Tag: MUSIC

"Sound the Bells" is the holiday concert presented by the Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus of The U.S. Army Field Band.  It's a live concert, presented in several locations, but it is also a holiday special broadcast around the world on the Armed Forces Network and seen in the U.S. on the Pentagon Channel.

The show was held at the Lyric Opera Theatre in Baltimore and besides sharing the sounds of the season, it focused on the Army's commitment to Wounded Warriors and their families.

A live TV show and a live concert take lots of coordination and like any military operation, success is heavily reliant on good communications.  Here, SSG Lauren Veronie (another ArmyStrongStories blogger) talks to the production booth from backstage.

Field Band Soldiers and the team from Army Entertainment transform the stage at the theater into a sparking holiday display.  Here is MSG Scott Vincent on the tympani.

Large video screens throughout the hall allow us to augment the live action with videos about our Wounded Warriors or to let the audience see other parts of the live action.  Here's SFC Erica Russo singing while MSG Bill Elliott is seen on the video display. 

A terrific musical setting of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" featured SGM Bob Barnett in his final concert performance after a 35 year career.

Like every concert, we salute members of the Armed Forces past and present.

Near the end of the concert I was evicted from the podium by a special guest conductor (aka MSG Dan Sherlock).

When you do TV shows it's always amazing how spectacular things look on camera but behind the scenes, it's another story.  SFC Brian Spurgeon and SFC Melissa Dunne relax in the "luxurious" backstage area.

We were joined by SSG Reanita Gray who lost her leg in an attack only 6 months ago.  Through her sheer determination and the help of a dedicated team of caregivers, SSG Gray was able to walk on stage to join in a sing-along of holiday favorites.  It's well worth checking out her story at:   www.army.mil/-news/2009/08/20/26277-260th-cssb-soldier-loses-leg-keeps-faith/

While Santa Claus conducted "Sleigh Ride," I got to meet a few of the audience members.  Check out the smile on this young lady's face!

Next stop for the Musical Ambassadors of the Army is the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, TX.  To keep track of us, visit www.ArmyFieldBand.com or stop by our Facebook and Twitter sites (keywords FieldBand, JazzAmbassadors, or ArmyRockBand).

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The Concert Band and the Soldiers' Chorus spent about a week performing throughout Tennessee.  The first performance was in Newbern, TN.  Like many of our performances, a local color guard presented the Colors for the National Anthem.  Here you can see some very orange berets.  Just about everywhere we went in Tennessee there was lots of "Volunteer Orange."

The tools to stay in touch with family back home (or to check how you are doing in fantasy football) have certainly changed over the years.  Here, SGM Joel Dulyea is backstage in Jackson, TN. 

Yet another color guard in Jackson, TN but this one was really unique.  It was all young women who were in JROTC and they were really sharp.

Here's SFC Brian Sacawa and a student from Lebanon, TN who is sitting in on one selection.

Veteran's Day is a special event to all of us; veterans young and old.  Performing for thousands of Americans on Veteran's Day is always a real thrill.  At many of our concerts, we salute a local Soldier who has recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.  In Nashville, a recently returned First Lieutenant attended our Veteran's Day concert and received a huge ovation.

The Soldiers of The U.S. Army Field Band are some of the finest musicians in the world.  For three nights, the men and women of the Soldiers' Chorus were featured in concert with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.  Here, MSG Victor Cenales and MSG Laura Lesche sing Toby Keith's song, "American Soldier."

The Concert Band presented several concerts without their usual partners in the Soldiers' Chorus.  At Tennessee State University, the band was joined by several music students from the university on one of the selections.

In Columbia, TN we were joined by a Gold Star Family.  CPL Jason Pautsch died in combat in April 2008.  His father, David Pautsch, an Army band veteran, is shown here after the concert which featured a reading of a letter by David to his son prior to Jason's deployment.

At every concert we perform the songs of the branches of the Armed Forces and invite Veterans and their Families to stand and be recognized.  Here we are recognizing them in Lawrenceburg, TN.

