Musical Homecoming

Published Aug. 7, 2015
By Capt. Joseph Hansen

Lansdale, Pa. -- Chief Master Sgt. Deborah Volker led the Air Force Strings in a performance for her hometown of Lansdale, Pennsylvania on Thursday, Aug. 6. The concert was the first performance of the Air Force Strings in Lansdale since 2003.

Volker currently serves as the flight chief of the Air Force Strings, The U.S. Air Force Band's unique 20-member ensemble with over 60 years history performing for American audiences. Serving in the Air Force as a professional violinist for over 22 years, Volker deployed to the Middle East in 2009, and has performed personally for presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Over 500 people crammed into Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church to watch the group's free concert for the Lansdale community. The Air Force Strings opened the performance with five selections for string orchestra, concluding with Tchaikovsky's "Serenade for Strings." Then, Volker appeared center-stage to lead the ensemble in the strolling portion of the program, soliciting roaring applause and support from her hometown. She led the performers as they strolled the aisles, serenading audience members up close and evoking smiles from young and old. Selections ranged from Disney's "A Whole New World" to Charlie Daniels' "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." The Air Force Strings closed the concert with the songs of the U.S. Armed Services, while veterans and their families proudly stood to honor their fellow service members.

Describing her experience, Volker said, "It's always a pleasure to return home and share the music and talents of such a wonderful ensemble with family and friends - those that have supported me throughout my life."

The Air Force Strings are currently on an eight-day tour performing for communities from Maine to Virginia.

Chief Master Sgt. Deborah Volker leads the Air Force Strings during a performance in her hometown of Lansdale, Pa.