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Academy Band Sunday Matinee Dishes Up American Culture

  • Published
  • By MSgt Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The USAF Academy Band
McKinney, Texas --  Your United States Air Force Academy Band continued its "American Portraits" tour this afternoon in this city just outside of Dallas. The warm weather, energetic audience, and eclectic program honoring the diversity of the fine men and women in our United States Air Force provided for a memorable afternoon.

The band's tour has proven to be a great success. Concert patrons have expressed favor for the varied program and the stirring patriotism invoked each night. "It is really great to see the arts thriving so vibrantly in these communities," said percussionist Technical Sergeant Tim Blake. "The people respond so well to the emotional impact of the music, and they have so much pride in our armed forces ... that's really great to see," he added.

Once again, the band's Educational Outreach Program spotlighted students from local high schools. Trumpeter Technical Sergeant Marcell Marchetti said,"This is a great opportunity for these kids, but not just from the perspective of music education. These students also learn a bit about commitment, responsibility and service. They get to see 'first hand' the dedication to service that makes our United States Air Force the greatest air force in the world."

Students selected to perform John Philip Sousa's "Daughters of Texas" march with the band were Jeffrey Smith and Laith Alkarmi from McKinney Boyd High School Band under the direction of Mr. Joe Nunez, Zachary Dalaney and Kate Lutek from McKinney High School Band under the direction of Mr. Ken Ringel and Samantha Crump and Sara O'Brien from McKinney North High School Band under the direction of Mr. Alan Harkey.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was Technical Sergeant Alex Vieira's superb reading of a tribute to veterans and our National Anthem that accompanied Texas native composer John Gibson's "American Anthem." The piece was written in the aftermath of the tragedies of September 11, 2001 and illustrates how the National Anthem took on new meaning for the composer when he heard it the first time after that day.

The band's featured soloist for the afternoon was Master Sergeant Karl Bradley. Performing the classic euphonium solo "All Those Endearing Young Charms," he impressed the audience with outstanding musicianship and technical prowess. Vocal soloists Technical Sergeants Nancy Pofenbarger and Crissy Saalborn's duet "The Flower Song" from Leo Delibes' opera "Lakme" was nothing short of stunning. On a personal note, I am humbled every time I hear them sing. Their sense of phrasing, direction of line and intonation are world class. What a treat it is to listen to them.

Lieutenant Colonel Larry H. Lang is conducting the band on his first tour since his deployment as Officer in Charge of the Air Forces Central Command Band in Southwest Asia. He has led the band with aplomb through a diverse and challenging program that exemplifies the excellence found throughout your United States Air Force. He led the band in a second half that showcased the talents of the Academy Band singers through a rousing production entitled "The Dames of Broadway." Famous songs and dance numbers from the most famous musicals to ever appear in the theater were presented to the crowd's delight. The concert concluded with a salute to our veterans and the fine young men and women serving throughout our military today. The band's final tour on this performance is tomorrow night in Fort Worth, Texas at Bass Performance Hall.