An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMultimediaNewsArticle Display

Air Force Academy Band's Blue Steel Tells Air Force Story through Collaboration with Local Youth Symphonies

  • Published
  • By MSgt Steven M. Przyzycki
  • The USAF Academy Band
Colorado Springs, CO --  The United States Air Force Academy Band's pop/rock ensemble Blue Steel has always set out to do the unexpected--to perform high energy impact shows that challenge all preconceptions and not only leave the audience on their feet, but give them the chance to hear something new. For the first time in the history of the Academy Band, Blue Steel will join forces with local youth symphonies comprised of some of the brightest students across America. Together, they will blend a variety of musical genres from Bach to Rock to better salute our United States Air Force, honor our veterans and celebrate our country's freedom and way of life. Blue Steel's keyboard player and Tour Manager, Technical Sergeant Andrew Benton said the idea came to him as he concentrated one afternoon on ways to combine community service, educational outreach and inspiration through world class music. "The idea was right there," he exclaimed. "Classical music has been combined with pop/rock music many times before, and all of the members of Blue Steel are well versed in classical and all styles of music. We love to work with young musicians, and communities have so much pride in their youth symphonies--the same kind of pride that is found throughout our United States Air Force. The idea just made sense, and musically it is going to be a blast." Blue Steel is no stranger to working with America's youth. They have performed at the Harlem Children's Zone in New York City, for ROTC programs and at grade schools and high schools across the country. Their community outreach concerts have included appearances at the New York City Fire Department, Veterans Association hospitals across America and at national sporting events such as Colorado Rockies baseball games and New York Jets and New York Giants football games. They have appeared on Fox and Friends and on other numerous national television broadcasts. The group has also deployed to Southwest Asia and the horn of Africa to perform for troops and in local communities in support of U.S. Government relations. "I have always known that our music is an invaluable vehicle in telling the Air Force story especially when it's being offered to students--it's priceless." explained lead vocalist Technical Sergeant Victoria Bruyette. "Music is such a great medium to instill patriotism in these young people and the audience as well," she added. Blue Steel will perform with the Akron Youth Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, October 31, 2009 in Cleveland Ohio, with the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, January 30, 2010 in Pasadena California and with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs. Concert patrons can expect to hear an extremely exciting show that will rock them to the core. Expect something new and extraordinary. Blue Steel's collaborations with youth symphonies in these fortunate communities will honor civic leaders and veterans. They will leave a vivid memory that will linger in the hearts and minds of the young musicians, and they will leave a lasting impression on the community. Behind the music will be an important message, and that message will be that a great leader in America can come from anywhere, and more often than not, from your very own community.