Academy Band Celebrates America in Henderson, Kentucky Published March 14, 2009 By SMSgt Larry Hill The USAF Academy Band Henderson, KY -- The Academy Band appeared in Henderson, KY Saturday night in a presentation of "Celebrate America!" The full house audience was treated to TSgt John Dawson's exciting alto saxophone performance of "Celebrating Bird", a tribute to the music of Charlie 'Bird' Parker. The first half of the concert also featured an outstanding performance of "Fanfare for the Common Man" by the brass and percussion sections. Student musicians from Henderson County High School performed with the band on "Emblem of Freedom" by Karl King. Students performing were Brad Davis, Drew Jones, Sarah Beth Ewing, Christopher Meriwether, Brandon Burke, Mae Mosley, Daniel Fernandez and Clinton Berry. They are all members of the HCHS Band under the direction of Steven Page. TSgt Crissy Saalborn once again presented an exciting rendition of "America the Beautiful" to close the first half to a standing ovation. The second half opened with Henderson native MSgt Gene Montgomery narrating "Liberty Fanfare." This was the first time MSgt Montgomery has appeared with the Concert Band in Henderson. The concert closed with a powerful performance of "For Freedom" featuring TSgt Julie Bradley and MSgt Jerome Oddo. The Band will perform this afternoon in Murray, KY at MSgt Montgomery's alma mater, Murray State University. Monday night the band will perform at Liberty High School in Jackson, TN.