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Academy Band Plays for Packed House in Sahuarita

  • Published
  • By Master Sergeant Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The United States Air Force Academy Band
Sahuarita High School Auditorium, Sahuarita, Arizona --  Your United States Air Force Academy Band performed for a full house here tonight, presenting an eclectic program of musical selections that celebrated the diversity and excellence found throughout our Air Force. The performance spotlighted the great depth of talent found throughout the band, and served to honor our veterans and deployed troops fighting over seas. The concert which was themed "Airpower," also included selections that illustrated the exhilaration experienced by man in his quest to fly.

Before the concert, the Sahuarita local Air Force recruiter, Technical Sergeant Javon Pharms spoke to several band members about the importance of their visit. "I salute all of you," he said. "This really makes a difference and helps me with my recruiting efforts. Sometimes students and their parents and families only see the uniform...tonight they get to see another side of the Air Force. It is a great ice-breaker."

The show's "Airpower" theme was illustrated early as the concert opened with Jack Stamp's vigorous "Cloudsplitter Fanfare." "This energetic composition vividly portrays the exhilaration and delight experienced by our Air Force pilots feel as they soar through the clouds, to protect and defend our great nation," said producer, Senior Master Sergeant Larry Hill.

The evening featured a number of soloists. Pat Metheny's "The Gathering Sky" arranged for the band by Technical Sergeant John Dawson featured Technical Sergeant Stephen Brannen on guitar and Technical Sergeant Henrique DeAlmeida on drums. "These two outstanding musicians display the great talent found in this band, and it exemplifies the excellence found throughout our Air Force," said Technical Sergeant Ryan Janus.
Vocal Soloist Master Sergeant Randy Ward was featured singing the Anthem from "Chess." This audience favorite poignantly narrates a young Russian chess player's love and dedication to his country.

Featured on the world premiere of John Wasson's "Geometries" was Stellar Brass comprised of Senior Master Sergeants John Gohl, Steve Kindermann and Gary Stephens, Master Sergeants Tim Allums and Gary Poffenbarger and Technical Sergeant Tim Blake. "The piece is really growing on me as we perform it on tour," said Senior Master Sergeant Steven Kindermann. "The crowd is responding very favorably to it each night."

Ron Goodwin's resounding anthem of aviation, "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines" was another audience favorite. This "slapstick" musical number takes a whimsical look at man's quest to fly.

The band's Educational Outreach program under the direction of Technical Sergeant Nancy Poffenbarger features young music students performing with the band. Selected to play the Air Force Musicians Association March" were Brian Kellermeyer on horn, Tiffany Guillen on flute and Lanisa Dietrich on clarinet from the Anza Trail Middle School Band under the direction of Lou Rodriguez. From the Suhuarita Middle School Band under the direction of Erin Blass were Gabriella Mantica on clarinet and Stefany Paredes on trombone.

The second half of the concert opened with a celebration to our heritage and showcased the music of famous Air Force Band leader, Major Glenn Miller. This segment was a big hit with the audience, as Commander and Conductor Lieutenant Colonel Larry H. Lang recognized a local World War II veteran in the audience. Standing for a well deserved standing ovation was Colonel Herbert F. Engender who served as a member of the 91st Bomb Group in the 8th Air Force. He was forced to bail out of a B-17 as young bomber over Germany. His service included two years as a Prisoner of War. "It is so important for us to recognize these national heroes," said Lieutenant Colonel Lang. "They are part of a great generation that helped shape this country and we owe them so much. Their legacy, just like the music of Glenn Miller from that era, will live on forever."

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. "What a great patriotic night," said a concert patron after the show, "and how nice to see so many different age groups in attendance tonight." It was a great night in Sahuarita indeed. Tomorrow the band will perform in Sierra Vista, Arizona.