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USAF Academy Band to host 1st annual Academy Jazz Festival

  • Published
  • By SMSgt Larry Hill
  • USAF Academy Band
Colorado Springs --  The USAF Academy is hosting the first annual USAF Academy Jazz Festival at Arnold Hall on Saturday, April 19. The day will begin with adjudicated performances by eight southern Colorado high school and middle school bands. The schedule for these performances is:

  • 8:30 Wasson , dir. Joe Hansen
  • 9:30 Coronado , dir. Alan Combs
  • 10:00 Harrison HS, dir. Jason Emory
  • 10:30 Palmer HS, dir. Frank Meacham
  • 11:00 Mesa Ridge HS, dir. Phil Olivas
  • 11:30 Sand Creek HS , dir. Ray Bell
  • 12:30 Pueblo HS, dir. Mark Emery
  • 1:00 Jenkins Middle School, dir. Brian Usher

Jenkins Middle School Jazz Band recently performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the largest school band and orchestra festival in the nation. Their director, Brian Usher, is retiring and this will be one of his last performances with District 11.

This exciting day of Jazz and education will culminate with a 7:00 p.m. performance by the USAF Academy Band's Falconaires and special guest, Ann Hampton Callaway. The Falconaires are one of the greatest Jazz bands in the United States and tour throughout the country. Ann Hampton Callaway, the star of the hit Broadway musical "Swing" is one of the finest singer/songwriters of our time. She has performed with the Boston Pops and has been featured in performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. This is a truly rare opportunity to hear such an exciting, diverse entertainer in a free concert. All events are at Arnold on the beautiful campus of The United States Air Force Academy.

Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. concert are free and available at all Colorado Springs area Ticketmaster outlets. Free parking is available in the visitor parking lots west of Arnold Hall.