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Living legend conducts AF Strings

  • Published
  • By Benjamin Newell
  • AFDW PA
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  Col. Arnald D. Gabriel began his military career conducting some of the loudest weapons of war as a combat machine gunner during WWII. Today, he is Conductor Emeritus of The United States Air Force Band--a unit requiring all the skills of combat, as well as a distinct ear for beauty in composition.

Colonel Gabriel was recently invited to conduct the U.S. Air Force Strings in their latest album, which is a mix of String Orchestra and Strolling Strings holiday music. During six days of rehearsal and recording, the Colonel poured more than 50 years of musical expertise into a project that has brought together many of the finest musicians in the Air Force, if not the world.

"When I first began working with the band, Gen. Curtis LeMay directed me to assemble not just the best band in the military, but, in his words, 'I want the best damn band in the world,'" said Colonel Gabriel. After five days rehearsing and recording with the Air Force Strings, Colonel Gabriel concluded, "Working with these professionals has shown me that the U.S. Air Force has just that - the best band in the world."

The 84-year-old is never without his conducting baton, which is wielded with precision and grace. "When he stands in front of us, I think we play with more energy, more excitement," said Chief Master Sgt. William Hones, the enlisted leader of the U.S. Air Force Strings and a string bassist. "He knows our repertoire very well. When you combine that with his education and his history with the band, it makes playing for him quite a lot of fun."

Conductor's personalities often shine through in the final product. Their style and grace can impact the feel of a piece, while their ability to glue disparate sections together into one unit often determines a group's ability to faithfully execute a musical piece. During a recording, a conductor can stop and start an ensemble mid-measure to critique one section and then move on. For Colonel Gabriel, less is often more. "With musicians of this caliber, there isn't much need to explain what you want," said Colonel Gabriel. "They know what you want; you just have to let them do their job."

The U.S. Air Force Band's state-of-the-art recording equipment is a definite improvement over past methods. Separate recording booths, stacked with hi-tech equipment allow the conductor, musicians, and producers to collaborate on the sound of a piece as they are recording. "We used to just throw up two microphones and play," said Colonel Gabriel. "You can hear the difference in the work the band is putting out now. This is refined, beautiful music."

For many string players, the holiday album is their first chance to work with the living legend. His face can be seen in every corridor of the band's building on Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C., standing next to icons of screen, stage and military exploit. A full-length portrait of the colonel hangs in the band conference room, and the main studio, where the recording is taking place, was recently renamed "Gabriel Hall" in his honor.

The band's current conductor, Lt. Col. Alan Sierichs, was hired by Colonel Gabriel on his last day of active duty in 1985. The two have collaborated on many projects in the time since. "You can go to any band community in the world and people know the name of Colonel Arnald Gabriel. Even in his eighth decade, he is still in demand as a conductor, clinician and educator," said Lieutenant Colonel Sierichs, who is currently on tour with the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants. In addition to the colonel's musical expertise, fellow

Airmen have noticed that he is a wealth of knowledge and fascinating tidbits about the history of the Air Force's premier musical unit. "We have been talking about this project for weeks," said Chief Master Sgt. Barbara Taylor, who is producing the holiday album. "We were especially honored that he shared some deeply moving stories with us about his military service during WWII. One particular story was so touching that he had us both in tears."

The title "Conductor Emeritus" is not just an honor conferred on Colonel Gabriel; he feels it's a position of responsibility, which he takes very seriously. He keeps abreast of the bands operational schedule, champions the bands international mission and often lobbies senior Air Force leadership on behalf of the band. "I can't think of a better advocate for The U.S. Air Force Band," said 15-year veteran cellist, Master Sgt. Vivian Podgainy. "He is clear and very approachable, which is a trait that is hard to find in some conductors."

While recording on the second day, Colonel Gabriel's swivel chair began emitting repetitive squeaks. The recording booth was picking up the chirping noise, and asked if he could stand for the remainder of the piece. "Oh, don't worry about that. I can go all day!" quipped the Colonel, who turned and started Handel's Messiah from the top, without uttering another word. He stood the rest of the session.

While some his age are basking in retirement, the colonel continues his passion for music and music education by maintaining a very demanding guest conductor and clinician schedule. He maintains commitments to most programs he has been involved with, including a Professor Emeritus title bestowed upon him by George Mason University's School of Music.

In the coming months, he will be performing at the Dixie Classic Music Festival in Chattanooga, Tenn., as well as concerts in Hornell, N.Y., and Wheaton, Ill. On June 20, Colonel Gabriel will be performing with 300 musicians at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. Colonel Gabriel continues to be honored for his exceptional military service, and on 8 May, he will receive one of our nation's most prestigious national honors in New York City when he is awarded the "Ellis Island Medal of Honor."

The string's holiday album project will not be released until November, during which time Colonel Gabriel will continue to work with musicians, the public and Air Force leadership to promote the reputation of military musicians. "Our most important duty is to ensure that the best band in the world maintains their professional dedication," said the colonel.