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AIM stays on target in New England

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jake McCray
WASHINGTON --  With the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants on their fall tour throughout New England, the AIM program (Advancing Innovation through Music) is still in full swing. Instrumentalists, vocalists and even our conductors have worked with local high school and college music programs, demonstrating their outstanding musical technique and addressing queries about The Air Force Band and military life.

Program coordinator Technical Sgt. Sara Wollmacher stated, "From working with the marching band students at Everett High School, to performing chamber music for the students at Central Connecticut State University, we have been able to positively impact students of varying levels and experiences. This tour has also given the AIM program a chance to expand our exposure to future and current music educators. [Commander and Conductor of The U.S. Air Force Band] Col. Lang spent some time discussing The Air Force Band's mission with future conductors from Central Connecticut State University, and a couple of days later our Singing Sergeants gave a special performance for 100 Albany area music educators."

On a typical AIM visit, Air Force Band members work with individual sections of the local school, focusing on proper technique, correct musical execution, posture, etc. Then, the groups combine as a whole in what we call a "side-by-side" rehearsal demonstration, where the students can hear how their exact music can be performed at a professional level. This format has proven to be extremely successful and we've received numerous accolades from our musical sponsors.

Col. Larry H. Lang had this to say about the AIM program: "Our AIM program has been an outstanding success at home in Washington, D.C., allowing us to reach over 40,000 students in the National Capital Region over the last two years with music clinics, side-by-side performances and rehearsals with school groups and professional music demonstrations. As we tour across the nation performing our community outreach mission, AIM fills a vital role in helping us connect the Air Force to our communities."

In addition to these clinics, the band and choir programs also perform with The Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants during the evening concert. Joining together with Band members to perform a march or the vocal selection, "God Bless America," gives them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform with professional musicians in front of their families and friends from their hometown.

All told, the AIM program has shared The U.S. Air Force Band's mission with 600 students and educators across four different states during this 2015 fall tour. And from the smiles on the students' faces, it's easy to see the impact of our musical coalition.