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Academy Band Plays for Standing Room Only Crowd in Mesa, Arizona

  • Published
  • By Master Sergeant Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The United States Air Force Academy Band
Ikeda Theater at the Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, Arizona --  The standing room only crowd here was up on their feet offering a roaring ovation long before the last notes of the final number. Your United States Air Force Academy Band's "Airpower" tour is being received with great enthusiasm as it tells the Air Force story throughout the state of Arizona. Master Sergeant Karl Bradley said, "The audience seems to really like the variety of music on this concert...I think the show offers something for everyone, and the exuberance for the Air Force and the Academy has been overwhelming. We're having a great time."

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 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. Henrique is from Recife, Brazil. "His world class drumming really showcases the excellence through diversity that exists in our Air Force," said Sergeant Dawson. "The Academy and the Air Force attract the best of the best from not only the nation, but the entire world...it's what makes our Air Force the most powerful and lethal air force the world has ever known!"

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. "I am so proud to be an American, and to serve my country...it truly is an honor."

Featured on the world premiere of John Wasson's "Geometries" was Stellar Brass comprised of Senior Master Sergeants Steve Kindermann, John Gohl 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."

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 resounding anthem of aviation, "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines."

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 trombone with the band on the "Air Force Musicians Association March" was Riley Fitzgerald from the Verison Honors High School Band under the direction of Brian Murphy. Riley is also a member of the Youth Symphony of the Southwest under the direction of Stewart Kellogg.

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. Starring is 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, donning the same "pinks and greens" worn by Miller himself.

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. It was a patriotic night in Mesa, as the spirit of flight and pride in our Air Force was told through the emotional impact of music by your United States Air Force Academy Band. The band travels to Coolidge, Arizona, tomorrow to perform at Central Arizona College.