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Academy Band Basks in Warm Texas Weather and Hospitality

  • Published
  • By MSgt Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The USAF Academy Band
Rosenberg, Texas --  Your United States Air Force Academy Band was awakened by much warmer weather this morning as they headed out to set up for today's concert here. The band performed to standing ovations as they continued their tour honoring the men and women of our armed forces, spotlighting the great diversity of our American culture and exemplifying the excellence found throughout the United States Air Force.

Tonight marked the band's last performance in the Houston area. They have enjoyed great hospitality and fantastic audiences every night. Tour Manager, Master Sergeant Noelle Little said, "I am very happy with the presence we have made in Houston and the outlying areas. With all of the media hits, the great crowds and the band's eclectic program, we were able to tell the Air Force story to everyone."

Technical Sergeant Nancy Poffenbarger, Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of the band's Educational Outreach program stated, "We were very fortunate to work with some great students in the Houston area. There are obviously some great school music programs out here, and I enjoy talking to the students about the myriad of careers in our United States Air Force."

Students selected to perform John Philip Sousa's "Daughters of Texas" march with the Air Force Academy Band were Tanner Scarlato and Chase Romere from the Lamar H.S. Band under the direction of Jason Levin, Joseph Flores and Lauren Chiba from Terry H.S. Band under the direction of Tim Taylor, and Robert Simpson and Campbelle Brown from Foster H.S. Band under the direction of Dave Terall.

One of the highlights of the evening was the duet, "The Flower Song" from Leo Delibes' opera "Lakme." Technical Sergeants Crissy Saalborn and Nancy Poffenbarger's rendition was nothing short of world class.

Other soloists included trumpeters Senior Master Sergeant Steven Kindermann and Master Sergeant Tim Allums. Performing Herbert L. Clarke's "The Carnival of Venice," they dazzled the crowd with a true "tour de force" of musicianship and technical prowess.

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 best 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. Tomorrow night will find the band at its first performance in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. "We are looking forward to telling the Air Force story every night," commented Lt Colonel Lang. "You can expect the same world class excellence that is found in every facet of your United States Air Force."