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Academy Band Celebrates American Culture in Ogden, Utah

  • Published
  • By MSgt Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The USAF Academy Band
PEERY'S EGYPTIAN THEATER IN OGDEN UTAH --  Originally built as a Fox Movie Palace in 1924, the elaborate Peery's Egyptian Theater decorated with Egyptian style murals and mosaics was the perfect setting for your United States Air Force Academy Band's Sunday matinee concert. Lieutenant Jason S. Plosch led the band in front of a packed house in a program that celebrated America's rich society comprised of many cultures. Technical Sergeant Tim Blake wowed the crowd again, performing French composer Camile Saint-Saens' Spanish-tinged "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso." Originally written for violin, this piece is a real "tour de force" when performed in this arrangement for marimba and band.

The Band also featured students from local high schools performing the "French National Defile March." Appearing with the band were Justin Buttars and Lauren Goddard from Freemont H.S., Avery Weloth from Weber H.S. and Jeffrey Hadfield, Keri Hunter, Tami Hunter and Melinda Kent from Box Elder H.S. All students are members of the Lincoln Youth Symphony coordinated by Julie Gardner. The band's Educational Outreach Program offers students the unique opportunity to perform with a world-class premier band and is led by vocalist, Technical Sergeant Nancy Poffenbarger.

Following intermission, "The Dames of Broadway" featured Academy Band vocalists and instrumentalists in an exciting, choreographed performance of Broadway favorites from the 1940s to today. As always, patriotic numbers closed out the evening in a salute to our Veterans that made the sacrifices to preserve our rich culture and way of life in America. This tour has been memorable for many reasons and everything has run very smoothly. Much credit can be given to the band's Tour Manager, Technical Sergeant Sarah Stewart. Her attention to detail and handling of all logistics with aplomb has guaranteed yet another successful telling of the Air Force story by your United States Air Force Academy Band.