Meet the Concert Band's New Harpist Published Sept. 30, 2016 By Technical Sgt. Kaitlin Taylor Washington, D.C. -- Harpist, and newest Concert Band member, Technical Sergeant Greta Asgeirsson joined the United States Air Force Band this June in the thick of our Summer Concert Series. A native of Reading, Massachusetts, Asgeirsson attended Boston University for her Bachelor's degree. While seeking her undergraduate degree, she was a regular substitute with the Boston Ballet and worked as the assistant manager of student life and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. While earning her Master's degree from the Chicago College of Performing Arts, she was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Asgeirsson and I recently chatted about her new harp position, life in the Air Force, and how she is settling into DC! KT: Has harp always been your primary instrument of study or did you start out learning other instruments? GA: I began on piano, and played French horn and trumpet all throughout middle and high school, however, harp has always been my focus. KT: When in school, what type of job were you hoping for? Did you ever hear about or consider a military band? GA: As I was going through school, I just knew that I wanted a job playing music, and I'm pro-audition, so I was interested in whatever audition came up next. That being said, I've always enjoyed bands and have a history in them. My father is, and my grandfather was, the director of a community band so I had been involved in bands since I could walk, whether it was moving equipment, or eventually playing. KT: As a harpist, have you been trained specifically to perform classical music, or have you studied in other genres as well? Have you played any unique solo gigs as a member of the USAF Band at this point? GA: I have mainly trained classically, however, I was in jazz band in high school. One of the really cool aspects of this job is that we are the house musicians for Air Force and other Washington leadership. I played during a reception for the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force and met much of the Air Force leadership. KT: What did you think of basic training? How was your experience? GA: Whenever I said that part of my job entailed going to basic training, people kind of looked at me funny. Before I left, I was still convincing myself that this is indeed what I wanted. But as soon as I got there, it was a job just like anything else. There was a task that needed to be done, and I needed to do it. I made many amazing friends, received incredible support from my friends and family via mail, had some awesome experiences, and came away with some great stories. KT: Have you learned anything so far about being in the Air Force that has totally surprised you? GA: I never thought that I'd do yoga as a part of my music job, or have group work outs with other musicians! KT: What are you most excited about regarding your new position? GA: I'm so excited to learn new repertoire. Especially as harpists, we learn the orchestral repertoire inside and out, and so being in band opens up a whole new realm of repertoire! More than learning new music, though, I'm excited to be a part of spreading free music to the public. It's such a wonderful thing that we are able to do through the summer series in DC and touring. KT: What kind of music are you listening to these days? GA: At the moment, I'm loving Andrew Bird and I'm on a Wagner kick. But I really love anything and everything, and discovering new favorites. KT: Lastly, what other hobbies or interest do you have that you'd like to share with our audience? GA: Life outside of music entails lots of coffee, knitting, cooking, skiing, traveling, reading, Sudoku, and now exploring DC. We are delighted to welcome TSgt Asgiersson to the USAF Band, and we invite you to come out and hear our newest member at an upcoming concert. Please visit http://www.usafband.af.mil/eventscalendar/index.asp for information on upcoming concerts by the Concert Band and all the performing groups within your United States Air Force Band, and we'll see you at the show!