From the White House to Moffitt, Pianist Uses Music to Make an Impact

During his time with the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Bob Boguslaw frequently performed at the White House.

Sixty-eight-year-old Bob Boguslaw first started playing the piano when he was 6 years old. As he grew up, his love for music continued to flourish, leading to a career as a professional pianist at the age of 20.

Fast forward to May of 1991, Boguslaw joined the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band. The Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Members of the band perform for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

“Throughout my time there over 22 years, I played for four presidents and seven marine commandants along with other heads of state,” Boguslaw said.

After a fulfilling professional musical career, Boguslaw moved to the Tampa Bay area last year with the goal of volunteering and using his passion for music to help others.

Boguslaw also performed as a soloist with several orchestras and played in jazz concerts attended by more than 100,000 listeners.

Through a mutual connection, Boguslaw was introduced to Moffitt Cancer Center’s artist-in-residence Lloyd Goldstein, ultimately leading him to become the newest volunteer for the Arts in Medicine program.

“It’s a full circle moment now volunteering at Moffitt and creating music with Lloyd because we both attended the University of Miami together at the same time, and we performed together a few times back then,” Boguslaw said.

With cancer impacting multiple loved ones in Boguslaw’s life, he knows how difficult a cancer diagnosis is for not only patients but their friends and family.

Moffitt’s Arts in Medicine Program offers patients and their caregivers a variety of opportunities to experience the therapeutic benefits of the arts. The Arts in Medicine team provides patients, caregivers and staff members with access to two art studios, bedside visits and special musical events that all can enjoy.

Boguslaw hopes his music will bring peace to those who listen, even if only for a moment.

“Playing music for the patients is probably the most rewarding thing I've done in my life,” he said.