Clinician's Corner: Cellos - We're With the Band Published May 27, 2010 By Technical Sgt. Joshua Kowalsky The USAF Band BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- Many leaders in today's Air Force have coined the phrase, "Flexibility is the key to air power." Having served as Associate Principal Cellist of The United States Air Force Concert Band for over four years, this is very good advice. You probably would not believe it, but the question I get asked the most is: "A cellist, in The Air Force Band. How does THAT work?" As a matter of fact, it works very well. As a performer, my job is not so different as a normal symphony job. Our main purpose is to perform concerts for the public. One of the differences between a band and an orchestra is that playing with winds has an added challenge of blend and intonation. When we perform in a warm concert hall--or outside on a hot summer day--and the temperature rises, a string instrument tends to get flatter while the winds always get sharper in pitch. This also works conversely in a cold environment. Of course, when two cellos perform with 12 clarinets, the clarinets are always right. As a cellist, the repertoire also presents unique challenges. The Air Force Band has several full-time arrangers. Whenever they write original works or arrange a piece for the Concert Band, they include a specific cello part. Often the Band performs transcriptions of orchestral works, and when played in the original key, we play on the actual orchestral cello part. However, it is often in a different key, which is more problematic. Sometimes we can transcribe the cello part ourselves, or piece together sections from the double bass, bassoon, or euphonium part. Our "go-to" part for most concert band music, especially marches, is the euphonium part. Another added bonus of what I do everyday is the variety of music I play. In an orchestra, you have the standard concert of an overture, instrumental soloist, and symphony. Well, in our programs, we have band music that was originally written for the Concert Band, as well as marches, various concertos, choral music, medleys, operas and patriotic music. The Band often performs at ceremonies, such as the dedication of the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, or for the Holiday Pageant of Peace ceremony. There is a chamber music series, and our various concert series consisting of guest artists, holiday music, public relations tours, and summer outdoor concerts. To be a successful performer in The USAF Band (or in any ensemble), you need to have versatility and creativity. Performing as a cellist in The USAF Band is one of the most satisfying --and continually challenging --jobs you can find. Click to read a short biography of Technical Sgt. Joshua A. Kowalsky. For biographical information about other members of The U.S. Air Force Band, please see the Ensembles section of our website.