The president's own
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In December, ABC’s World News Tonight featured a day in the life of George W. Bush. In the evening, in the White House presidential residence, viewers got a glimpse of 26-year-old Staff Sergeant Russell Wilson, gifted pianist and a member of “The President’s Own,” the U.S. Marine Band whose mission (since 1798) is to provide music for the Leader of the Free World.
President Bush told interviewer Martha Raddatz, “When I have trouble sleeping, of course, my man the piano player comes up and plays nice lullabies.” Such statements conjure up images of David playing sweet melodies to calm King Saul in his hour of need. Wilson, like David, is a young man who loves the Lord and readily embraces every opportunity to serve Him through music.
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A life-long Free Methodist (son of Steve and Lynn), Wilson became the regular pianist at Bethel FMC, (Fort Washington, MD) at age 12. Six years ago, while attending the University of Maryland, he auditioned for the U.S. Marine Band and was extended an invitation to join. He now plans to make a career of it, with wife Elizabeth, daughter of Gary and Normi Streetman (who pastored FM churches in St. Petersburg, FL, and Elgin, IL), by his side. The couple attends Alexandria FMC (VA), where they were introduced and married by Pastor Doug Cross.
In addition to playing at the White House, Wilson and “The President’s Own” perform public concerts and play at ceremonies like the annual Kennedy Center Honors.
Wilson cites Colossians 3:23 as his life verse and says he likes to remember that while he often plays for important people, he’s not really performing for them, but for the King of Kings. He humbly approaches his role as that of a servant, like Jesus — whether on stage or providing background music for mingling guests; playing classical, jazz or pop tunes. This exceptional young man clearly exemplifies all that is right with the church as it uses what it’s been given to glorify the Lord and reach out to the world.
