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Academy Winds delivers USAF Academy message across the land of 10,000 lakes

  • Published
  • By Master Sergeant Sarah Balian
  • The United States Air Force Academy Band
Colorado Springs, Colorado --  Academy Winds had an action-packed April Tour to Minnesota, with eight performances in five days! The tour was complete with live TV, standing-room-only concerts and a groundbreaking collaborative performance at St Cloud State University. Minnesota spring weather was no match for this eclectic ensemble.

The tour began with a performance on KARE 11 TV in Minneapolis, reaching over 1 Million viewers on live TV and the web. In this first of two live television interviews, they highlighted the Air Force Academy mission. "The Air Force Academy is always looking for the best and brightest", said Technical Sergeant Alex Vieira, bassoonist and saxophonist with Academy Winds, "We're excited to be able to bring the Academy and Air Force messages to Minnesota."

Next was an exciting collaboration at St Cloud State University with band director Dr. Richard Hansen. Academy Winds brought their expertise to music majors with an inspirational chamber music coaching. After an exciting rehearsal, they performed a joint concert with the SCSU wind ensemble, where they were featured as soloists on a new piece written especially for the occasion. "Big Zona Mona Country", a combination of two tunes originally performed by Bela Fleck and the Fleck Tones, was expertly arranged by one of the Academy Band's arrangers, Technical Sergeant John Dawson. It highlighted the amazing technical facility and flexibility of the entire group. The concert was played to a packed house of 1000 in St Cloud State's Ritsche Auditorium. The grand finale included the Windfest festival band on stage - over 100 performers! It was truly a night to remember. As a result of the St. Cloud performance, Academy Winds has been invited to join the SCSU wind ensemble for another solo collaboration at the staging of the Olympics in London next year.

"Your performances were outstanding and your contributions immense", said Dr. Hansen. "This was a momentous, memorable time for us. We will never forget it!"

The group traveled on to Brainerd - home of the famous Paul Bunyan statue. The group's eclectic show was seen by another huge, enthusiastic crowd.

"It was an inspiring and entertaining evening with absolutely wonderful musicians. My husband commented that it was the best concert he had ever been to, and we go to a number of concerts every year. It was phenomenal!! You are to be commended for treating us to such a wonderful evening of entertainment. Thank you very much for bringing your musicians to our community." - Ms. Barbara Martin, Brainerd resident.

The final day of tour brought a fine taste of Minnesota weather - snow and chilly temperatures in the 20s. Academy Winds was not deterred, nor were the people of Coleraine, MN! The group performed an afternoon clinic for students of two high school bands in the area, followed by an evening public concert. Audience members were impressed by the variety and quality of music brought to the stage:

"We were astounded by the amount and quality of the music generated by the group", said Mr. Devin Dahline.

The tour was a huge success thanks to the hard work of each member of the group. "Academy Winds is an amazing group of multi-talented professionals", said Academy Winds flutist Technical Sergeant Julia Taylor. "I am proud to serve with each and every one of them!"