News>Band performs at international music conference
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U.S. Air Force Band Clarinetist Tech. Sgt. Kristin King performs a solo piece at the 66th Annual Midwest Clinic, Dec. 19, in Chicago, Ill. "I was able to perform for my high school band director in the audience as well as my parents, grandpa and several students that I've taught here in Chicago which was really special for me," said King. "It's a dream job to play alongside so many other wonderful professional musicians for amazing audiences here, in Washington, D.C., and across the country; it is just a fantastic experience." (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
Tech. Sgt. Joseph Bello, U.S. Air Force Band euphonium player, performs alongside fellow Airmen musicians at the 66th Annual Midwest Clinic, Dec. 19, in Chicago, Ill. Every six years the USAF Band has the opportunity to perform at the clinic as they rotate the experience with fellow premier bands from each military branch stationed in Washington, D.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
U.S. Air Force Band Harpist Senior Master Sgt. Eric Sabatino watches the conductor's baton during a performance at the 66th Annual Midwest Clinic, Dec. 19, in Chicago, Ill. Each unique performance, built around this year's clinic theme "Honoring our Mentors," invited two guest conductors to the stage. Col. Arnald Gabriel (Ret.), the first conductor of the USAF Premier Band from 1964 to 1985, and Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, personal mentor to current USAF Premier Band Commander and Conductor Col. Larry Lang, both shared the baton with Lang during several of the musical pieces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
Tech. Sgt. Joshua Kowalsky, U.S. Air Force Band cellist, performs for thousands in attendance of the 66th Annual Midwest Clinic, Dec. 19, in Chicago, Ill. Every military band sets to exemplify the professionalism that is existent throughout everything in each one's branch of service. The non-verbal message that is communicated by the USAF Band's music is that every single task Airmen perform, across the globe, is done at this professional level. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
U.S. Air Force Band Commander Col. Larry Lang involves fellow musicians in the audience during the performance of the national anthem at the 66th Annual Midwest Clinic, Dec. 19, in Chicago, Ill. The U.S. Air Force Premier Concert Band performed three heart-pounding concerts for musicians, mentors and fans gathered from across the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
Musicians, family, friends, mentors and fans of the U.S. Air Force Premier Band give a standing ovation following the third and final performance by the band at the 66th Annual Midwest Clinic, Dec. 19, in Chicago, Ill. "This is one of the most amazing bands in the United States and in the world," said Christopher Poncin, high school band director in the state of Washington. "They set the bar higher and higher every time I see them perform. We are fortunate and blessed here, at the Midwest Clinic, to see and experience an ensemble with such great conductors." (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
Senior Master Sgt. Chris Kosky, U.S. Air Force Band bassist, is humbled by the crowd's reaction following a perfomance at the 66th Annual Midwest Clinic, Dec. 19, in Chicago, Ill. "What a great way to end the night," said High School Band Director Christopher Poncin, who attended two of the band's three performances. "Thank you so much for everything you guys are doing; keep up the good work." (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
U.S. Air Force Band Commander Col. Larry Lang and Col. Arnald Gabriel (Ret.), USAF Band commander 1964-1985, watch a video tribute dedicated to Gabriel during a performance at the 66th Annual Midwest Clinic, Dec. 19, in Chicago, Ill. "The spirit, musicianship and enthusiasm--it's a tribute to what we're doing in our universities across the nation. The teaching is better than ever; so the bands and the Airmen themselves are playing better than ever." Gabriel was presented the Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor during the final performance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
U.S. Air Force Premier Concert Band Conductor Col. Larry Lang showcases the talents of Airmen musicians for thousands in attendance during the 66th Annual Midwest Clinic, Dec. 19, in Chicago, Ill. Every military band sets to exemplify the professionalism that is existent throughout everything in each one's branch of service. The non-verbal message that is communicated by the USAF Band's music is that every single task Airmen perform, across the globe, are done at this professional level. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
12/21/2012 - CHICAGO -- The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Ceremonial Brass performed three shows at the 66th annual Midwest Clinic here on Thursday, for thousands of music students, educators and professionals.
The theme of the conference was "In Honor of Our Mentors." Midwest Clinic president, Richard C. Crain said, "Every professional musician can point to 'those critically influential teachers' who always went the extra mile on our behalf: THE MENTOR, a wise and trusted counselor or teacher, an influential senior sponsor and lifelong supporter."
The U.S. Air Force Band kicked off the 2012 Midwest Clinic with a morning show that featured the a slide show of band members' mentors, which ran throughout the show.
The concert opened with John Williams' "Fanfare for Fenway" by the Ceremonial Brass, and featured a number of small ensembles: a string quartet from the A.F. Strings, the Concert Band's trombone, percussion and saxophone sections, as well as an octet from the Concert Band.
Also highlighted were the talents of baritone vocalist and Singing Sergeant, Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Park, who was thrilled by the reception. "I am so grateful to have the opportunity to wear this uniform, represent the Air Force to such a broad cross-section of the music education industry, and celebrate our shared commitment to the teachers and mentors who impact all of us so profoundly."
The concert culminated with a special guest conductor appearance of one of the great teachers and mentors for anyone who has ever served in an Air Force Band program, Retired Col. Arnald D. Gabriel, Conductor Emeritus of The U.S. Air Force Band.
As Gabriel took the stage, U.S. Air Force Band commander, Col. Larry H. Lang asked the audience a question. "How many people in this room have performed under the baton of Col. Gabriel?" That the majority of arms were raised illustrated the breadth and impact of Gabriel during his inspired career.
Two evening performances featured the Ceremonial Brass and Concert Band performing a wide variety of music, from Dmitri Shostakovich's epic "October," to Joel Puckett's "Asimov's Aviary, to world premiers of new works by Air Force Band composers, Senior Master Sgt. Bob Thurston and Master Sgt. Alan Baylock.
Joining The Band on stage and conducting John Mackey's "Sheltering Sky" was one of Lang's most important mentors, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser.
Prior to Lautzenheiser's performance, Lang expressed his gratitude to the audience. "As in the music and music education world, we in the U.S. Air Force pride ourselves on a robust and interconnected community of mentors, leaders and teachers to give us the skills and support we need. Without mentorship, the excellence that occurs in the Air Force every day, across the world would not be possible."
The last evening performance culminated again with a guest conducting appearance by Gabriel. Following his masterful job of conducting The Band through Giuseppe Verdi's "La forza del destino," the Midwest Clinic presented a visibly emotional Gabriel with a lifetime achievement award for his decades of profound impact on the field of music education.
