A Day in the Life of the Concert Band: Second Bassoon--"Seen...and Heard!"

Published June 25, 2009
By Technical Sgt. Sandra Sisk
The USAF Band

Bolling AFB, Washington, DC -- A day in the life of the Second Bassoonist in The United States Air Force Band is not the "minimal" role that such a job title could merit. In fact, it is in many ways just the opposite.

It is true that the bassoon is not a loud instrument and the lines I usually play are often doubled--even tripled--in much louder instruments like the tuba and euphonium. Needless to say, when I found out that we would be traveling to the Midwest on our spring 2009 tour, I jumped at the chance to be a tour soloist in Weber's "Andante and Rondo."

To make things even more interesting, I also discovered that I would be filling in for the principal bassoonist on tour. The days and weeks of rehearsals and concerts would be anything but typical!

Growing up in Minnesota, I knew this would be an excellent opportunity for me to play for my friends, family, and teachers. I would have the opportunity to not only have a solo role in the Concert Band, but I had a chance to show off the capabilities of The U.S. Air Force Band.

In the months leading up to our tour, the days were filled with rehearsals covering three full programs of music. With all the music to prepare--as well as stepping into my role as principal bassoon for this tour--I began to wonder if I had bitten off more than I could chew! My days were filled with rehearsals and evenings with practice and constant reed making. As tour approached, my family and friends grew more and more excited to see our performances.

Going on tour as a soloist was unlike anything I had ever done before. Concerts took on a whole new meaning and preparation for these performances also required more focus. I was able to perform my solo four times during the 15-day tour, and it was amazing.

For my first solo performance, in a gym, the lights were not only shining on me, but on the audience as well. I got to see our concertgoers react to what I was sharing with them!

After the next few performances, I got some of the "bugs" out, and it was time for the final solo performance in my hometown. The audience at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, was wonderful. I felt like a rock star! The hall was beautiful, and a large group of my family, friends, teachers, and church family attended. They welcomed me on stage and were very receptive when I finished. It was the perfect ending to my first experience as a tour soloist.

These are the days in my life with the Band that I will cherish forever. Each day is far from typical, and my work provides a tremendous level of satisfaction for me. I will never forget the opportunity to represent the Air Force as a solo musician.

Technical Sergeant Sandra Sisk is originally from Centerville, Minn., and her Air Force career began in 2002. Sergeant Sisk attended Bethel College in St Paul, Minn., from 1996-1998. She then attended the Juilliard School until her graduation in 2002 with a Bachelor of Music degree. While at Juilliard, Sergeant Sisk was a concerto competition finalist, a Gluck Community Service Fellowship participant, and a participant at the Aspen Music Festival. She has studied with Whitney Crockett, David Carroll and John Miller. Technical Sergeant Sisk has worked with such famous talent as Kurt Masur, James Conlan and Emmanuel Ax. She currently serves as Second Bassoonist with the Fairfax Symphony and performs regularly with the Pendleton Trio. Her husband, Technical Sgt. David Sisk, is a trombonist with The United States Air Force Ceremonial Brass, and they reside in Waldorf, Md.

Click here to read a short biography of TSgt Sandra Sisk.

For biographical information about other members of The U.S. Air Force Band, please see the Ensembles section of our website.

TSgt Sandra Sisk performs a solo with The USAF Concert Band