One of the selections featured on this tour was a medley of songs from the Broadway musical, "Wicked."  MSG Laura Lesche and SSG Pamela Terry are seen here in Cookeville, TN in the lead roles.

Many of the photographs in this blog were taken by SFC Rob McIver, a fantastic tenor vocalist and an incredibly talented photographer.  SFC John Altman, a great trumpeter and also a super photographer, is caught in the action by SFC McIver during the concert in Cookeville.

In about a week, the Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus will return to our home at Fort Meade, MD after six weeks on the road.  We'll be at home for Thanksgiving and really enjoying being back with our friends and families, but will also be thinking of our fellow Soldiers who are serving abroad.

We'll begin preparations for our holiday concert, "Sound the Bells."  Free tickets are going very fast.  Go to www.armyfieldband.com/pages/schedule/sched.html to download tickets and directions to the concerts.

BTW, our Fans on Facebook and Followers on Twitter are increasing like crazy.  At either www.Facebook.com or www.Twitter.com, add:

/FieldBand for the Band & Chorus

/JazzAmbassadors for "America's Big Band"

/ArmyRockBand for The Volunteers 

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The Fall Tour by The U.S. Army Field Band continued through the states of Arkansas and Missouri.  The scenic town of Eureka Springs was the site of a concert led by our Deputy Commander, Major Bruce Pulver.  The drive into the town featured some gorgeous mountain scenery (as well as a real challenge for anyone susceptible to motion sickness).  Before the concert was an event that never ceases to inspire me.  The oath each one of us swears to defend the Constitution has so much meaning and says so much about what the American Soldier is all about.  SFC Sarah McIver (photo taken by her husband, SFC Rob McIver) takes the oath of enlistment on a pretty historic day.  Exactly 80 years earlier, the theater the Band & Chorus performed at was opened with a concert by the Sousa Band led by John Philip Sousa.

The music performed by the Soldiers of The U.S. Army Field Band is terrific but it is shaped by our great sound engineers.  Here is SFC Mack McLaughlin during a concert in Russellville, AR.  He does a super job of always making us sound good.

Why do people come by the thousands to our concerts?  It's a chance to hear amazing music of all types but also to enjoy that music performed with real personality and flair.  Here, SFC Samuel Chung, dazzles the crowd as Figaro, the Barber of Seville.  Sam was born in Seoul, Korea and now serves proudly as a Soldier in America's Army.

At many of our concerts, we welcome leading music educators as guest conductors.  We also invite many of the Army's musical leaders to join the Musical Ambassadors of the Army.  This is Chief Warrant Officer Keith Dortch, Commander of the Arkansas Army National Guard's 106th Army Band.

At many of our concerts, we open by performing the National Anthem with a local color guard.  Many of them are high school students from the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps or cadets attending college funded by the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps.  Here's one of the color guards in Jonesboro, AR. 

We often include local college or high school musicians with The Army Field Band during one selection.  These enthusiastic students in Kennett, MO wanted a group picture after the concert.

The next posting will provide some highlights from concerts in Tennessee.

Follow the Band & Chorus at www.facebook.com/fieldband.  If you live in the Baltimore/Washington area, be sure to get free tickets to our holiday concert series, "Sound the Bells," at www.ArmyFieldBand.com.

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The U.S. Army Field Band continues its tour across America in the great state of Oklahoma.  During intermission duirng the concert in Muskogee, this young man walked up on stage and got behind the drum set.  MSG Bill Elliott gives him an impromptu lesson.

When the Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus arrives at a location, the nearly 100 Soldiers all scatter to find some place where they can warm-up for the concert.  SSG Meghan Whittier has found a secluded place in the basement of the hall in Pryor, Oklahoma to prepare for her performance.

At every concert by the Musical Ambassadors of the Army, there are inevitably calls for encores and Stillwater, Oklahoma was no exception.  Here, SFC Matt Nelson, SSG Carmen Russo, SSG Phillip Johnson, and SSG Kevin Walko end the concert with a rousing rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In."

