Band of Flight shares the gift of holiday music

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Wendy Harvey
  • United States Air Force Band of Flight Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO --  The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight will share the gift of music with the Dayton community again this holiday season as they present their annual holiday concert series at the Dayton Masonic Center, December 11 - 13.

Each spirit-filled free concert, hosted by the base's most senior leadership, is Wright-Patt's way of thanking our neighbors for their generous support throughout the year. It is a tradition that has endured for 23 years.

Performances are Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. The Dayton Masonic Center is located at 525 West Riverview Avenue. The concert is free and open to the general public, but tickets are required. Look for the concert promotion in the "Go" section of the Dayton Daily News on Friday, Nov. 20. Individuals can fill out the form, send it in with a self addressed stamped envelope to request tickets.

Listeners will experience the diverse musical talents of some of Dayton's finest musicians. The entire first half of the program is comprised of music performed by the band's chamber ensembles. These ensembles serve an important role in the Band of Flight's mission; however, audiences outside the gates of Wright-Patt rarely hear them.

The concert opens with a fanfare by a large brass ensemble. It is followed by a vocal duet "We Need a Little Christmas" sung by Staff Sgt. Felita Rowe and Senior Airman Andrew Jones. They are accompanied by Tech. Sgt. Cameron Voorhees on guitar.

Other selections on the first half include a collection of carols by the Wright Brass quintet, a Christmas Rag by the Huffman Prairie Winds woodwind quintet, as well as a lively Klezmer combo featuring Tech. Sgt. Jeremiah True on clarinet.

Near the end of the set, patrons will hear tunes from Nighthawk. This energetic group had people dancing in their seats during the band's recent "Veteran's Day" concert at the museum.

The traditional concert band will return for the second half of the program. They will perform a medley of holiday songs, titled "Among the Leaves So Green," and a collection of early American Christmas Carols.

No holiday concert would be complete without a wonderful musical narration of a children's classic story. This year, the band will present Richard H. Schneider's "Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect" a story about a warm-hearted Christmas tree, named Small Pine extending love to its friends.

A number of concert devotees will enjoy a special holiday treat when the Air Force Band of Flight will present joint concerts with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. All tickets for these joint performances with Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra on Dec. 19 - 20 have already been distributed.

Those from the Wright-Patt community with base access may still obtain tickets for the free Masonic Center performances by visiting three ticket distribution centers conveniently located on the installation. Tickets are available by contacting Ms. Pam Howard at the Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs Office (Area A), 257-6308; Capt. Patrice Reviere with the Aeronautical Systems Center chief of staff's office (Area B), 255-1936 or Mr. Gabriel Myers with the 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office (Area C), 522-3523.

For more information about upcoming performances by your United States Air Force Band of Flight and to sign up to receive our new electronic newsletter, please go to www.bandofflight.af.mil.