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Band of Flight and Dayton Philharmonic inspired audiences on Patriot Day

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Wendy Harvey
  • United States Air Force Band of Flight Public Affairs
24 Sep 2010 --  WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio - The Dayton community had the unique opportunity to hear a blending of two of the area's musical organizations, the United States Air Force Band of Flight and the Dayton Philharmonic, Sept. 11 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

As part of the museum's annual concert series, this Patriot Day concert was presented to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

Though the fifth joint concert, this was the first time the combined 90 musicians sat as one performing ensemble together on stage in the Modern Flight Gallery in a performance for more than 1,200 people.

According to 2nd Lt. Daniel W. Boothe, Band of Flight associate conductor, "it required extraordinary cooperation and creativity that resulted in a powerful and magical experience befitting of our Patriot Day message."

Months of intense planning over staging, audio equipment and music culminated in a two-and-a-half hour rehearsal the day prior which brought together these highly skilled musicians.

The program included a reflective commemoration of the events of Sept.11 that concluded with the dramatic selection "Bell of Freedom" by New York native Niel DePonte, which featured the Band of Flight's vocalists Master Sgt. Shawn Stanley and Tech. Sgt. Felita Rowe.

Band of Flight fan and Dayton Philharmonic subscriber Laurie Miller Sylvester attended the concert with 11 of her friends.

"The Patriot Day concert was particularly wonderful," Ms. Sylvester said. "[I was] thrilled by the music, instrumental and vocal."

The blending of civilian and military musicians was mirrored in the overall program performed. Lieutenant Boothe and Maestro Neal Gittleman, Dayton Philharmonic music director, included orchestral and band compositions enriched to accommodate the combined instrumentation.

"The programming and musical presentation of the Patriot Day concert helped us to remember the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the great sacrifices that have been made since then," said retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force director. "... Musical selections such as 'Towers of Light,' and 'Liberty for All,' spoke volumes about the strength and resiliency of our nation to unite and overcome any obstacles that stand in the way of freedom."

Dayton Philharmonic's participation was made possible by the support of Booz Allen Hamilton as well as Dayton Aerospace and Butt Construction Company.

"Booz Allen is proud to support this community in commemorating the lives that were lost that fateful day, and also to honor our country's ongoing commitment to freedom and to the men and women who are fighting for those freedoms today," said Rick Holley, Booz Allen Hamilton vice president.

If you missed this performance, the Band of Flight will present their annual holiday shows at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Though the concerts are free, tickets are required and will be available through the museum's Special Events Office beginning at 9 a.m. on Nov. 15. The office can be reached at (937) 255-5924.

For more information about upcoming performances by the United States Air Force Band of Flight and to sign up to receive the band's electronic newsletter, visit www.bandofflight.af.mil. The band also has a page on Facebook.