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Academy Band Tells Air Force Story in Nogales and Celebrates Barbier Legacy

  • Published
  • By Master Sergeant Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The United States Air Force Academy Band
Nogales High School Auditorium, Nogales, Arizona --  Your United States Air Force Academy Band performed here this afternoon, telling the Air Force story through a diversity of musical selections that spotlighted the excellence found throughout your United States Air Force. Included in the eclectic performance was the "Air Force Musicians Association March" written by retired Air Force Academy Band percussionist Bill Barbier. His son, Chief Master Sergeant Scott Barbier is performing with the band on this tour and will be retiring later this year after 30 years of service to his country.

The band's Educational Outreach program under the direction of Technical Sergeant Nancy Poffenbarger features young high school music students performing with the band. Selected to play with the band on Bill Barbier's "Air Force Musicians Association March" were Juan Gallegos on trumpet, Benjamin Iniguez on horn and Reyver Fontes on trombone from the Rio Rico High School Band under the direction of Allison Coyle. From the Nogales High School Band under the direction of James Cochran were student performers Manuel Armenta-Batt on baritone saxophone, German Larios on trumpet and Alan Ramirez, Nicholas Clark and Tim Medina all on trombone. "The students have been great on this tour, and it is great to see how much pride they have in their country and Air Force," said Sergeant Nancy Poffenbarger.

Following in a long blue line of Air Force Bandsmen tradition, 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.

Following the matinee concert, the percussion section from the band went out to celebrate the distinguished career of Chief Master Sergeant Scott Barbier. It was a grand evening with toasts, stories and great fellowship. Chief Barbier became a member of the United States Air Force Academy Band in 1981. At that time, he was serving along-side his father, noted percussionist Bill Barbier. Scott has performed with almost every group in the band.

As the stories were told, one theme remained constant. "I have always admired your relentless enthusiasm," said Technical Sergeant Tim Blake. "Ask Chief Barbier what was the best gig he ever played, and I guarantee it was always the last performance he did," added Technical Sergeant Tim Stombaugh. As I write this, I can tell you from my own personal perspective, that I have watched Chief Barbier approach every performance and every other aspect of the job for that matter, with the same enthusiasm as a young student performing for the first time. It truly is a gift that he possesses, and this energy is channeled into the entire percussion section. "I have loved every second of this job," said Chief Barbier. "Serving my country and telling the Air Force story through music has been a great honor. I am so fortunate, and I would do it all over again in a second. Thirty years has felt like thirty minutes."

It will be hard to imagine not having a Barbier in the United States Air Force Academy Band percussion section. However, Bill and Scott's legacy will live on and that overwhelming enthusiasm will stay with us forever. Thank you Bill and thank you Chief Scott for all you have brought to this band. May God bless both of you always.