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“On the Fly” Series Adds Reed Quintet to the Lineup

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brooke Emery
Washington, D.C. --  The June edition of “On the Fly” is here, this month featuring the U.S. Air Force Band Reed Quintet performing a portion of Marc Mellits’ 2014 work entitled “Splinter.” The work was originally composed in eight short movements, each named for a differing species of tree. For “On the Fly,” the reed quintet chose to perform the most dynamic, high-energy movement, entitled “Cherry.”

“When we were asked to come up with a short piece for 'On the Fly,' we all agreed that playing 'Splinter' was a great fit,” said Technical Sgt. Emily Foster, oboist in the reed quintet.

“It is new and different enough from what our audiences normally hear,” Foster continued, “yet completely fun and accessible‒full of driving rhythm and beautiful lyrical passages that soar overtop those rhythms. We hope the viewers love it!”

Launched four months ago, the U.S. Air Force Band’s popular video series “On the Fly” captures live performances recorded in historic Hangar 2, the building that houses the rehearsal studios for the ensemble on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. “On the Fly” provides a glimpse of daily life in the Air Force Band by featuring the capabilities of our Airmen musicians and connecting Americans to inspirational musical products.

To watch this month’s “On the Fly” click here: