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A Return Home for One of Academy Band's Finest

  • Published
  • By MSgt Steven Przyzycki
  • The USAF Academy Band
Richardson, Texas --  Your United States Air Force Academy Band continued its "American Portraits" tour tonight at Richardson H.S. -the alma mater of trumpet soloist, Senior Master Sergeant Steven Kindermann. Sergeant Kindermann graduated from Richardson High back in 1982. He was greeted by his old band director, Mr. Scott Taylor who still holds that position today. The band performed for a full house, receiving standing ovations for their diverse program that honors the men and women of our armed forces and exemplifies the excellence found throughout the United states Air Force.

"It is really great to be back home," stated Sergeant Kindermann. "Telling the Air Force story through the emotional impact of music in my own hometown is really something special." Indeed it was, as Senior Master Sergeant Kindermann and Master Sergeant Tim Allums teamed up to perform a dynamic trumpet duet arrangement of, "The Carnival of Venice," by Herbert L. Clarke. Their flawless display of technical prowess and agility, along with superb musicianship brought the audience to its feet. It was one of those rare musical moments that will linger in one's memory forever.

The band's Educational Outreach Program afforded students from local high schools the opportunity to perform with the band on John Philip Sousa's "Daughters of Texas" march. Students selected to perform were Andrew Fuerst and Nathan Seymour from Richardson H.S. Band under the direction of Mr. Scott Taylor, Garrett Lindholm from Berkner H.S. Band under the direction of Mr. Frank Troyka, Emily Still from Lake Highlands H.S. Band under the direction of Mr. Jeff Bradford, and Andrew Winker from Hebron H.S. Band under the direction of Mr. Andy Sealy.

"This is great for these young students to get this opportunity," said Sergeant Kindermann. "Andrew Fuerst from Richardson High School will be attending the Air Force Academy in September and that's fantastic. I love talking to young kids about their futures and the possibilities of a career in our Air Force, and the importance and honor behind serving our country. Being able to express all of that in music is even better--it is a more powerful form of communication that touches a person's heart."

One of the highlights of the evening 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.
A true crowd favorite was the classic "Molly on the Shore" by Percy Grainger--a great display of technical prowess from the band's superb woodwind section. Special guest conductor for this selection was Richardson H.S. Band Director Scott Taylor. How fitting to see both him and Sergeant Steve Kindermann on the same stage.

Although I tend not to add personal notes to journalistic reporting, I would like to ask your tolerance for the addition of my own thoughts. Senior Master Sergeant Steven Kindermann has been a supervisor and mentor to me for quite some time now. I have worked for him in the band's operations department and I served under his musical leadership while I was a member of Stellar Brass. It was an honor to be with him on stage tonight. The professionalism that he possesses in his musical ability is transcended into everything else he does. He is a class act, and I am proud to have him as a friend. How lucky we are to have him as an ambassador for our United States Air Force.

Lieutenant Colonel Larry H. Lang 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 played "America the Beautiful" as a final encore. It certainly was a beautiful night in Richardson, Texas!