8/10/2011- Williamsburg, Va.-- –
The sound of traditional jazz resonated throughout Colonial Williamsburg Aug. 10th as the U.S. Air Force Heritage Ramblers delighted an audience during the Summer Breeze evening concert series.
The Heritage Ramblers were formed in 2010 and are a small group formed from the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band and the Blue Aces popular music ensemble. Each year, the band' s components travel more than 30,000 miles to perform hundreds of concerts for listeners across a six-state region from Pennsylvania to South Carolina. They have a full-time mission to preserve and present the rich heritage of traditional jazz.
"We have only been performing together for about a month," said Tech Sgt. John Garcia, Heritage Ramblers euphonium and trombone player. "And we have come together pretty well and are able to come into the local community and spread the word of the Air Force through our performances."
With the music of such legends as Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Jack Teagarden and Bix Beiderbecke as their guide, Heritage Ramblers bring the New Orleans and Chicago styles of traditional jazz to life in each performance.
Sergeant Garcia said the band goes with the traditional jazz feeling and they add a little spice to surprise their audiences.
"The best thing about performing is being able to interact with the community and receive their support," said Senior Airman James Lantz, Heritage Ramblers trumpet player. "Music is a universal language; it is something that everyone enjoys. I get fulfillment out of uplifting sprits through the music we play."
In the tradition of musical excellence established by the Heritage of America Band, the Heritage Ramblers are sure to get toes tapping, hands clapping and put smiles on faces wherever they perform. While playing the saxophone or trumpet might not seem like the average military job, all band members must attend basic military training; a requirement for every Air Force musician. While in basic training, all enlisted musicians are assigned to the Drum and Bugle Corps flight for initial skills training. After BMT, musicians go directly to their assigned band.
The Heritage Ramblers regularly perform throughout the Hampton Roads area. The next stop for the band is a free concert Aug. 27, in Irvington, Va.; where they are sure to liven up the audience with their musical talents.