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Concert provides Band Airmen opportunity to reconnect with their roots

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
EVANSTON, Ill. --  The performance by the U.S. Air Force Band at Northwestern University April 6 was a night full of rekindled memories.

The show featured a performance by two former Air Force bandsmen and the university's director of bands who taught several of the Airmen who performed on stage.

"It's important not only to go into a community, but to have meaningful interactions with community members," said 1st Lt. Shanti Simon Nolan, officer in charge of the Air Force Strings, Airmen of Note and Max Impact . "These collaborations provide a deeper level of understanding and appreciation for our service members in uniform."

Robert Sullivan was a trumpeter with the Concert Band, the Band's largest ensemble, from 1986 through 1988. In March he served as a guest artist at the National Trumpet Competition where he was asked to perform a solo with the Band. Following that concert Lang requested Sullivan to join the stage during the upcoming concert at Northwestern University.

"It was an honor to be asked," said Sullivan, Northwestern University professor of trumpet. "It was a great thrill for me to have the opportunity to play with the Band again today. I'm very fortunate to have started my career with such a prestigious group and hold my time with the band dear."

Performing with the Airmen and watching them interact brought back many memories for Sullivan and made him reminisce his Air Force days.

"There are great friendships that are formed on tours," he said. "We were great friends outside of rehearsals and concerts. They were my best friends. Since I left, it is not the same in any place I have ever been."

Dr. Mallory Thompson, Northwestern University, director of bands, also joined the stage as a guest conductor during the show. The bandsmen's performance at the university gave her an opportunity to reconnect with Airmen she mentored during their formative years.

"It is fantastic because we have a wonderful relationship with students here and it is really gratifying to see them grow into the professionals they are," she said.
During rehearsal, Thompson addressed the Airmen and let them know how special this opportunity was to her.

"We are lucky to have you here," she said. "I hope you know how important you are to our profession. You set the standard."