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Personal Thoughts from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

  • Published
  • By MSgt Steve Przyzycki
  • The USAF Academy Band
Stroudsburg, PA --  As The United States Air Force Academy Band travels across the country some of my greatest rewards come from our educational outreach programs. Telling the Air Force story to our nation's youth offers a unique opportunity that is second to none and more than just a military obligation. It is the chance of a lifetime. It is not customary for me to put my own personal feelings into a news article, but this time I just can't help myself. Friday, October 10th's concert took place at Sherman Theater in downtown Stroudsburg, PA. I had a chance to talk with the six students that performed Fred Jewel's "Quality Plus March" with the band. Every now and then I get a comment from a student that makes me stop and give thanks for my job. A comment that humbles me and makes me realize that what I do has importance in this great Air Force--the greatest air and space force on the planet. This was the case when I heard what bass clarinetist Alexandra Nyman had to say when I asked her what it was like to play with The USAF Academy Band. Alexandra, a senior at East Stroudsburg North High School, looked at me with the aspiring eyes of the future band director that she plans to be and said, "This was a once in a lifetime experience. It was awesome. I thank the band for its service to our country. You guys are great. You represent the United States Air Force so well and you make me proud...thank you for your service. I will always remember this experience." I realized at this moment that our music transcends more than just sonorous landscapes--it offers pride, hope and gratitude to all generations, the most precious of those being our youth. I stared back at Ms. Alexandra Nyman and I said, "Thank you Alexandra." I have known this kind of humility only a few times before. The first time was at a performance at a VA hospital. As I thanked veterans for their service noticing missing limbs and frustrated minds, I was overcome with a sense of humility that made me ashamed to be alive. My gratitude was all I had to offer. I would like to thank you Alexandra for bringing me back--for making me realize that I should always see the value in representing the greatest Air Force on the planet and not getting caught up with the everyday banalities and frustrations that sometimes accompany life on the road.

Other musicians performing were Peter Cason on Tenor Sax, Jake Rickards on Tuba, Ian Detrick on String Bass, Rachel Miller on clarinet and Michael Battipaglia on trumpet.
Christopher Ritter and Paul Backner are the band directors at Stroudsburg area high schools. I am most grateful for their performance and for their support of our United States Air Force.