"Band Day" in North Babylon, NY Published May 27, 2009 By SrA Mike Mannella Band of Liberty North Babylon, NY -- On May 8th, the Band of Liberty descended upon the North Babylon school district as special guest artists for the district's first ever "Band Day". This day was filled with clinics for over 600 children, from the elementary band program thru high school, culminating in a concert by the Band of Liberty Concert Band. The over 600 students were split into 3 different groups and were treated to clinics by the Colonial Brass, Mach 4 (our newest small group of four trombones), and the bands commander, Captain David A. Alpar. While, it is exciting for the students to perform for the members of the Air Force Band, many of the students expressed that listening to the smaller groups gave them a new perspective on music making and that it had inspired them to work harder, seek out concerts and to better themselves through private instruction and more diligent practice methods. The clinicians also fielded questions from the eager young musicians and gave them the answers to questions ranging from how much they practice to how to join the Air Force. Clinics like these are vital to the bands mission as it helps to display the depth of musicianship and professionalism the Air Force men and women possess as well as help the air force reach a new audience that can greater appreciate and understand the greater air force mission. At the end of this wonderful day of clinics and concerts, both the members of The Band of Liberty and the students and teachers of North Bablyon both agreed that this will not be a one time affair, but the beginning of a wonderful partnership through education.