Alumni join Symphony Orchestra for Memorial Day Concert

Published June 18, 2013
By Master Sgt. Marc Dinitz

Washington D.C. -- The United States Air Force Symphony Orchestra was honored to perform with two distinguished U.S. Air Force Band alumni at the National Memorial Day Choral Festival at the Kennedy Center's Concert Hall on May 26. Retired Chief Master Sgt. Harry Gleeson and retired Senior Master Sgt. George Singleton joined the orchestra and more than 200 civilian choristers from across the nation to remember those who have served our country with an uplifting program of American music.

Gleeson, who narrated a stirring rendition of Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait, was a member of The U.S. Air Force Band from 1959 to 1979. He spent the majority of his career as a member of the Band's Singing Sergeants. He also served as director of Public Affairs and as the Band's announcer. Known as "the voice of the Air Force Band," Gleeson announced countless concerts for the various ensembles that make up the Band, and throughout his career appeared with special guests including Edward G. Robinson, Doc Severinsen, Walter Cronkite, William Conrad and Fred Rogers of "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood." Gleeson spent the last two years of his Air Force career as noncommissioned officer in charge of Personnel Plans and Programs at the Pentagon, handling all personnel assignments for all Air Force Bands around the world. Following his retirement, Gleeson served as announcing coordinator for the United States Figure Skating Association, where he not only announced for skating events, but also trained a crew of arena announcers and wrote an announcer booklet for the organization.

Singleton, who narrated and sang on retired Chief Master Sgt. Floyd Werle's Story of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, was a member of the Singing Sergeants from 1975 to 1998 and served as the group's assistant noncommissioned officer in charge. His career highlights include the group's trip to China in 1987, his performance of the National Anthem with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Capitol Building on July 4, 1995, and a special PBS performance with Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop. Singleton, who continues to perform and just recently released a CD recording of spirituals, is also a professional photographer, and will serve as the incoming president of the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association.

Including these two gentlemen in this moving performance was not only a distinct pleasure for us, but was also an important way to highlight the military careers of these special alumni. The Band will continue its recognition of our history with The U.S. Air Force Band's Concert Band Alumni Reunion June 27 to 29. These three exciting days will culminate in a joint Concert Band/Alumni Band performance at West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Va. on Saturday, June 29 at 8 p.m. In addition to the alumni musicians performing alongside current members, the Band will be led by distinguished alumni conductors, retired Cols. Arnald D. Gabriel and Dennis Layendecker as well as retired Lt. Cols. Alan Bonner and Mark Peterson. This concert is free and open to the public; no tickets are needed.