ANNVILLE, PA -- The Air National Guard Band of the Northeast recently returned from a two week summer concert series which thrilled audiences throughout Maine, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania.
The band’s show, entitled The Home of the Brave, featured a host of classic Americana, challenging concert band mainstays and traditional marches.
The 39-member unit’s versatility was on full display during each of the 9 concerts the band performed. A 10th concert unfortunately had to be cancelled due to inclement weather.
Two soloist stole the show with their creativity and virtuosity. Staff Sergeant Dandrick Glenn performed a whimsical rendition of Barnacle Bill the Sailor on bass trombone reaching highs and lows rarely heard from the instrument. And Staff Sergeant Jermaine Smalls wowed the crowd with a silky smooth delivery of Sammy Nestico’s Samantha.
The band also played the Antoinette March by Scott Joplin, arranged by clarinetist Master Sergeant Andrew Callo.
Throughout the concert, members of the unit’s rock and popular music ensemble, High Altitude, entertained audiences with moving versions of Landslide by Fleetwood Mac and I Want You Back by the Jackson 5 along with several other songs.
The summer concert series culminated with the Fourth of July festivities in Providence, Rhode Island, an event attended by thousands. The Band of the Northeast preceded the fireworks display, both of which undoubtedly left an enduring impression on all in attendance.
The mission of the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast is to provide music to military and civilian communities in order to instill patriotism, maintain tradition, represent the militia heritage at its finest, and to promote pride in oneself, one's unit, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.