She graduated from Denham Springs High School.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of Alabama, her master of business administration from Averett University and her doctorate in musical arts from the Catholic University of America.

Grantier’s great-grandparents and grandparents are buried in the Natchez National Cemetery. Her Natchez grandfather served in the U. D. Navy, too. She still has several cousins who live in Natchez.

Grantier said the navy band practices daily as well as performs at regularly scheduled events. The band begins practices for the parade months in advance and the 99-member ensemble marching rehearses weeks in advance.

“Any given day we’re giving a performance,” Grantier said. “The entire navy band is run by musicians.”

Grantier said although the inauguration commemorates the president–elect, public performances are the best way to bring the navy to the communities.

“Moving a 99-piece band can be challenging,” Grantier said. “It’s a long day for us, but it’s always a good thing.”