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Air Force Academy Band Brings Spirit of the Season to Fort Morgan

  • Published
  • By MSgt Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The USAF Academy Band
Fort Morgan, CO --  Your United States Air Force Academy Band played for a full house tonight at the Fort Morgan High School Glen Miller Auditorium. Presenting a diverse program that capitalized on traditional Holiday favorites and unique, fresh arrangements, the band dazzled audience members of all ages.

It has been said that the Holiday Season always brings a sense of magic and mystery to our lives when it arrives. The season actually encompasses over 60 holidays from various ethnic and religious traditions, many of which date back thousands of years. Most of these observances occur in close proximity to the shortest day of the year--the Winter Solstice. Consequently, they originated as festivals of light celebrating the return of light and its victory over darkness.

Perhaps then, the Holiday Season is mainly about light, hope and relationships. For many, it is about the love and destiny of a newborn child--our Savior. Others celebrate Hanukah or Kwanzaa. Regardless, the Holiday Season is most about our relationships. It is about traditions and customs that bond us together, and make us reflect on our thoughts, actions and those whom we care about the most.

Through the emotional impact of music, we are reminded to appreciate and reconnect with the people who love us, and who have influenced our lives. The Holiday Season becomes a time to become renewed and enlightened--a time to forgive and forget.

The band's performance reminded us of all of these things. Featured throughout the performance were the Academy Band Vocalists and Colorado Springs' choral ensemble Abendmusik under the direction of Rob Ryder.

Under the musical direction of Second Lieutenant Jason Plosch, the band was featured in selections from the blockbuster movies "Home Alone II" and "The Polar Express." The evening included a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the band's premier jazz ensemble The Falconaires played a special Glen Miller tribute to honor the occasion of playing at this legendary Air Force bandleader's high school alma mater.

The Air Force Academy Band will perform two shows in Greeley at the Union Colony Civic Center on Monday, December 7th, and they will perform at the Pueblo State fairgrounds on Thursday, December 10th. Monday and Tuesday, December 14th and 15th, the band will perform for the hometown crowd at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs.

On behalf of the band, I hope this Holiday Season is magical for you and your family as well. I hope that it reenergizes you, and reminds you of what is most important. Please take time to remember the men and women fighting for our freedom who will not be able to be with family this season. We owe them all a great amount of gratitude. May God bless all of you this Holiday Season, and may God Bless America.