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Chamber Series Expands to Include Concerts at National Museum of American History

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brooke Emery

The United States Air Force Band was excited to add a new venue to this year’s Chamber Series, presenting two concerts at the National Museum of American History Hall of Music. The chamber groups from the United States Air Force Band that performed this May are the first ensembles not affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution to perform in the Hall of Music since it was opened two years ago.

“It was a huge honor to be included in the series at the Hall of Music,” said Master Sgt. Jeremy Koch, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Chamber Series. “Getting to present in such a beautiful place at the height of tourist season in Washington, D.C., is not only a thrill for our musicians, it is a great opportunity for us to represent the Air Force before people who may not ordinarily hear one of our concerts.”  

The first concert was presented on May 18th, and featured a brass quintet comprised of members of the Ceremonial Brass. They presented a concert ranging in style from traditional antiphonal brass music to a transcription of pop music favorite “Don’t Know Why,” which was popularized by Norah Jones.

The second concert, presented just a week later on May 24th, featured Concert Band members Master Sgt. Megan Ensor on flute and Technical Sgt. Greta Asgeirsson on harp, as well as Technical Sgt. Jilian McGreen, who serves as a soprano vocalist in the Singing Sergeants. 

“We don’t often get the chance to play in such a beautiful yet intimate setting,” said Ensor. “It was the perfect place to present these trio works for flute, harp, and voice. The beautiful and yet delicate sonority of these pieces was perfect for this environment.”

Due to the success of the initial concerts, plans are already in place for next season. Sergeant Koch is optimistic about the series' future at this venue.

“We hope to make this a recurring engagement for the U.S. Air Force Band, presenting two concerts annually each May," Koch shared. "It has been a pleasure working with several venues of the wonderful Smithsonian Institution. They are treasures of our nation’s capital."

See clips from both Hall of Music concerts here:

https://youtu.be/6OmTu27vZ6Y

https://youtu.be/nJKMfrSPiMQ