AF anniversary concert airs nationwide Nov. 2

  • Published
  • By William J. Sharp
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs Office
BOLLING AFB, D.C. (AFPN) --  The mission of the U.S. Air Force Band often places its Airmen in the spotlight of large audiences. Starting in November, the band's concert in honor of the Air Force's 60th anniversary will play on public television from coast to coast.

The band recently performed the concert at the The Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Md. with Maryland Public Television recording the show for national broadcast. The concert will be released nationally on public television beginning Nov. 2.

"About two years ago, MPT met with Strathmore representatives and others and we expressed an interest in working on a televised event that would combine top quality entertainment with our desire to serve our community," said Steven J. Schupak, MPT's vice president of TV programming. "Everyone knows the Air Force Band is second to none and, combined with Veterans Day approaching and the band's connections to music industry giants, we realized we had all the ingredients for a national broadcast." 

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley seconded Mr. Schupak's assessment of this being an ideal opportunity to showcase the Air Force Band.

"For six decades Air Force Airmen have courageously and valiantly served our nation whenever and wherever we've been called to serve and our musical ambassadors in blue, the Air Force Band, has proudly served with us every step of the way," said General Moseley. "I'd like to thank Maryland Public Television and public television stations nationwide for allowing us to share a musical tribute of the Air Force's 60th anniversary milestone with the American people." 

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne will make a few brief comments during the show's intermission.
 
"Through the music medium, Air Force bandsmen capture the essence of our service, a service born of revolutionary ideas, forged in combat and proven through decades of progress and achievement," said Secretary Wynne. "We hope the band's performance touches the hearts of fellow Americans and helps reinforce our commitment to continually expand our reach toward limitless horizons."

Guest artists joining the band for the concert include The Tenors: Cook, Dixon and Young; Empire Brass; and, as host of the show, broadcast personality Mary Therese Tebbe. Musical selections include American classics such as American Salute, Ain't Misbehavin', America the Beautiful, and a full-cast finale of God Bless America.

Each guest artist is internationally known. For nearly a decade, tenors Victor Trent Cook, Rodrick Dixon and Thomas Young have been singing together as an ensemble. Their vocal artistry has delighted millions of fans around the globe. They have been featured on public television's Great Performances and on other international broadcast appearances.

Empire Brass enjoys a reputation as one of North America's finest brass quintet, renowned for its virtuosity and the diversity of its repertoire. The five musicians - all of whom have held leading positions with major American orchestras - perform over 100 concerts a year in cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, London, Zurich, and Tokyo.

Named the Georgia Association of Broadcasters 2005 TV Personality of the Year, Ms. Tebbe is a self-proclaimed "military brat," whose late father was a career Airman. Since 2000, Ms. Tebbe traveled the globe, hosting the annual Operation Seasons Greetings show with the Band of the Air Force Reserve. Her volunteer work with the band also includes the Patriotic World Tour with country music star Lee Greenwood, and Operation Pacific Greetings with the Grammy Award-winning group Hootie and the Blowfish.

The entire concert schedule can be viewed on the Air Force Band Web site. 

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page