Band presents first-ever Collegiate Symposium

Published Feb. 6, 2015
By Master Sgt. Julianna Arnold

Washington, D.C. -- On Feb. 7 and 8, The United States Air Force Band had the fantastic opportunity to host and mentor 24 college students from around the country as part of the unit's first-ever Collegiate Symposium, hosted in historic Hangar Two on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington D.C. Students attended by invitation and hailed from Peabody Conservatory, the University of Maryland, Westminster College, George Mason University, James Madison University, Eastern Michigan University, University of North Carolina-Pembroke, Shepherd University, University of North Texas and University of Connecticut.

This music-filled weekend offered a unique opportunity for talented college instrumentalists to immerse themselves with one of the world's finest professional wind ensembles. The symposium was offered as 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 opportunity 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 2014 alone, the AIM program reached approximately 15,000 school students in more than 70 events across seven states and the District of Columbia.

The Collegiate Symposium encompassed a variety of events to enhance musical growth and learning. On Saturday, Feb. 7, the students participated in clinics, masterclasses for their respective instruments and rehearsals with the Concert Band led by Col. Larry H. Lang. The day concluded with a round table discussion where the students got to ask a variety of questions ranging from musical concepts to life in the military.

The weekend culminated in a joint public and live-streamed performance on Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts in Bowie, Maryland. The concert featured contemporary works by Jennifer Higdon, Wayne Oquin and John Mackey, as well as some standard favorites by Ottorino Respighi, Percy Grainger and John Phillip Sousa.
After attending the 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." Obviously 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!"

An important part of their time here was to share with them what it means to be an Airman musician. Attendee Nick Kraemer said, "Every part of the weekend was eye opening into the life of an Air Force musician, and I really enjoyed getting to experience and learn as much as I did." He continued, "I want to thank you for putting this event together and for making it a weekend I will not soon forget. I will be sure to highly recommend all the college musicians I know to apply for next year's Collegiate Symposium."

The U.S. Air Force the Concert Band and 24 student musicians from across the nation perform a concert at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts in Bowie, Maryland, on Feb. 8.