Sousa honored during outdoor performance

Tech. Sgt. Brian Stiles, member of the U.S. Air Force Band, and a trumpeter from The Wynford High School Band play selections from composer John Philip Sousa during an afternoon performance at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. on March 23, 2013. The bands spent the afternoon honoring Sousa by playing some of his most-famous marches together at his gravesite. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lindsey A. Porter)

Airmen musicians perform with visiting high school band

Published April 10, 2013
By Chief Master Sgt. Jenn Pagnard

Washington D.C. -- Most of the instrumentalists in The United States Air Force Band started playing music at an early age, and many of them played in high school marching bands. So when some of our members performed with 33 members of the Wynford High School Band from Bucyrus, Ohio last month, it was just like old times.

While planning the Wynford Band's trip to Washington, D.C., Carl Copeland, their director, contacted The United States Air Force Band to see if any of Band members could perform with his students at one of their scheduled performances. When Copeland got word that eight Band members had volunteered to perform alongside the Wynford students, he was thrilled. "This is going to be an experience these kids will remember forever!" he said. The performance took place at the gravesite of John Philip Sousa in the Congressional Cemetery on Sat., March 23.

According to their website, Wynford High School is a part of the Wynford Local Schools which is a school district that provides numerous educational opportunities. They have a proud tradition in co/extra-curricular activities and believe that students benefit greatly by participating in these offerings. They are especially proud of the success of their musical and performing arts groups.