JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Familiar tunes filled the air as the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band performed a live rehearsal for York High School students at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Dec. 3.
Twenty students from the York High School band had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of an Air Force bandsman as they practiced for their upcoming holiday performances.
"A rehearsal is a little different than a performance; this event placed the band students in a familiar environment," said Raymond Landon, AF Heritage of America Band musical resources specialist. "The students rehearse each week in the same fashion in their high school band class, so they could relate to what we were doing in a very personal way."
AF Heritage of America Band vocalists also showcased their harmonic talents while the students watched.
This event also gave members of the band a chance to interact with the youth in a positive light.
"Part of our mission is to reach out to our military dependents and their peers in the local schools that surround Air Force installations in our area of responsibility," said Landon. "We we want them to know we care about them, and want to help them mold a great future."
For some students this was their first time visiting Langley.
"I was really excited to be able to witness the rehearsal of the Heritage of America Band," said York High School band director, Richard Purvis. "I was extremely impressed with the high caliber of musicianship of members of the band."
The band connected with the students in respective sections for small group interaction. Many who are multi-talented, and play more than one instrument in the band.
"It's always a great experience when you get to perform for students. In high school, I was never afforded the opportunity to see an Air Force band or any other military band for that matter," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ronicle Ellison, Heritage of America Band vocalist. "Opportunities to perform are what most of us initially signed up for, so it is the highlight of our day when we get an opportunity like this."
Some students said it was great to be able to see someone who plays the same instrument but in a professional setting.
"The music was well played and the energy and intensity of the rehearsal was outstanding," said Purvis.
Highly-skilled Airmen make up the seven ensembles of the band. The band travels more than 30,000 miles to perform hundred of concerts for listeners across a six-state region, from Pennsylvania to South Carolina.
"I have been an observer of the Langley Band for many years and have never had the opportunity to see them actually rehearse," said Purvis. "I was in heaven; I thought the session was really informative, educational and entertaining."