Guest Conductor Dr. Milton Allen Tours With Concert Band Published Oct. 30, 2008 By SrA Amy McCann USAF Heritage of America Band 30 October, 2008 -- In the past few years the civilian presence in the military has become increased significantly. At home on Air Force bases they work with Airmen. Overseas in deployed locations they work long hours in harm's way alongside our men and women in uniform. Until recently, there was little civilian presence in the band career field, but Lt. Col. Doug Monroe, Commander and Conductor of the USAF Heritage of America Band, has made efforts to change that situation. "I've tried every year to bring in a guest conductor to the concert band for two reasons. First, it gives the players in the group a fresh perspective on music making; this is the industry standard for professional orchestras and wind groups. Second, it provides great music educators a chance to see an Air Force band operate. They get to see how incredible our musicians, ensembles, and organizations are and they can take it back to the younger musicians that they influence." The USAF Heritage of America Concert Band recently concluded an eight day tour through the areas of Greensboro and Charlotte North Carolina as well as Greenville South Carolina. This particular tour included a civilian. Dr. Milton Allen, director of bands at Eastern Illinois State University, came along as a guest conductor, but it does not end there. The second half of the concert was conducted by Dr. Allen's alter ego, Maestro Hil Arioso. Dr. Allen agreed to join the band on the tour because he was inspired by the tradition of military bands. "One of the most exciting aspects of conducting a military band is the relationship that the band already has with the audience. While the audience is, and must be, a consideration, the military band truly programs for those in the audience." The theme for the tour was "Living in the Groove." Dr. Allen describes his choice of music in this way, "The program incorporates not simply jazz, but also its various off-shoots and its impact on the genre of wind band music. The first half theme is a tour de force of not only jazz influence, but jazz history." The second half of the concert, led by Maestro Hil Arioso, allowed the musicians a chance to share a bit more humor with the audience. The Maestro's antics and the audience participation, combined with the many unscripted moments of silliness ensured that everyone, audience and performers alike, had a wonderful time. "The combination of America's original art form, humor, patriotism and all performed by one of America's premiere military bands creates not just an event to appreciate, but to relate with and enjoy on a personal level." These words sum up Dr. Allen's experience touring with the band. The ensemble also greatly appreciated the chance to work with another musician and performer. Lt. Col. Monroe shared his thoughts about working with the guest conductor, "Dr. Allen was a joy! His gregarious personality made the music-making process so much fun and he drew in the audiences, creating a perfect connection between us as performers and them. His talks with the audiences included Air Force messaging about the excellence of our Airmen throughout the Air Force." Now the USAF Heritage of America Concert Band has joined the ranks of many other career fields in combining their talents with those of civilians to create a better, stronger, more dynamic Air Force.