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SSgt Natalie Madison to Perform Composition With Concert Band

  • Published
  • By SrA Amy McCann
  • USAF Heritage of America Band
30 March 2009 --  In the spring of 2007 The Heritage of America Band's Blue Aces Popular Music Ensemble recorded an album of completely original tracks entitled, "We Are Warriors." One of these songs, "Believe," written and performed by Staff Sergeant Natalie Madison, was later transcribed for concert band. On the upcoming Concert Band tour in May, SSgt Madison will perform her own work for the first time with that ensemble.
SSgt Madison began working on the song in 2005 while she was stationed with the USAF Band of the Pacific- Asia at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Hurricane Katrina had just ravaged New Orleans, and like most people, SSgt Madison wanted to do something to aid the victims. Since she was too far away to physically help, SSgt Madison decided to send a message through song. The lyrics are intended to be a message of hope and rebuilding, not only of physical things like buildings and communities, but also a rebuilding of the spirit after such loss. The song then went through a period of evolution. For the album, "We Are Warriors," an extra verse was added and though the message of hope remains the same, the intended audience grew to include deployed service members and their families.
SSgt Madison has not only recorded her song, but also publicly performed it for hundreds of listeners with the Blue Aces. Though it can be daunting to wear your heart on your sleeve and present your own work in front of hundreds of people, SSgt Madison could not be happier with the way her message has been received. She is frequently approached after concerts by people complimenting and thanking her for sharing her song with them. SSgt Madison attributes their affinity for the song to the fact that everyone has experienced a sense of loss or fear at some point in their lives. Since the lyrics remind people to persevere and focus on hope, it is a universal message for anyone who has ever endured trying times.
Given the opportunity to perform her song with a full concert band instead of a smaller popular music ensemble, SSgt Madison is excited to present her work in a new format. Although "Believe" has undergone a few changes since its original inception, the message of hope and strength will find a home with anyone who hears SSgt Madison's words.