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Academy Band's Falconaires Dazzle Diverse Crowd in South Florida

  • Published
  • By First Lieutenant Jason S. Plosch
  • The United States Air Force Academy Band
Deerfield Beach, FL --  The weather was spectacular as your United States Air Force Academy Band's Falconaires Jazz Ensemble opened their spring tour here with a diverse program celebrating jazz heritage, and honoring our nation's veterans. They performed for a crowd of well over 3,000 that was comprised of veterans, school-age children, retirees, native Floridians and even a group of French Canadians who were on vacation. 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 Scott Crump, Non-commissioned Officer-in-Charge, 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 "Deixa Falar," which in Portuguese means "don't let the small talk bother you," was composed by Falconaires' drummer, Technical Sergeant Henrique de Almeida (a native of Brazil).

Other inspiring tunes included the very seasonal "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," which featured the band's saxophone section. "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," featured Master Sergeant Randy Schneider on trombone, and a true crowd pleaser was the always popular "Glenn Miller Medley," featuring this American icon's popular tunes 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 "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and her heartfelt tribute to our nation's veterans, a medley of all the Armed Service Songs.

Another favorite of the audience was a piece called "The Warriors." "We love dedicating the tune to our service men and women ... who defend our freedom and way of life every day, and make this concert possible," said Master Sergeant Scott Crump. "It's a great way to musically tell the Air Force story without having to say a word," added Technical Sergeant Ricky Sweum.

A steady stream of patrons visited with the band immediately following the concert. Many concert goers discussed being a part of an Air Force band dating back to the Korean and Vietnam Wars. One interesting story was about a retired Air Force Colonel who had served as a navigator and Public Affairs Officer. His son was on hand to tell the band that while in charge of Public Affairs Los Angeles, Col Donald E. Burggrabe coined the Air Force motto, "A Great Way of Life." A few members of the band gave impromptu clinics for a few school-age students that flocked the stage at the end of the evening.

The Falconaires continue concerts in southern Florida for the rest of the week including performances in Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Belle Glade. 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.