Past, present, future unite at AF Musicians Conference

Published Aug. 14, 2008
By Master Sgt. Steven Przyzycki
U.S. Air Force Academy Band

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- For more than 50 years, the U.S. Air Force Academy Band has stood out as one of the Air Force's finest musical organizations, providing free concerts in support of AF community relations and recruiting. The band is proud of a great past, rich in tradition, and equally proud of its current mission success.

Commander and Conductor Lt. Col. Larry Lang constantly strives to present innovative programs, as the band embraces the future in support of the greatest air and space force on the planet. This month, specifically Aug. 6-9, the past, present and future of all AF bands converge in Colorado Springs, Colo. The U.S. Air Force Academy Band will host the retired Air Force Musicians Association's 2008 Reunion and Conference, entitled "A Rocky Mountain Musical High."

The AFMA was founded in 1980 and is comprised of musicians who have served in any AF band in the world. Some members have retired from the career field. Others served a four-year stint or more and went on to pursue other musical endeavors. Regardless of the amount of time spent in service, they all possess one thing in common: their overwhelming pride for having communicated the AF message through the universal language of music.

This year's conference promises to be the best ever, as it will feature four special guests and reach out to all musicians in the community through clinics and concerts. The gala reunion concert at 7 p.m., Aug 8, at the Pikes Peak Center will feature a mass band comprised of the current personnel in the USAFA Band, as well as alumni from all AF bands worldwide. There will be two halves to the concert, one featuring the concert band and orchestra and the other spotlighting a powerhouse jazz band featuring the USAFA Band's Falconaires and alumni.

Colonel Lang has invited four musical legends to guest conduct at the concert. First and foremost is the Dean of America's wind band conductor, Col. (ret.) Arnald D. Gabriel, who was once the commander of the United States Air Force Band in Washington D.C. from 1964 to 1985. The current Commander and Conductor of the Air Force Band, Col. Dennis Layendecker, will also lead the band as well as Col. (ret.) H. Bruce Gilkes, former commander of the USAFA Band. Completing the list will be former Chicago Symphony percussionist Dick Schory, who led his Percussion Pops Orchestra in concert from the Hollywood Bowl to Carnegie Hall and enjoyed a fantastic recording career with RCA Victor Records.

The performance is expected to draw on old favorites and showcase some brand new compositions written specifically for band. But another special interest to all music students and music educators will be the numerous clinics presented during the conference. On Aug. 7, a vocal clinic with USAFA Band singers, Colonel Gilkes and Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) Marcie Hureau is expected to take place at the Antlers Hilton Hotel in the Summit III room from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Following the vocal clinic will be a winds clinic presented by Colonel Gabriel and the USAFA Band from 10:30-11:15 a.m. at the Pikes Peak Center.

All area percussionists will not want to miss the percussion clinic with Mr. Schory and the USAFA Band Percussion Section Aug. 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Pikes Peak Center. All clinics and concerts are free and open to the public. Colonel Lang especially extends a welcome to music students of all ages.

"This is a golden opportunity for any musicians in our community," the colonel said. "The vast amount of talent that will be present in our city during this conference is world class. Anyone involved in the music industry, in any perspective, will benefit by attending this educational outreach program. The week's events promise to be spectacular and full of memories."