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Top Flight Displays Versatility on Arizona Tour

  • Published
  • By SSgt Lenora Plotkin
  • 502ABW/MD
Phoenix, AZ --  One of the USAF Band of the West's most versatile musical groups is the popular music ensemble, Top Flight. Top Flight performs a wide variety of music for audiences ranging from elementary school students to military retirees. The band showcased its versatility during a 10 day tour of Arizona in March.

Top Flight spent the first day of the tour in Ajo, Arizona, performing at the Sonoran Shindig. The Sonoran Shindig is a yearly celebration of the desert town of Ajo featuring a nature festival, exhibits, programs, children's activities, vendors, food and music. Top Flight performed throughout the day for nearly 1000 exhibitors and festival attendees. This performance was part of a community outreach collaboration between the Band of the West and Luke Air Force Base Public Affairs.

One of the most important missions of Top Flight is student outreach and "Drug Free" performances. Top Flight often performs for students of all ages, playing popular songs of today and promoting a drug and alcohol free lifestyle. In the Phoenix area, Top Flight was able to perform at an elementary school, a middle school and at the Southwest Valley YMCA. In addition to performing favorites by Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, the group emphasized the need to stay away from drugs, because there might not be a second chance to do things right. The group also spoke to students about staying in school and not bullying.

Another important mission Top Flight assists with is Air Force Recruiting. While in the Phoenix area, Top Flight performed at the Desert Sky Mall and the Westgate Mall in support of local recruiting. In between musical sets, Air Force recruiters spoke to audience members of the benefits of joining the Air Force and where to obtain more information.

Top Flight concluded their tour with a performance at Luke Air Force Base for the 70 Years of Thunder Luke Days Open House and Air Show. The band performed the evening before the official start of the air show at an open house for community dignitaries, honorary commanders and other military and civilian guests who enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with air show performers.