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Celebrating The Year of Military Women

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Kristin King
Washington, D.C. --  From April 2013 to March 2014, the Department of Defense celebrated The Year of Military Women. The United States Air Force Band chose to culminate this celebration in very a unique way. On March 2, the Band presented an all-female rendition of Stravinsky's "Soldier's Tale." It is rare for an Air Force Band performance to include musicians from many different flights. However, this celebration brought together women from the Concert Band, Singing Sergeants, Strolling Strings, Ceremonial Brass and Support Staff. It was conducted by 1st Lt. Shanti Simon Nolan.

Stravinsky's hour-long composition is a monumental piece for seven musicians, and the concert was staged at an equally important location. The Women in Military Service for America Memorial, presided over by retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, is the only major national memorial honoring women who have served in our nation's defense during all eras and in all services. The beautiful and intimate concert hall within the memorial was the perfect location to highlight the talents of these female band members.

"Soldier's Tale" is composed for a unique combination of instruments. The violin plays a soloistic role throughout the piece and is joined by a clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, double bass and percussion. The story of the "Soldier's Tale" is based on a Russian folk tale and is told by a narrator throughout the performance. The story tells of a naïve soldier who trades her violin to the devil in exchange for economic fortune. Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Pagnard performed brilliantly as the narrator, bringing the text to life with her captivating storytelling.

Perhaps the most interesting and unique aspect of this particular performance was the incorporation of multimedia. Traditionally, the complete "Soldier's Tale" is performed with actors portraying the roles of the Soldier and the Devil. In this performance, the actors were filmed in advance and projected onto screens above the stage. Pagnard often carried out dialogue with the projected image of the Soldier, charming the audience with the story. Master Sgt. Emily Wellington, who played the role of the Soldier, made a brief onstage appearance early in the piece as she played the fiddle she would later trade to the Devil. Technical Sgt. Julia Brundage played the role of the Devil. She thrilled the audience with her live performance of the "Devil's Song" near the end of the work.

Though every performer involved in the performance was female, it would an oversight not to acknowledge the incredible work of Chief Master Sgt. Jebodiah Eaton, the mastermind behind the multimedia presentation that was so carefully intertwined with Stravinsky's music. His work, along with help from many others in the Band's Technical Support section made this performance of Stravinsky "Soldier's Tale" a once in a lifetime experience.
The Women in Military Service for America Memorial hosts frequent musical events by service members throughout the year. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.womensmemorial.org/News/events.html.