An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Air Force band members shine bright

  • Published
  • By Murray Bass
  • Daily Republic-Fairfield/Suisun, CA
If you think the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West just plays marches and military music, you would be dead wrong. They do play those things, but only on occasions where they are appropriate.

I spent a recent evening of discovery at the Kroc Center theater chapel. I enjoyed a wonderful evening of classical chamber music delivered by talented musicians. The Kroc Center was an ideal venue for the performance.

The evening opened with "The Star Spangled Banner." The entire audience accompanied the band. From then on, it was the classics.

While the event was billed as chamber music with the band's chamber ensemble being featured, it appeared to me that at least three different ensembles were on stage at different times: the brass ensemble, the winds ensemble and the chamber ensemble.

From my point of view as a member of the listening audience, music was the thing, no matter what ensemble played. Of course, everyone might just have been a part of the "chamber."

The evening featured music was from the 17th century to the 20th century. All classic. Musical versions of William Joyce poetry delightfully rendered by a soprano soloist. An amazing rendition of a trombone classic from the 18th century.

I must confess that I may be wrong on the eras, but I am not wrong on the classic nature of the music. And its quality.

I won't be able to give you all the names of the musicians. But, I can tell you this: Every one of them was superb. If you ever have a chance to go to one of their performances, do so. I guarantee you'll love it and come away both pleased and amazed at the performances of the musicians. I believe their musicians would easily qualify for seats in the finest of symphony orchestras.

As you can tell, I have nothing but praise for the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West. I strongly suggest that you go to see and listen to them any time you have the opportunity. I will every chance I have.

We were told that the band in its entirety or its ensemble have more than 400 performances every year. They are for Solano County, a local group who, when the day is over, lay there heads on pillows here. They are "Ours."

But more nights than not, they lay their head on pillows somewhere else. They are the only military band west of the Rockies and have gigs all over the West.

If you want to know more, search for U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West on the Internet. Each ensemble is identified with the names of all musicians. You will also find where future performances are to occur.

The Concert Band will appear at the Vacaville Theater for Performing Arts at 7 p.m. Dec. 4. That will be followed by a matinee performance at the Vacaville theater at 3 p.m. Dec. 5. Go. You'll love it. I'll see you there.

A part of the program I found interesting was the brief description of how Travis Air Force Base personnel and equipment reach out to help in natural disasters or health catastrophes. You can be proud of our local Air Force folks. They are there for you. Be there for them.

Murray Bass of Suisun City can be reached at 720-5139 or mzb60@comcast.net.