Preston H. Turner
Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy (Retired)

The musical career of Preston Turner started in Dallas, Texas at the early age of five. By the time he was in Junior High School, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas he had become a musician to reckon with. He won state wide acclaim as a cornet soloist, winning various local and state contests. He also played first chair cornet with the Pine Bluff High School Band, a position reserved for an older student. Because of his outstanding musical ability all through school, he won a scholarship to Southeastern State College at Durant, Oklahoma.

Just prior to World War II, however. he left college to join the Navy and attended their School of Music in Washington, D. C., where he graduated with honors. In the war years that followed, Mr. Turner served in bands aboard the U.S.S. Texas, U.S.S. New York, U.S.S. Kearsarge, and the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt. In December of 1947, he returned to the Music School in Washington, where after a year of advanced study, he graduated at the top of his class and was retained at the school as an instructor.

In 1950, he was selected by the Navy to fill the newly created position of Music Audition Supervisor for the West Coast area. In addition, he served as Assistant Leader of the Naval Training Center Band in San Diego. In the latter capacity he was in charge of the Dance Band and was responsible for presenting special programs on radio and TV which greatly enhanced public admiration and respect for the Naval Service. During the Korean Conflict Mr. Turner was Leader of the Seventh Fleet Band attached to the Flagship. In 1955, he once again returned to the Music School, this time as Head of the Band Rehearsal Division.

When he was appointed Warrant Officer in 1956, he was selected to be the Director of Bands for the Commander Cruiser Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet. While in that capacity he acquitted himself brilliantly as Music Coordinator for the International Naval Review, held At Hampton Roads, Virginia in 1957. This review had twenty-six nations participating and Warrant Officer Turner was responsible for thirty-two bands.

In 1958 Mr. Turner was rewarded for his outstanding work in Navy Music and was appointed Assistant Leader of the U. S. Naval Academy Band. In that capacity he directed music for most of the Brigade of Midshipmen's social functions as well as the numerous parades which are such an important part of the Annapolis tradition. On July 15, 1959 while at the Academy he was advanced to Chief Warrant Officer. In April of 1960, he returned again to San Diego and became Director of Bands and Musical Advisor to the Commander Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet. In July of that year, he proudly accepted his commission as Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy. In September of 1962. he assumed the position of Assistant Leader of The United States Navy Band.

In 1968 he became the 12th Leader of the Naval Academy Band, a position he held for two years.

HISTORY