See where we'll be playing next by visiting www.ArmyFieldBand.com where you can also get free tickets to our holiday concerts (or watch them on AFN).

Visit us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/fieldband where we just went over 1,000 fans!

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The Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus of The U.S. Army Field Band continue their concert tour across America in the great state of Texas.  Our first stop in the Lone Star State was in El Paso, near Fort Bliss.  The soloist that night was SFC Phil Kiamie on the xylophone and vibraphone.

Snyder, Texas was another stop on the tour and the audience gave a rousing ovation to SFC Teresa Harris who sang two songs in Spanish.  One of the tunes, "Granada" caused a couple of ladies to seek her out afterwards --- turns out they were from Granada.

At almost every concert, young musicians from local high schools or colleges sit in on a tune.  Here's one of the students in San Angelo.

While life on the road can be pretty busy with almost six weeks of "one night stands," just like every other job in the Army, there's a lot of "hurry up and wait."  SGM Jeanne Gould has been a "road warrior" for over 25 years and knows to always have a book handy to kill time.

Before and after every concert and during intermission, our Soldiers man a recruiting booth, often with local Army recruiters.  SSG Pamela Terry and SFC Rose Ryon pose with a young man interested in a future as a Soldier.

It was great fun to perform at the University of North Texas in Denton.  They have a terrific music school and there are quite a few UNT alums in The Army Field Band.  On this concert, we featured SSG Lauren Veronie (another ArmyStrongStories blogger seen here with MAJ Bruce Pulver).  She's a recent graduate and the audience went crazy over her terrific solo.

It's an amazing thing when a young American raises their right hand and swears to defend the Constitution.  Before our concert in Frisco, TX, ten wonderful Soldier-Musicians reenlisted in America's Army.

The next posting will be from concerts in Oklahoma.  You can find out about future performances and get free music downloads at www.ArmyFieldBand.com.

There are also up to the minute postings and new photos on Facebook and Twitter.

www.facebook.com/fieldband, www.facebook.com/jazzambassadors, www.facebook.com/armyrockband, www.twitter.com/fieldband, www.twitter.com/jazzambassadors, www.twitter.com/armyrockband

BTW, Soldiers Radio and TV just did a great feature on The Volunteers, the rock band of The Army Field Band.  View it at www.youtube.com/soldiersmediacenter#p/u/0/l6odwb4Yw9A

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 The Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus are now touring the Southwest United States.  Here are a few shots of performances from New Mexico.

Many of our concerts are in gyms or sports arenas.  Often those are the only venues large enough to hold the potential audience.  This is a shot of our opening concert in Albuquerque.

Before and after each concert and during intermission, Soldiers staff a recruiting booth (often with a local Army Recruiter).  Here, SFC Rose Ryon and SSG Pamela Terry chat with an audience member at intermission during a concert in Las Cruces.

It's always great to see our Soldiers out in front as soloists.  This is SSG Jessica Medina captivating the audience in Carlsbad, NM.

The next post will tell about our performances in Texas.  Like everything else in Texas, it'll be big.  Check out www.ArmyFieldBand.com for more information on upcoming performances, to download free music, and learn more about the Musical Ambassadors of the Army.

BTW, America's Big Band - the Jazz Ambassadors are still woofing about having more friends on Facebook than the Band & Chorus.  Visit the Field Band's other sites on Facebook and Twitter:

www.twitter.com/fieldband
www.twitter.com/jazzambassadors
www.twitter.com/armyrockband 
www.facebook.com/FieldBand 
www.facebook.com/jazzambassadors
 

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The U.S. Army Field Band's Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus are currently on the road, travelling thoughout the Southwest United States (tonight....Carlsbad, NM) presenting free concerts for thousands of Americans.

