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2nd annual Collegiate Symposium kicks off

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Kaitlin Taylor
Washington, D.C. --  On February 27 and 28, The U.S. Air Force Band will have the fantastic opportunity to host and mentor 26 college students from across the nation as part of the 2nd annual Collegiate Symposium.

A key organizer of this event, saxophonist Technical Sgt. Ricky Parrell, describes the weekend's potential. "The 2016 Collegiate Symposium will impact students from all four corners of our country. We are reaching students from the great states of Washington and Texas and revered schools of music from San Francisco and Boston. These dedicated individuals will join the U.S. Air Force Band for an incredible weekend of learning, music making and Air Force culture."

The Symposium is part of the Band's Advancing Innovation through Music (AIM) program. Designed to build positive relationships with local and nationwide educational communities, the AIM program gives Band members the chance to work side by side with students of all ages, in small environments such as clinics and master classes, as well as in large scale assemblies. In 2015 alone, the AIM program reached nearly 23,000 school students in more than 113 events across 20 states and the District of Columbia.

The Collegiate Symposium will encompass a variety of events to propel musical growth and learning. On Saturday, Feb. 27, the students will arrive at historic Hangar 2 on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Throughout the day, the students will participate in clinics, masterclasses for their respective instruments and rehearsals with the Concert Band. The leader for these events is Col. Larry H. Lang, the commander and conductor of The U.S. Air Force Band. The day will conclude with a round-table discussion where students will have an opportunity to ask questions ranging from musical concepts to life in the military.

The weekend culminates in a joint public and live-streamed performance on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts in Bowie, Maryland. The concert will feature contemporary works by Gillingham, Waespi and Grantham, orchestral transcriptions including Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphoses and Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, and standards such as Grainger's Lincolnshire Posy. The concert is free and open to the public. The concert will also be live streamed at: http://www.usafband.af.mil/collegiatesymposium/index.asp

After attending the 2015 symposium, student trombonist Rachel Bani raved, "Thank you so much for allowing me this amazing opportunity! I had a wonderful time over the weekend getting to work with the Band and learn from such outstanding players." Thrilled with the experience, she said, "I can barely put into words how much this meant to me, and I will absolutely never forget the experience!"

We are anticipating an inspiring collaborative weekend, and hope to see you at the 2nd Annual Collegiate Symposium performance!