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Academy Band Honors Long Blue Line in Scenic Sierra Vista

  • Published
  • By Master Sergeant Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The United States Air Force Academy Band
Buena Performing Arts Center, Sierra Vista, Arizona --  Your United States Air Force Academy Band performed for another full house here tonight. In the penultimate concert of the tour, the band was enthusiastically received by an audience comprised of many age groups. "The patriotism and support of our Air Force was great here tonight," said Master Sergeant Tim Allums, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Concert Band. "They seemed to enjoy everything we did, and there was a lot of energy coming from the audience." Commander and Conductor Lieutenant Colonel Larry H. Lang and Deputy Commander, First Lieutenant Jason S. Plosch led the band in a variety of musical numbers that spotlighted the diversity and excellence found throughout our United States Air Force.

The buses rolled out toward Sierra Vista early this morning. As the name of the town suggests, soon spectacular mountain views were in sight. However, as we travelled down Kolb Avenue, my attention to the mountain scenes was overshadowed by an even more awesome sight. As Davis-Monthan Air Force Base came into view, I was personally amazed at the sight of row after row of Air Force planes that had been "retired." I am not the least bit embarrassed to say that I got a lump in my throat. Each plane has a story, I thought. How many Air Force personnel had flown these planes? How many Airmen had maintained them? The planes became animate objects for me--each one had a life at one time in the "long blue line" of those who had served this great nation. I can only compare it to my visit to Arlington National Cemetery. I was looking at an "aviation bone-yard" of sorts, and there was something sacred about how all the planes were lined up row after row.

Davis-Monthan AFB trains for flying, maintaining and supporting the number one flying program within Air Combat Command. They provide combat forces to include A/OA - 10 close air support air craft for delivering decisive firepower in support of ground troops and to aid combat search and rescue forces. How honored I am to represent this great Air Force mission as well as the countless airmen who flew and maintained this spectacular collection of retired aircraft.

Nearby is the United States Army's Fort Huachuca, home of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Army Signal Command. This post also has every branch of service present on it and U.S. Border Control personnel. This is another fine example of the great work being done by the collaboration of joint services.

As the band performed, the show's "Airpower" theme was present throughout the night. Soloists for the evening included Technical Sergeant Todd Gustafson from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, performing "The Open Road" by John Moody. "The agility of Todd's playing on the piano is representative of the excellence found throughout the Air Force," said Senior Master Sergeant Mark Burditt.

Vocal soloist Technical Sergeant Nancy Poffenbarger was featured singing Craig Carnelia's "Flight" which was skillfully arranged for the band by our very own Technical Sergeant Ken Soper. The words to this song poignantly describe the exhilaration of the whole flight experience.

The Airpower theme was further accentuated with the world premiere performance of Julie Giroux's "The Speed of Heat" which describes flight from an Air Force fighter-pilot's perspective, and through the playing of Ron Goodwin's whimsical, aviation anthem "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines."

The band's Educational Outreach program featured high school students performing the "Air Force Musicians Association March" by Air Force Academy Band retired percussionist Bill Barbier. Performing with the band from the Buena High School Band under the direction of Dwayne Chun were Rachel Clemmer on trumpet, Nick Stokes on tuba, Caleb Westby on alto saxophone, Charles Murray on tenor saxophone and Tori Jurik on bass clarinet. Appearing with the Academy Band from the Marana High School Band under the direction of James Attebury was Devon Katzel on bass clarinet as well.

The second half of the concert opened with a celebration of our heritage and showcased the music of famous Air Force Band leader, Major Glenn Miller. Starring in the role of this legendary World War II band leader was the Commander of the Air Force Academy Band Lieutenant Colonel Larry H. Lang as he led the Falconaires Jazz Band and was featured on trombone. Appearing as World War II era vocal sensations "The Modernaires" were Master Sergeants Tim Allums and Randy Ward, and Technical Sergeants Nancy Poffenbarger and Gerald Welker. Sergeant Ward also made an appearance in the role of Frank Sinatra, and Sergeant Allums wowed the crowd as Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong.

As always, the concert concluded with a rousing, patriotic salute to our nation and those who serve. All veterans and their families were honored as the audience gave their approval with a standing ovation. As the band performed "An Honor to Serve," I couldn't help but think of all those retired planes I had seen earlier in the day--it truly is an honor to serve indeed. The band's tour will conclude tomorrow night in Sun City, Arizona.