In the Fall of 2021, then-Colonel Bryony Terrell of the Joint Action Control Office at the Pentagon was in the planning stages for her promotion ceremony. Earning her first star and assuming the rank of Brigadier General, she wanted to honor the event with special music that went beyond typical patriotic selections. Luckily for her, she had a special military march at the ready, courtesy of her grandfather, who holds an honored place in The United States Air Force Band’s history.
In 1950, the Band held auditions for its newest ensemble, a Glenn Miller-style dance band. After hearing over two hundred auditions for eighteen positions, Howard Terrell was selected as the Airmen of Note’s first string bass player. After he retired, Master Sgt. Terrell transitioned to life as a music teacher and composer for over 30 years. In 2018, retired Master Sgt. Terrell composed a march for his granddaughter, titled, “Pass in Review,” and accompanied it with the following inscription:
“This music is my gift to you – A march that you can use for any ceremony that you are the honored official present, from a formal dinner or reception to a change of command review, etc. … your proud and loving grandfather.”
As her ceremony approached, Colonel Terrell personally contacted Colonel Donald Schofield, theCommander and Conductor for The United States Air Force Band, and inquired about the possibility of having the march performed live at the event. Although the Band was unable to provide musicians to support a live performance, the Band’s Director of Operations, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hoerber was then handed the reins to make the most of this unique opportunity.
Around the same time, Lt. Col. Hoerber was about to begin rehearsals for the Band’s annual Veterans Day program. With swift and efficient coordination between Concert Band leadership and the heads of the Band’s Production shop and library staff, the full team was at the ready. Audio engineers were standing by to create a top-notch recording, and the library ensured every Concert Band member had the music in advance and were ready to go at the drop of the baton.
Lt. Col Hoerber never lost sight of the gravity and significance of the moment, stating,
“Knowing that we would be recording a piece of music written by one of the original members of our United States Air Force Band, was inspiring.
“When the time came to rehearse and record the piece, I took a few minutes to read aloud MSgt Terrell’s poignant and personal dedication he wrote to his granddaughter to the entire group. We all agreed we were doing something good honoring a family’s legacy to our Air Force and honoring one of our own.”
When the big day finally arrived, the Band provided Brigadier General Terrell with the recording of “Pass in Review,” which was played at the conclusion of the ceremony to the delight of all the guests, the honored promotee, and the composer himself, who at 101 years old, watched the ceremony online.
Lt. Col Hoerber added, “During this era of a global pandemic when we’ve had to say ‘no’ to so many different experiences, I’m grateful that we were able to say ‘yes’ to this.”
After the ceremony, Brigadier General Terrell reflected on her momentous occasion.
“It was an incredible honor to have my grandfather’s march featured at my promotion ceremony. The United States Air Force Band has always been a part of our family’s legacy of service which spans three generations in the Air Force starting with my grandfather. The number of positive comments I received from attendees was overwhelming, and for my family it was a very proud moment. There weren’t too many dry eyes in the audience. Even better was knowing that my grandfather was able to listen to it live from his farmhouse in Indiana on Zoom. We were all thrilled.”
Multi-generational legacies within the United States military are common throughout all the branches. However, the existence of one as unique to the Band’s earliest days, such as the Terrell family, is rare. What a privilege to honor it through the power of music.
Congratulations to Brigadier General Bryony Terrell on your promotion and continuing the proud legacy of your family’s service, and thank you, Master Sergeant, retired, Howard Terrell for your service, and your ongoing and celebrated contributions to the United States Air Force’s 75-year history.
PASS IN REVIEW MARCH LINK