Reaching students across the U.S.

Published Oct. 3, 2014
By Chief Master Sgt. Jenn Pagnard

Washington, D.C. -- When sequestration severely limited the Band's travel in 2013, the unit's commander, Col. Larry H. Lang, took that challenge and turned it into an opportunity, launching the Advancing Innovation through Music (AIM) program. Designed to build positive relationships with educational communities, the AIM program allows Band members 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.

Now that the Band's touring mission has returned, this education-based program designed for schools in the Washington, D.C. area, has expanded to an initiative that reaches out to music students across the country.

On the upcoming fall tour for the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants, Technical Sgt. Sara Wollmacher, the assistant noncommissioned officer in charge of the Band's AIM program and a native Floridian, has lined up 13 events at Florida State University and two high schools in Florida.

"The best part is being able to interact with students all over the country and all different backgrounds," Wollmacher said. "We work with people who never even knew there was an Air Force Band or there was the option to do a military band. We also meet people who are huge fans and hope to someday be in a band like ours."

On most of the public concerts, local high school musicians will sit in to perform with the band and chorus on a predetermined selection. Also, guest conductors are often featured on concerts, usually from the sponsoring educational institution. This type of interaction fosters a sense of inclusion and supports our efforts to build partnerships with the surrounding communities.

Following the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants' last tour, Dr. Mary Schneider, the director of bands at Eastern Michigan University, thanked the Airmen musicians who participated in the AIM events at her institution saying, "Thank you for working with our students today. The students said they really learned a lot. We really appreciate it."

On the Airmen of Note's November tour, they look forward to two AIM performances in Broward County, Florida. Approximately 1,600 student musicians ranging from grades 6 to 12 will be in attendance.

Since the program's humble beginnings, the Band's AIM program has been such a huge success. To request an AIM event at your school, please email Master Sgt. Bryce Bunner at michael.b.bunner.mil@mail.mil.