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Band AIM program named "Community Partner of the Year"

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bryce Bunner
Washington, D.C. --  The U.S. Air Force Band was recently named "Community Partner of the Year" by the BRIDGES music program based at Cunningham Park Elementary School in Vienna, VA.  Eleven members of the Band volunteered their time and musical expertise at the BRIDGES program, coaching weekly afterschool sessions as a part of the Band's "AIM - Advancing Innovation through Music" education and community outreach mission.

"I feel we had a vital impact on the program," said Technical Sgt. Sara Wollmacher, a manager of the U.S. Air Force Band's AIM program and coordinator of the BRIDGES effort.  "It was influential for the students to see military professionals teaching and playing the same instruments they are learning," she added. "It's important for new music students to have a positive role model."

The award was presented by BRIDGES director Bonny Tynch at an end of the year celebration held for BRIDGES faculty, community partners, and participants. "Students would leave their classes with the Air Force musicians motivated and excited about learning their instrument", said Tynch. "We are grateful for our military musicians and for all they do in our schools, in our communities, and for our country." 

Now in its third year, the BRIDGES program, founded by Tynch and modeled after Venezuela's highly successful "El Sistema" program, is an intensive after-school music curriculum that seeks to develop creativity and musical excellence among underserved children.  Students are developed in a supportive environment where children and families from diverse cultures and socioeconomic realities are "welcomed, loved, and respected," all at limited financial expense to the student.  

The BRIDGES students also enjoyed the opportunity to see their Air Force mentors perform up close during the holiday season, when the group attended the Band's popular "Holiday Matinee for Kids" concert at Constitution Hall in December. "The BRIDGES crew was so excited to be in attendance at the concert!" said Tynch. "It was extra special because the students knew some of the performers from our AIM visits". Wollmacher added, "We loved getting to know these students throughout the year. Many of the beginning students had never worked with a teacher before, so it was inspiring for our band members to be out there 'giving back' in the greater DC community."

The U.S. Air Force Band's AIM outreach program continues to expand through local educational partnerships and events across America. In fact, the program reached over 23,000 students this school year, providing first-class music education and mentorship to students and teachers of all ages in 116 events across the country. To learn more about our AIM outreach program, click the AIM logo or visit our page here.