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2010 Holiday Concert Memories

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Matthew Irish
  • The USAF Band
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. --  With the lights now dimmed and the trees and costumes packed away, The United States Air Force Band's annual holiday concert at DAR Constitution Hall has come and gone. Thankfully, many great memories linger on.

Last weekend, the Band presented a holiday program entitled "The Best Gift of All" to over 10,000 attendees at 4 concerts, including one concert to more than 2,000 children from local schools.

Under the direction of Lt. Col. A. Phillip Waite, commander and conductor of The United States Air Force Band, this year's performances included the Concert Band, Singing Sergeants and Ceremonial Brass, as well as the Grinch, Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, and a host of young dancers from the Virginia Ballet Company.

The concert offered something for everyone--from "Silent Night" and familiar carols to the charming "Eight Days of Hanukkah" and a jamming rendition of "Everybody Loves Christmas." Possibly the highlight of the show for many, "The Grinch Medley" included a full reading of Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," along with actors playing the role of "Grinch" to enhance the presentation. It was great entertainment for all ages with classic songs like "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Christmastime in Who-ville."

Such an undertaking requires months of preparation and planning. Each person involved in the production--producers, musical arrangers, publicity managers, and, of course, performers--helped create a dazzling show this year filling each concertgoer's heart with an extra dose of holiday cheer!