I had a few free days prior to hitting the road for 6 weeks so it was only natural that I'd travel to "warm up."  It was wonderful to take a way too brief trip to Los Angeles to visit my daughter Gabrielle.  Gabe is a wonderfully talented ballet dancer and teacher and I was able to see a show by the company that she co-founded, the "Lost Angels Ballet."

This is one of their publicity photos (she's the one on the right with the killer abs).  You can view a short video of her in action at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eplgojq47n8 .  The show their company presented was just terrific, playing to a nearly full house at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse.  Terrifically entertaining, great production values, and some wonderful dancing.

It's an amazing feeling to watch your daughter perform at such a high artistic level but it's even more wonderful to enjoy her company and appreciate what a great young woman she is.

Prior to joining the Band & Chorus in New Mexico, I was lucky enough to catch America's Big Band - the Jazz Ambassadors, another of The Field Band's groups, performing at Bass Hall in Fort Worth for a couple of packed houses.  If you ever get a chance to hear this incredible group, or any part of The U.S. Army Field Band, don't miss it -- and the price is right.  Some of the places you can get more information about free upcoming performances are:

http://www.ArmyFieldBand.com
http://www.twitter.com/fieldband
http://www.twitter.com/jazzambassadors
http://www.twitter.com/armyrockband
http://www.facebook.com/FieldBand
http://www.facebook.com/jazzambassadors
 

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The Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus of The U.S. Army Field Band hit the road recently for a short trip through New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.  These free-to-the-public performances had really great crowds and reminded us how much Americans support their Army.

At many concerts by the Musical Ambassadors of the Army, college and high school students get to sit in for one selection. Here, several students from Deer Park High School (on Long Island, NY) stand for their ovation.

After the concert, Soldiers station themselves in the lobby to thank the audience for their attendance and answer any questions. Here are a few of the highly motivated Deer Park students practicing their salutes.

At many of our concerts, we invite leading music educators to guest conduct the band.  This is Dr. Bill Berz from Rutgers University conducting the Concert Band in front of a huge audience in Holmdel, NJ.

The next concert was at the Saratoga (NY) Performing Arts Center.  Another big crowd despite a chilly night where the temperature dipped into the 40's by the end of the concert.  The audience came prepared for the cold weather, as you can see.

It's always great when our Soldiers can perform near their hometowns.  That was the case for me; I grew up very close to Saratoga where I heard many, many concerts by the Philadelphia Orchestra (that's their summer home).  Sergeant Major Tom Enokian also grew up in that area and during his solo he took off his uniform tunic to show his true colors to the delight of the audience.

The audience had a great time at this concert which ended with a big fireworks display.  One of their favorites was a medley of songs from "Mamma Mia."  Here is Staff Sergeant Pamela Terry, backed up by Sergeant Major Joan Mercer and Staff Sergeant Betsy Garcia.

Prior to many concerts, we have a Q&A session with the audience.  We got lots of terrific questions and it gives our bosses, the American people, a chance to ask about the Army, the Field Band, the music, and our Soldiers.  Here's a typical Q&A before the concert at Susquehanna University in Selingsgrove, PA.

 Every concert features at least one featured instrumental soloist.  This is Staff Sergeant Leah Forsyth performing a beautiful solo on the oboe.

When students sit in with the Concert Band, the one-on-one contact with a Soldier-Musician is a reallly important part of our outreach.  At Susquehanna we were joined by a group of university music majors.  Here one is chatting with Staff Sergeant Lauren Veronie, another ArmyStrongStories blogger.

After the concert is a chance to talk with the audience members of all ages.  This young man said he was playing in his school band and wanted to join the Army someday.

Staff Sergeant Christy LaBarca is one of our newest Soldiers.  She grew up not too far from Selingsgrove so members of her family came out to see her perform; the first time they've been able to do so since she joined the Musical Ambassadors of the Army.

We've now returned to our headquarters at Fort Meade, MD for more training (and more packing) before departing on a 40 day tour starting in New Mexico.  A group of us ran in the Army 10-Miler yesterday.  When asked how I did, I answered (truthfully) that I had finished first in my Army Field Band age group.  You can see a photo of the group on Master Sergeant Bill Gabbard's ArmyStrongStories blog.

