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Air Force Strings wow Vice President Biden and guests, again and again

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Cleveland Chandler and Master Sgt. Jake McCray
  • The United States Air Force Band
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington DC --  The Air Force Strings recently performed at three events this month for Vice President Joe Biden at his residence upon the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory. The events included receptions for the Department of Labor, the Jewish Community for Sukhot, and a celebration of the anniversary of the passage of the Violence Against Women Act. Performing for Senators, Congressmen, and other distinguished guests, Technical Sgt. Luke Wedge led the Strings in programs of 1.5 hours of memorized music.

In a departure from normal procedures, the Strings sent smaller strolling groups to each event to allow for greater flexibility and maneuverability, both outside and inside the residence. For all three events, it was decided to leave out the celli for enhanced mobility, who typically remain stationary. In addition to violins and violas, Master Sgt. Frank Busso (accordionist), Technical Sgt. Luke Wedge (strolling leader) and Technical Sgt. Daniel Benoit (bassist) performed at all three events.

Neatly aligned along the path leading to the front entrance, the Strings performed background music for the arrival of the distinguished guests for 30 minutes. Once the speeches were completed, the Strings performed inside the residence during receptions for approximately an hour.

The social staff and guests were very impressed with the Strings' vast repertoire of memorized music for the evenings, consisting of more than 40 strolling tunes. In addition, the staff appreciated that the setup and space requirements were very minimal.

For the Band's Airmen musicians, it is always very special to have the opportunity to share their craft with an appreciative audience. However, it is even more of a treat to perform for one of the Band's highest priority customers, the vice president of the United States and his guests. Performing for our nation's highest military and civilian dignitaries is one of the duties performed day in and day out by the Band's Airmen musicians, and they are honored to do so.