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Solo Chair - Technical Sgt. Benjamin Park

  • Published
  • USAF Band Singing Sergeants
Bolling AFB, Washington, DC --  This month's Solo Chair interview is with Technical Sgt. Benjamin Park, the newest Bass with the Singing Sergeants!  He hails from San Diego, California, and joined the Air Force in 2007.

1. When did you start singing?

I really started singing in college when I heard they were having auditions for our University Chamber Chorus. Being in the chorus and singing my first Bach Cantata changed my life. Apparently, it also set the path I ended up taking!


2. What did you do before joining the military?

I did various things here and there. Once I worked as a residential counselor for a group home of severely emotionally disturbed children. Later I bar tended for a year, worked as an assistant librarian, and did some database analysis and networking systems for a bio-tech firm. After working for a pharmaceutical company, I became the manager of a theater.


3. What do you enjoy most about being in the Air Force Band?

I like being surrounded by wonderful people, and having the opportunity to make music with them.


4. What is the best thing about being in the military in general?

It is an honor to serve my country in the best way I can.


5: What do you plan to do when you leave the Air Force?

I haven't the foggiest idea! I just joined, and I can't think ahead to where I'd like to be once I leave. Perhaps I'll teach or pursue my other dream of performing in Bavaria.


6: What is the highlight of your Air Force career?

I had the pleasure of meeting the President after having performed for him the day after his State of the Union Address. He gave us a private tour of the Lincoln bedroom and then we each got to shake his hand.


7: What do you do in your spare time?

I like to surf, although living in the DC area hasn't given me the best venue for that!


8: What's on your iPod?

At this very moment, everything from Bach's St. Matthew Passion conducted by Philippe Herreweghe to the Beastie Boys!