Currently, "America's Big Band" - the Jazz Ambassadors, and The Volunteers (our rock band) are already on the road with the Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus soon to join them.  to see where the free performances will be, go to www.ArmyFieldBand.com . 

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     We're finishing up a short tour through NJ, NY and PA. The audiences have been wonderful, as always. Tonight we performed at the Saratoga Perfoming Arts Center to a crowd of over three thousand, bundled up and somewhat chilly in the fall evening air of upstate New York, but warm and friendly in their response and reception.

I'm always encouraged by the genuine love and support for America's Army that exists out in the Heartland. It's nice to get beyond the Beltway Moat to see the "real America."

We'll head home on Sunday, then spend the next couple of weeks getting ready for our Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus Fall concert tour which takes us through nine states, starting in New Mexico, then working our way east through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. You can see our tour itinerary at http://www.armyfieldband.com/pages/schedule/bc_sched.html

Hope you can make it to a performance!

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Thousands of Soldiers each year pack up their gear and say goodbye to their Families. Many will not return for a year or more and sadly, some do not return at all. Preparation for these departures follows a pretty standard pattern; you train and train and train to the point where you just want to get going and do the mission. Then there’s a point as it gets closer when the realization that there’s still so many things to do before leaving hits you. Even when you’ve got time off, you still have that clock ticking in your head reminding you of how many days before you leave and all of the things that need to be done. After returning from the mission, the Soldier then has to reintegrate back into their normal routine. For those with Families, that can be more complicated because the Family has moved on with life during the mission. The parent that’s left behind has filled both roles and gotten used to making decisions singlehandedly. The kids got accustomed to interacting with just one parent. After a while, things get back to normal but there’s always an adjustment period.
The Soldiers of The U.S. Army Field Band go through this cycle three times each year, every year. Every year they are on Temporary Duty (TDY) for three periods (Spring, Summer, and Fall) for as much as seven weeks at a time. They do not face life or death situations as many of their fellow Soldiers do. As they travel America by

bus they aren’t worried about IED attacks. They have the privilege of going on to a stage every night to inspire, entertain, and educate Americans about our Army and its Soldiers. But, the cycle of preparing to leave, saying goodbye, being gone, and then readjusting to Family life again is very much the same as for any Soldier.
Several months ago, one of our senior Sergeants Major retired with 35 years of service in The U.S. Army Field Band (at the time of his retirement, he was the senior Sergeant Major in the Army by Date of Rank). We figured out that he had been away from home ten full years during his career.
Right now, the elements of The U.S. Army Field Band (the Concert Band,

the Soldiers’ Chorus,

America’s Big Band – the Jazz Ambassadors,

and our rock band “The Volunteers")

are preparing to depart on Fall Tour and the familiar cycle continues. Training is continuing (in our case, much of that training is rehearsing music) and very soon that familiar feeling of “enough practice – let’s go!” will kick in. A few days after that, another familiar sensation will occur, the dread over how much there is to be done and how few days there are to do it. On departure day, a  scene common to Army units around the world will occur, the busses and trucks will be loaded

and Families will stream in for the last hug by Dad or Mom until returning a few days before Thanksgiving Day.

Soldiers all over the Army miss important days in their families’ lives doing what needs to be done. Because we always tour in October and November, Field Band Soldiers with kids will probably never take them trick or treating. Does this compare to the Soldier humping a ruck in the mountains of Afghanistan who may not come home? No, but the days away from Families count just as much whether the Soldier is in Afghanistan or Alabama; in Iraq or Indiana. Soldiers all over the Army serve each in their own way. The Musical Ambassadors of the Army – The U.S. Army Field Band does their part as Soldiers Representing Soldiers by telling the Army’s Story from coast to coast, year after year.

Dates and cities where The U.S. Army Field Band's groups wil be performing this Fall can be found at www.ArmyFieldBand.com .

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