Sumter, SC -- The United States Air Force Academy Band
Falconaires Jazz Ensemble might have rolled into town quietly, but they
opened their fall tour here creating quite an uproar of conversations with
their diverse program celebrating jazz heritage, and honoring our nation's
veterans. They performed for a crowd of 750 that was comprised of veterans,
school-age children, retirees and native South Carolinians. The Falconaires,
one of nine performing groups from the Academy Band, tours nationally in
support of the cadets at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado
Springs, Colorado.
The band, under the musical direction of Master Sergeant Jason Crowe, captivated
the crowd with high-energy music from the 1940s to today. The world renown
Falconaires are known for performing cutting-edge musical arrangements by some
of the most famous names in jazz and original compositions from members of the group.
This performance was no exception. The opening selection "Sing Sing Sing" was
made famous by Benny Goodman, however the Falconaires featured TSgt Marcel
Marchetti on trumpet and he played an almost burlesque style plunger solo
that displayed that 1940's style with an attitude to go along with it.
Other inspiring tunes included the "Delta City Blues" which featured one of
the band's tenor sax players SSgt Jeff Hall. "Song of the Volga Boatmen,"
featured the band and a true crowd pleasure from the Glenn Miller Library
featuring this American icon's popular tune from the World War II Army Air
Corps era.
The band also featured their dynamic vocalist, Technical Sergeant Krista
Joyce. She, and the band, received a standing ovation for her version of
"American Anthem" and "America The Beautiful". She then wooed the audience
with a heartfelt tribute to our nation's veterans with a medley of all the
Armed Service Songs followed up but a historical moment by the Falconaires!!
They ended the service songs and transitioned into the 'Falcon Fight Song"
which was written by Forest Ray, a former U.S. Air Force Academy Bandsman
who's wife Virginia Ray was at the concert and hosted the band.
A steady stream of patrons visited with the band immediately following the
concert. Many concert goers discussed being a part of the Air Force dating
back to the Korean and Vietnam Wars, however the popular Virginia Ray and her
husbands "Falcon Fight Song" was a big topic as they exited the auditorium.
A few members of the band also gave impromptu clinics for a few school-age
students that flocked the stage at the end of the evening.
The Falconaires continue concerts in South Carolina for the rest of the week
including performances in Myrtle Beach, Charleston and Columbia. The mission
of the United States Air Force Academy Band is "to advance the United States
Air Force Academy and Global Air Force Missions by providing professional
musical products and services for official military, recruiting and
community relations events worldwide." Community outreach concerts that
celebrate the rich cosmopolitan fabric of our diverse nation are the perfect
way to serve that mission.