Singing Sergeants support historic events

Published June 27, 2014
By Technical Sgt. Mandi Harper

6/27/14 - Washington, D.C. -- The Singing Sergeants recently had an exceptionally busy ten days performing at Millennium Stage, Arlington National Cemetery, National Museum of American History, National Sylvan Theater and Chorus America. The week of June 9 began, business as usual, with rehearsal on Monday morning to prepare the many musical selections required for the coming days.

Tuesday, June 10, opened with an immersion tour of The United States Air Force Band facility, including mini-showcase performances by each of the ensembles. In the afternoon, the Singing Sergeants joined with the Army Men's Chorus and the Navy Side Boys for a stunning performance on the Millennium Stage at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Each chorus performed a set alone before joining voices for the final selection. Several audience members expressed that their favorite part of the concert was being invited to sing along with the joint military chorus during "God Bless America." Watch the concert on the Kennedy Center website: https://www.kennedy-center.org/explorer/videos/?id=M5908&type=A

Of the Millennium Stage concert, Senior Master Sgt. Robert Harrelson said, "This was my favorite part of the week! How often can the public see a live performance from three different, talented military music groups in one show? Plus, we [musicians] all know each other fairly well, so it's nice getting to catch up with one another."

On Thursday morning, the chorus split in order to rehearse for two different events. After a quick lunch, they came together as the Artists in Residence for a Chorus America conducting masterclass at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C. Three gifted conductors were invited to lead the Singing Sergeants in six challenging choral pieces. These emerging professional conductors were evaluated and coached by composer, Eric Whitacre, conductor, Anton Armstrong of St. Olaf College, and conductor, John Alexander of the Pacific Chorale.

The Singing Sergeants teamed up again with Chorus America and more than 300 choristers of all ages to honor Flag Day, June 14, in front of the National Museum of American History. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner, thousands around the country raised their voices in singing our National Anthem at 4 p.m. EST. Prior to the Anthem, celebrity singers, The United States Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants, and the Chorus America choristers performed a concert of patriotic music conducted by Col. Larry H. Lang, Eric Whitacre and Francisco J. Núñez. To watch the concert and learn more about #raiseitup, visit the Smithsonian website: http://anthemforamerica.smithsonian.com/

Following the Chorus America events, Technical Sgt. Daniel Anderson said, "Eric Whitacre is the most famous living choral composer. It was thrilling to work with a musician on the cutting edge of our field. Musicians like Mr. Whitacre are helping define the arts culture of our generation." Ten of the Singing Sergeants performed with choruses representing all branches of the military to observe the 150th Anniversary of Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday, June 15. The theatrical nighttime tribute also featured Secretary of the Army John McHugh, "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, and vignettes with live actors in vintage costumes depicting events from the Civil War, WWII and Vietnam. Senior Master Sgt. Christine Germain said, "It was such a privilege to collaborate with all the services for this momentous occasion. I'm always impressed at how easily we come together for a common cause."

While half the chorus was at Arlington, the other singers were rehearsing with the Concert Band for three concerts themed "You're a Grand Old Flag." Two of these concerts were cancelled due to inclement weather, but they were able to perform on June 18 at the National Sylvan Theater. Featuring multiple soloists and patriotic numbers, the highlight of the evening was a reading by 7 year old Alena Kamholz. Alena, the daughter of Band member, Senior Master Sgt. Bob Kamholz, read her award-winning Flag Day essay during the concert. To see a clip, visit the Band's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152158192381121

The days were long, the weather unpredictable, but the week was unforgettable! To summarize the events, Master Sgt. Matthew Irish said, "In spite of the heat, it was an honor to be involved in so many historic celebrations in one week and to work with multiple internationally revered musicians!"

celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner