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Confluence of Culture Merges in Twin Falls at USAF Academy Band Concert

  • Published
  • By MSgt Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The USAF Academy Band
Twin Falls, ID --  Your United States Air Force Academy Band performed for a full house here tonight at the College of Southern Idaho Fine Arts Center. Musical selections illustrated the cosmopolitan society of America including the Russian-tinged "Slava!" by Leonard Bernstein, Alfred Reed's "Armenian Dances" and the "French National Defile March" by Andre Turlet. Technical Sergeant Tim Blake was the evening's featured soloist, dazzling the crowd on marimba in his performance of French composer Camile Saint-Saens' "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso." Originally written for violin, the Spanish melodies and rhythms employed in this piece make it a true musical "tour de force" for the marimba. The Band also featured students from local area schools performing the "French National Defile March." Appearing with the band were Kurt Richards from the College of Southern Idaho, Piper Symington from the College of Idaho, Ken Marshall from Buhl H.S., Hailey Peterson from Filer H.S., Ammon Anderson and Joe Stewart both from Minico H.S. Technical Sergeant Nancy Poffenbarger, vocalist with the band, runs the Academy Band's Educational Outreach Program. "This is always a memorable experience for the students and the audience," she said. "I enjoy the exuberant attitudes the students have--they really enjoy the experience."

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. Patriotic numbers closed out the evening which was a true celebration of the rich culture in America.