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Band of Flight presents "Old, New, and Forever Blue" Concert

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Becky Taylor
  • USAF Band of Flight Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight will unveil its new 14-member ensemble on April 6 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

While tickets for the event have been distributed, overflow seating will be provided in the museum's Carney Auditorium. There will be a live video feed of the concert shown on the screen in the auditorium.

A restructure plan for the U.S. Air Force band program was announced in 2012. That plan included a reorganization of the Band of Flight from 45 to 15 members. Even in a smaller form, the Band of Flight will continue to provide world-class musical products in support of ceremonial, morale, outreach, and recruiting initiatives of the U.S. Air Force.

"Many of our capabilities will remain unchanged," according to Band Manager Chief Master Sgt. Eric Strohecker. The Band Manager will become the senior ranking member of the sole musical unit in AFMC and will be responsible for all musical products, Airmen development, and operational responsibilities. "The greatest challenge will be the realignment of over 100 additional duties to the plates of only 15 members on top of our music rehearsals and performances. We have some exceptionally talented members though and I am confident they will find efficiencies and new methods to fulfill requirements."

The "Old, New, and Forever Blue" concert on April 6 will pay tribute to the history of the Band of Flight, as well as look ahead to the future. This concert will showcase the new 14-member ensemble. During the concert, the new group will break down into Systems Go rock band and Wright Brass quintet to highlight the capabilities of those groups as well.

The audience will hear many things they are used to hearing at a Band of Flight concert, but possibly presented in a new, exciting way. Selections will cover a broad spectrum of musical genres - classical to patriotic and rock to modern jazz.

Many of the vocal and instrumental pieces to be performed are arranged by members of the Band of Flight, to include percussionist Master Sgt. Tom Shriver, trombonist Staff Sgt. Andrew Duncan, and saxophonist Airman 1st Class Luis Rosa.

This program will be the final concert presented by the Band of Flight at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in 2013.

For more information about upcoming performances by the United States Air Force Band of Flight, visit www.bandofflight.af.mil and click the "Appearances" tab.

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For concert videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, check out the Band of Flight YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/bandofflight