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Academy Band Ends Fall Tour in Woburn

  • Published
  • By MSgt Steven Przyzycki
  • The USAF Academy Band
The United States Air Force Academy Band closed out its fall tour with a final concert performed for a full house on October 14, 2008 at Woburn High School in Woburn, Massachusetts. Joining the band on stage were students from the high school's band under the musical direction of Band Director Mr. John Tully. Performing on flute were Colleen Clark and Julianne Johnson, Christina Freitas on clarinet, David Bourne on trumpet and Nathan Rohr on percussion. Technical Sergeant Nancy Poffenbarger, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the band's Educational Outreach program said, "We have been fortunate to have outstanding students perform with us every night on this tour. These kids represent the best of the best among high school musicians throughout the country. They take great pride in their performance, and they are honored to get an opportunity to support their United States Air Force. I enjoy working with the students and telling the Air Force story to these folks that hold the key to our nation's future."

Woburn, MA is right in the backyard of The USAF Band of Liberty's home at Hanscom Air Force Base. The Band of Liberty was the Academy Band's Commander Lt Col Larry H. Lang's last duty assignment before moving to Colorado Springs. Many of the Band of Liberty's musicians were on hand to greet their former commander and enjoy the performance. On a personal note, it was great for me to finally shake Senior Master Sergeant Stanley Holland's hand. He is the regional band superintendent for the Band of Liberty. I have corresponded with him in the past via the telephone and e-mail. What a class act! I'm proud to serve with this man and all the great men and women that comprise our Air Force.

Our country is experiencing some trying times right now, and amidst the economic and political uncertainty that perplexes our everyday lives, it is natural to gravitate to faithful reassurances that we can depend on. I saw this happen every night that the band was on tour. Patriotic New Englanders came out in droves and expressed overwhelming gratitude for their unwavering and always triumphant United States Air Force. It was a grand tour. I salute the Tour Manager Technical Sergeant Sarah Stewart. She handled all logistics with grace, ensuring the band's unique ability to tell the Air Force story with ease!