An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMultimediaNewsArticle Display

Academy Band Delivers Dose of Patriotism in Tucson

  • Published
  • By Master Sergeant Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The United States Air Force Academy Band
Centennial Hall, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona --  Your United States Air Force Academy Band played for a crowd of over one thousand people here tonight, telling the Air Force story through a diversity of musical selections that spotlighted the excellence found throughout your United States Air Force.

Before heading down the highway to Tucson, I had the honor to chat with concert patron Ms. Sunny Ott who had attended the concert the night prior in Coolidge. "Wow, you really delivered a dose of patriotism," she exclaimed. "It is exactly what these people needed...thank you so much for coming to Arizona, and thank you for your service."

Soon, the buses were rolling towards Tucson. The scenery out the window looked similar to what one might find in an old "Road-runner" cartoon or an old Clint Eastwood "Western." After a detailed set-up and sound check at Centennial Hall, and a quick dinner, the band was set to play.

Commander Lieutenant Colonel Larry H. Lang and Deputy Commander Jason S. Plosch led the band through a great variety of music that included several world premiers. "It is important for the band to play new works that musically describe the ever-changing facets of our Air Force," said Colonel Lang. "All of these new works depict the exhilaration felt by the Air Force Academy cadets as they study flight and aviation."

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. "Henrique is from Brazil...and the excellence and diversity of his playing is symbolic of the great depth of talent in our Air Force," said Technical Sergeant Tim Blake.

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. "I think the song symbolizes the love of country that we all possess," said Master Sergeant Ward.

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. Deputy Commander, First Lieutenant Jason Plosch said, "Stellar Brass plays the piece brilliantly. The agility of the group, and its ability to produce such world class sound "shapes" makes them perfect for this work as suggested by the title of the piece. It also parallels the ability of our Air Force's constant ingenuity, ever changing to meet the challenges of the future."

An audience favorite was Ron Goodwin's resounding anthem of aviation, "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines." This "slap-stick" rendition of the well know tune and several other musical surprises takes a humorous and joyful look at man's quest to fly.

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 the "Air Force Musicians Association March" were Allison August on oboe, Andrew Rhoades on clarinet and Tami Smith on flute. All three of these students are members of the Ironwood High School Band under the direction of Mark Hodge. "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.

The second half of the concert was extremely well received by the audience. It opened with a celebration to 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. He led the Falconaires Jazz Band and was featured on trombone. The band's vocalists were featured on several Big Band favorites as well, and Master Sergeant Tim Allums singing Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World" was a true climax for the audience.

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.