Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. --
The U.S. Air Force Band recently combined musical forces with the Cape Symphony on a perfect summer evening at the Salt Pond Amphitheater in Eastham, Massachusetts. The event highlighted National Park locations by presenting classics by composer John Williams, and honored our nation with a patriotic tribute, all to a packed lawn!
First Lieutenant Phillip Emory and Cape Symphony Artistic Director & Conductor Jung-Jo Park co-led the performance, passing the baton back and forth throughout the evening.
"It was thrilling to collaborate with the Cape Symphony,” Lt. Emory commented. “The Air Force Band and Cape Symphony celebrate our shared cultural heritage through the language of music!"
Leading up to the performance, Park discussed the capabilities of the Air Force Band guest musicians. “I don’t know if people realize there are some amazing musicians who decide that the military experience is really a good one,” Park explained. “We are going to be sitting side-by-side with these fabulous musicians as a symbol of unity.”
“It was a remarkable opportunity to play with the skilled musicians in the Cape Symphony,” said Technical Sgt. Peter Morris, a French horn player in the USAF Band.
In addition to connecting with musicians from the Symphony, Morris expressed the concert’s impact on the audience.
“They were vocal about how much they enjoyed themselves. I had the opportunity to speak with a woman before the show who used to play the horn, and was very excited for the concert.”
The performance reflected Air Force excellence around the globe, including the Air Station at Cape Cod.
“It was a fantastic chance to connect with the American public and share the story of American Airmen far from home,” Lt. Emory said, “but also highlight the ones in the Cape Cod community.”
This was a meaningful performance for Master Sgt. (ret.) Jennifer Dashnaw, who serves as Operations and Personnel Manager of the Cape Symphony. As a guest alto vocalist, Dashnaw shined in a duet with Chief Master Sgt. Christine Germain, a soprano vocalist in the Air Force Band.
“It was a truly spectacular event: the Cape Symphony, the US Air Force Band, all of our guests, and beautiful weather,” Dashnaw shared. “It was wonderful having the opportunity to perform with my former Air Force Band colleagues! I was humbled and proud to wear the uniform again!”
Lt. Emory addressed the audience to express gratitude and thanks to servicemen and women around the globe who have made sacrifices for America.
“It is our intent to honor service members all around the world, both past and present, through musical tribute,” Emory said. “It is our mission to share the inspirational stories of men and women who continue to maintain and defend our gift of freedom. We are fortunate to carry the message of their impact and legacy to a grateful nation."
This was the first-ever collaboration with the Cape Symphony, and the Band looks forward to what could potentially be a meaningful and long-standing partnership.