The CD project titled "Flag of Stars" commenced in the summer of 2010 in the town of Oxnard Ca. The two Air National Guard Bands of California combined to record music by foreign composers capturing their vision of the grandeur and optimism of the United Sates of America.

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Major Eric Patterson conducts recording session

Major Eric Patterson of the 562nd Air Force Band conducts during the recording session for "Flag of Stars" in July 2010. Photo by SrA Rich Smith

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562 and 561 Air Force Bands combine to record "Flag of Stars"

The combined Air National Guard Bands of California rehearse and record in Oxnard CA. The CD titiled "Flag of Stars" captures the optimism and grandeur of the United Stated through the music of foreign composers. Photo by SrA Rich Smith

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Captain Nguyen conducts Recording Session

Captain Vu Nguyen, Commander of the 561ts Air Firce Band, conducts during a recording session for "Flag of Stars" with the combined Air National Guard bands of California. Photo by SrA Rich Smith

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Major Michael Willen works behind the scenes as recording producer.

Major Micheal Willen, Commander of the Air Force Band of the Pacific, works behind the scenes as producer for the "Flag of Stars" recording project. A truely collaborative effort between the Air National Guard and Air Force Bands.

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TSgt Daniel Plaster performs an original arrangment by SSgt Brian Hollett

After completing the recording seesions for "Flag of Stars" the two Air National Guard Bands of Calfornia performed the music at Pacifica High School, Oxnard CA for a debut public performance. TSgt Daniel Plaster, an Operatic Tenor, performs an original arrangment of "Ch'ella Mi Creda Libero Lontano" by SSgt Brian Hollett - truly unique element of the 562 Air Force Band.

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Air National Guard Bands of California perform on Oxnard California

SMSgt Jurgen Schwarze and MSgt Susan Kanim fo the 562nd Air Force Band perform next to new recruit Karmen Suter. A few weeks after the recording session and concert she left for Boot Camp and is currently serving as one of our newest members.

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The 562nd and 561st Air National Guard Bands perform in July 2010

Under the Direction of Major Eric Patterson, the 562nd and 561st Air Force Bands play a combined concert in Oxnard Califonia. July 2010 Photo by MSgt Dave Buttner

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Air National Guard Bands of California Perform in San Diego

After completing the recording session and concert, the two California Air National Guard Bands headed down the California Coast to San Diego and performed for receptive audiences.

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Three Band Commanders behind CD project "Flag of Stars"

From left to right: Capt Vu Nguyen - Commander, Air National Guard Band of the West Coast; Major Eric Patterson - Commander, Air National Guard Band of the Southwest; Major Michael Willen - Commander, Air Force Band of the Pacific July 10, 2010 Photo by MSgt Dave Buttner

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TSgt Frank Graves belts out "America the Beautiful"

Retired TSgt Frank Graves brings down the house in Oxnard California as he belts out "America the Beautiful" July 10, 2010 Photo by MSgt Dave Buttner

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French horns from the Air National Guard Band of Califonia

French horns from the 562nd Air National Guard Band of the Southwest and 561st Air National Guard band of the West Coast perform during a combined concert. Music from the recently recorded CD project "F'ag of Stars" was performed for the public in Oxnard California. 10 July 2010 Photo by MSgt Dave Buttner

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The Air National Guard Bands of California Combine for Recording Project and Concert Tour

Published Sept. 11, 2011
By MSgt Gerald Lockwood
562 Air Force Band

July 2010 -- In July 2010, the 562 Air Force band along with the 561 Air Force Band combined into a single wing symphony to begin recording "Flag of Stars". The ensemble recorded a series of musical works by foreign composers who where inspired by the spirit, optimism, and grandeur of the New World.

Following the recording session, the two Air National Guard Bands of California performed these works for a free public concert in Oxnard California before heading down the Coast to San Diego to complete the summer 2010 tour events.The recording is expected to be released in Spring 2011

Major Eric Patterson conducts recording session

562 and 561 Air Force Bands combine to record "Flag of Stars"

Captain Nguyen conducts Recording Session

Major Michael Willen works behind the scenes as recording producer.

TSgt Daniel Plaster performs an original arrangment by SSgt Brian Hollett

Air National Guard Bands of California perform on Oxnard California

The 562nd and 561st Air National Guard Bands perform in July 2010

Air National Guard Bands of California Perform in San Diego

Three Band Commanders behind CD project "Flag of Stars"

TSgt Frank Graves belts out "America the Beautiful"

French horns from the Air National Guard Band of Califonia