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Holiday Shows Roundup

  • Published
  • By MSgt Brian McCurdy
  • USAF Band
Bolling AFB, Washington, DC --  The month of December was a very busy time for all units of The U.S. Air Force Band. From concert halls to the White House, band members moved at a breathless operations tempo to accomplish missions of community relations, protocol and ceremonial support.

The Air Force Strings performed holiday strolling programs at various sites across the National Capitol Region. There were six performances alone at the residence of the Vice President of which one featured Grammy Award winner Lee Greenwood as a guest artist. String quartets could also be heard at the U.S. Capitol, the State Department, and the Pentagon. Additionally, they serenaded at the Blair House, the President's guest accommodations, which has been the venue for many protocol performances by several units from The USAF Band.

The Concert Band and Singing Sergeants rang in December with four festive performances of the holiday show "Simple Gifts" at historic Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in downtown Washington, D.C. The concert featured several new works by the Music Production staff. One such selection, "His Excellency's Farewell" by Senior Master Sgt. Robert Thurston, told the relatively unknown story about George Washington's Christmas Eve return to Mount Vernon in 1783. The show opened with "A Christmas Festival", commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Leroy Anderson.

In addition to the D.A.R. Constitution Hall performances, the Singing Sergeants presented a holiday program at the White House. This annual event is an intimate setting, and often gives members the honor of speaking with the Commander-in-Chief.

Chamber groups are an essential component of the mission of The USAF Band. Not only are they utilized as part of the Chamber Players Series throughout the year, but also these small ensembles are necessary to provide holiday musical programs at various locations in the D.C. area. The Woodwind Quintet performed at the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home. This special housing is a community for military retirees and certain veterans. The Clarinet Quartet performed for the Air Force Legal Counsel holiday party at the Pentagon.

The month of December was a fast-paced conclusion to another exciting year in the Air Force Band. Whether performing in front of 2,500 people at D.A.R. Constitution Hall or just a handful of dignitaries at the Blair House, band members do their job with pride knowing that they represent the very best that the thousands of men and women in the United States Air Force have to offer.