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Air Force Band performs in N.Y.

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Catharine Schmidt
  • 109th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The U.S. Air Force Band, the premiere musical organization of the U.S. Air Force, was in the local area recently as part of a 10-day fall tour throughout New England. The Concert Band and Singing Sergeants, two of the six Band ensembles, performed in Saratoga, Albany, Hudson and Queensbury on Oct. 21-23.

"Our goal is to honor our veterans, inspire patriotism in our American citizenry and to positively impact the global community through our music," said Senior Master Sgt. Phillip Krzywicki, a French hornist with the Concert Band.

Krzywicki described the concert as "a pleasant mix of patriotic favorites. An instrumental soloist performs a modern work for clarinet during the first half, and the second half features the Singing Sergeants, the official chorus of the United States Air Force."

"It was fantastic," said Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Trottier of the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base, who attended the concert Oct. 21 at Saratoga Springs High School. "From the start of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' by the Singing Sergeants, The Air Force Band had a crisp sound, nostalgic theme and exciting moments reminiscent with a take-back in time, but most of all relaxing."

Also on stage was clarinetist Tech. Sgt. Brian Wahrlich, an Albany native. "He was recognized, and it was great to see and hear his solo. I'm proud to be in the Air Force for sure," Trottier said.

Along with Saratoga Springs High School concert, the Band also performed at the College of St. Rose in Albany, Columbia Green Community College in Hudson and their final performance in New York was at Queensbury High School.

Before arriving in New York, the tour started in Boston on Oct. 15 and then at various locations throughout Massachusetts followed by Connecticut. Their final stop on their tour was St. Albans, Vermont, on Oct. 25.

The U.S. Air Force Band, based out of Washington, D.C., comprises 180 players and six different musical ensembles to cover a variety of music genres, including jazz and rock. For more information on the U.S. Air Force Band, including performance information, you can visit their website at www.usafband.af.mil or check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USAFBand .