An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMultimediaNewsArticle Display

Fall Tour 2010 reaches American hearts

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes
  • AFDW Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. --  From the first note to the last, The U.S. Air Force Band gave communities a piece of excellence at every performance on the 2010 Fall Tour.

This year's tour began Oct. 6 in New York and ended Oct. 23 in Havre de Grace, Md. During the tour the band performed for audiences at more than 15 venues in five states.

"It's for the Air Force to give something back to the veterans, to the taxpayers and to the community, and it be a positive family event," said Master Sgt. Anne Baker, Singing Sergeants vocalist.

There are many hearts in the American public that the men and women of the U.S. Air Force Band wished to touch.
 
"It's really great for the community, particularly in these times," said Ed Moderachi, local conductor and music teacher at Woodside School, River Vale, N.J. "It gives us a wonderful sense of patriotism and great pride in the Air Force Band."

The performances were held in theatres, auditoriums and school gymnasiums at no cost to the audiences.

"Music is, in my opinion, a great healer and a great equalizer, and when a poor community comes out to hear such terrific music it's inspirational," said Gary Van Voorhis, president of the Hear The Music Foundation. "I know they walk out of this auditorium feeling just a little bit better than when they walked in."

Veterans, politicians, students and families came to support the U.S. Air Force Band and enjoy the performances.

"You saw the applause and the respect the audience had here," said Senator William J. Larkin, Jr., 39th district, N.Y. "It goes a long way in saying how much this community respects and loves our members of the armed forces."

Lt. Col. A. Phillip Waite, commander and conductor of the U.S. Air Force Band, opened up his schedule to take the opportunity to meet with the community's fans and supporters on nearly every stop of the tour.

"It gives them hope. It gives them something to say, 'well maybe there's a way out, maybe there is something more to this,' and that's the magic and the power of good music, and that's what I heard tonight," said Mr. Voorhis.

As the band reaches out to the American public, to share with them the piece of excellence that is used to provide moral support for the troops, the fans also gave thanks to those serving.

"I can only go back and tell the Airmen, 'you have to realize how much you are appreciated by the general public. They tell us this every day,'" said Sergeant Baker. "It's nice to go back home and share that with them."