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Ceremonial Brass performs for the Fall White House Garden Tour

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Brandon Chaney
Washington, D.C. --  Taking a rare stroll around the White House grounds is something that has periodically been offered to the public for decades. For the Ceremonial Brass, performing with such a majestic display of botanical wonders as a backdrop is indeed an incredible experience. In October, the Brass once again played for the occasion, which is deeply rooted in the history of Washington, D.C., and in the heritage of the country as a whole.

The origins of the Ceremonial Brass trace back to 1964 when The United States Air Force Headquarters Command Band was incorporated into The U. S. Air Force Band as a ceremonial unit. It became an all brass and percussion ensemble in 1985 and was renamed "The Ceremonial Brass."

Since those early years, it has evolved into a 38-member organization consisting of world-class brass players, percussionists and a drum major. This elite group is responsible for over 1,000 ceremonial performances each year, which includes large ensembles and buglers to perform in most outdoor ceremonial venues. The Brass was part of the performing group that represented the United States Air Force at the 50th anniversary of the V-E Day celebration in Moscow, as well as in military tattoo ceremonies in The Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.

The Ceremonial Brass has also made numerous appearances on radio and national television. Among these radio and nationally televised appearances include State Funeral Ceremonies for former Presidents Reagan and Ford, twelve Fourth of July performances on NBC's Today Show, a featured performance on the National Memorial Day Concert as well as on the Emmy Award- winning Kennedy Center Honors telecast.

The Garden Tours have been a tradition since 1972 when Pat Nixon first opened the White House gardens to the public. It continues to this day. On Oct. 27, 2013, visitors were invited to view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children's Garden and South Lawn of the White House. While the public viewed the Gardens, the Ceremonial Brass and Brass Quintet traded off sets of patriotic musical selections that welcomed guests to the prestigious grounds with patriotic fervor.

For every Airmen involved, it has always been a privilege to take part in such an historic occasion that usually takes place twice per year - once in the spring and another in the fall.

For the officer in charge of the event, Capt. Dave Alpar, and our newest trombonist, Technical Sgt. Tim Hilgert, this was their very first Garden Tour. Chief Master Sgt. Rob McConnell, the new flight chief for the Ceremonial Brass, began his tour with The U.S. Air Force Band performing in this flight. His last performance at the White House Rose Garden was 17 years ago. "It was interesting coming back after all those years to play in the Garden. Very little has changed, but continuing this time-honored tradition is important not only to the men and women in uniform, but for everyone in this great country," McConnell said.