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AIM Program Overcomes Fiscal Challenges

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brooke Emery
Washington D.C. --  The fall season is typically a busy period for The U.S. Air Force Band, when the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants prepare to embark on tour, the Airmen of Note's renowned Jazz Heritage Series begins, and preparations for our popular holiday concerts at DAR Constitution Hall fall into place. However, due to mandatory budget cuts associated with sequestration, these events have been cancelled. Under the guidance of our commander, Colonel Lang, the Band has taken this challenge and turned it into an opportunity, launching the Advancing Innovation through Music (AIM) program. This is a local, education-based program designed to reach out to local schools while working within the budget limitations of the current sequestration environment.

Designed to build positive relationships with local educational communities, the AIM program has allowed 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. The Band has also hosted field trips to Historic Hangar 2, our home on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, where students have been able to experience a little Air Force history, along with a memorable visit to a professional rehearsal setting.

In 2013, the Band's Airmen musicians have performed for 6,831 students in the National Capital Region. After a recent visit to West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Va., Master Sgt. Jay Heltzer commented, "It is a real treat to be able to engage with these students in a personal way. I love to see how we are able to not only inspire these students as musicians, but also as young Americans, our future leaders and servicemen and women."

The AIM program has been such a success, plans are to continue it even after fiscal restraints are lifted and the band is able to resume its traditional schedule. "AIM has been a huge hit," says Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Pagnard, chief of Marketing and Outreach. "We are actively engaging with area superintendents for the year's upcoming AIM outreach events." To inquire about scheduling an event, please email us at usaf.bandaim@af.pentagon.mil .