Academy Band's Fall Tour Concludes in Sun City

Published Oct. 26, 2010
By Master Sergeant Steven M. Przyzycki
The United States Air Force Academy Band

Sun Dial Auditorium, Sun City, Arizona -- Your United States Air Force Academy Band concluded its fall tour through Arizona here tonight performing for a packed house. Having been on the road for the past week and a half, the band uniquely told the Air Force story through a wide variety of musical selections that spotlighted the diversity and innovation found in every facet of our United States Air Force. Thousands of concert patrons turned out to honor our veterans and deployed troops, and to celebrate the band's ambassadorship of our Air Force through the universal language of music. "Guaranteeing success each night, was the band's incredible teamwork and world class playing," said producer Senior Master Sergeant Larry Hill.

"It has been an outstanding tour," said Commander Lieutenant Colonel Larry H. Lang. "The band played exceptionally well, and the crowds have been very enthusiastic and patriotic. It is an honor to represent the Air Force and Academy, and deliver the message of integrity, service and excellence across the nation."

"Behind the success of any of the band's tours is the tenet of teamwork," said Deputy Commander First Lieutenant Jason S. Plosch. "A lot of work went into this tour and it really made the difference."

First, kudos must be given to the Tour Manager, Technical Sergeant Sarah Stewart. She was unable to accompany the band on this tour as she has just welcomed an addition to her family with the birth of her daughter Mia. Congratulations to her and her husband Josh. "Sarah's attention to detail and all the hard work she did on the advance made for a very smooth tour," said Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Tours Master Sergeant Noelle Little. Noelle stepped in to handle all logistics with aplomb while Sarah was on maternity leave.

The Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Concert Band, Master Sergeant Tim Allums, took care of all the band's details while traveling and getting set-up each night. His attention to detail was paramount to the success of this tour.

Producers Senior Master Sergeant Larry Hill and Technical Sergeant Jeff Valentine along with our audio technician, Technical Sergeant Paul McWhirter, ensured a smooth flow for the show each night, and provided quality sound and lighting.

Master Sergeant Claudia Weir and her media shop along with the personnel of the band's Public Affairs shop created media hits and advertising to help get the word out to all the communities.

The band's Education Outreach program under the excellent direction of Technical Sergeant Nancy Poffenbarger offered young music students the experience of "sitting in" with the band. Performing on this final concert were Erik Jensen on trumpet, Drew Thomas on Tuba, Sierra Hoaglund on flute, and Kristi Boling and Cassie Schroader on clarinet. All of these students our members of the Valley Vista High School Band under the direction of Ryan Swearingen. Photos of the students were taken every night and placed on the band's web-site by Technical Sergaent Alex Vieira.

"The soloists on this tour were outstanding night after night," said Colonel Larry Lang. They included Senior Master Sergeants John Gohl on trombone, Steven Kindermann on trumpet, and Gary Stephens on horn, Master Sergeants Tim Allums on trumpet and vocals, Gary Poffenbarger on tuba,and Randy Ward on vocals, and Technical Sergeants Tim Blake on percussion, Stephen Brannen on guitar, Henrique DeAlmeida on drums, Todd Gustafson on piano, Nancy Poffenbarger on vocals, and Gerald Welker on vocals. Master Sergeant Karl Bradley led the band as Drum Major in performances of Henry Fillmore's "Americans We," and the the jazz band Falconaires under the musical direction of Master Sergeant Scott Crump was featured each night in the crowd pleasing "Celebrating Our Heritage" showcasing the music of legendary Air Force band leader Major Glenn Miller.

"The set-up, tear down and load crews were fantastic as usual,"said Producer Senior Master Sergeant Larry Hill. "They got the job done and made efficient use of our time." The band's Transportation Department ensured our safe travel each day and night while logging thousands of miles.

Our Commanders/Conductors led the exceptional playing of each and every member of the band so that the Air Force story could be delivered with absolute excellence.

Last but not least, we must thank all of the people who came out to hear us play. We thank you for your dedication to all of the men and women who are currently serving, and we are grateful for your honor to our veterans who have sacrificed so much to preserve our American way of life. The band will be recording music from this tour next week, Following the recording we will begin preparations for our Holiday Tour. Thank you for your commitment to our United States Air Force. We hope to see you at another concert soon.

Academy Band bids fond farewell to Chief Master Sergeant Scott Barbier