and Happy New Year To All the Members of The USAF Retired

Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year
To All the Members
of
The USAF Retired Band
Directors and
Superintendents Society
1994
covc
RETIRE! AIR FORCE BANDLEADERS
AND SUPERINTENDENTS SOCIETY
Founded ‘980
OCT NOV DEC 1994
Heiberg
Aft
VOLXIV NO 4
TAPS
Edward
Ft. Lauderdale Herald, September
12
Lt. CS. Aif Heiberg, founder
of the first Army Air Corps band in
1941, died Friday in Fort Lauderdale,
where he had lived for 31 years.
Heiberg, 89, served more
than 20 years in the Army and USAF
became chief of air force bands
during World War II and later was
honored by the Air Force in ceremo
nies commemorating the 40th and
50th anniversaries of the founding
the Air Force band.
Heiberg. a member of the
Retired Officers’ Association,
received the Legion of Merit from the
Air Force and the Army Commenda
tion Medal.
He was born in Grand Forks,
ND in 1 905, and lived in Washington,
DC and Minneapolis before moving to
For Lauderdale in 1963.
He is survived by his wife of
31 years, Mary; two nieces,
Patricia Berg of Minneapolis and
Virginia Mulcare of Hayward, CA;
and five nephews: Hoff Heiberg Jr. of
Minneapolis; Eric Heiberg of Holland
Mt Irving Heiberg of Bullet, WI;
Robert Heiberg of Hayward, CA; and
Vern Heiberg of Portland, OR.
Burial will be at Arlington
National Cemetery in Virginia.
The family asked that contri
butions, in place of flowers, be made
to the First United Methodist Church
of Ft. Lauderdale, or another charity.
David Mcllhatten writes:
Among the old timers who attended
the funeral were
Harry and
Eleanor Meuser, Carl and Ruth
Costenbader, Amald Gabriel, George
Dietz, Norman Irvine, Lou and Mickey
Krlebel. The full Military honors
consisted of a horse drawn caisson,
honor guard, the Ceremonial Band
enlargedfrom Boiling AFB and a
firing squad. CS. Heiberg was buried
in an area where there are a number
-
V.
D’Alfonso
LOST AND FOUND
Lt. CS. Edward Vincent
D’Alfonso Ret., 63. a native of
Monessen, PA, died September 27,
1 994. He retired as a musician/
teacher August 6, 1974. after 20
years with the US Air Force. He was
a member of the Airmen of Note and
retired as Commander /Cdnductor of
the TAC Band, Langley AFB, VA. He
graduated with a BA in music from
Duquesne University.
Survived by his wife, Helen
Alyce D’Alfonso, of Yorktowti; a
daughter, Debra D’Alfonso LeMoaI, of
Palm Harbor, FL.; a brother, Julius
D’Alfonso, of Monessen, PA; a
grandson, David Andrew LeMoal, of
Palm Harbor, FL; and a sister, Alice
Rechichar, of Monessen, PA.
Services were held at the
Langley AFB Chapel, with the ACC
Band providing the music, which was
inspirational.
Memorials to: Ed D’Alfonso
Music Scholarship Fund, Christopher
Newport University, SO Shoe Lane,
Newport News, VA, 23606.
A lifetime of love of music,
friends and family. A great and kind
man!"
We will all remember the
highly successful Williamsburg
reunion as a memorial to Ed!
One of our members, Joe Losh, is
trying his best to obtain a copy of the
march written by Chemetsky. Title:
March of the Guards Mortrmen.
Since Joe directs the Legion Post All
Sousa Band in New York, he would like
to program the piece and help this new
march gain national recognition. He
believes a copy of it was presented to
either the Academy Band or one of the
other bands. Anyone knowing how he
could obtain a copy, please let him
know.
CONGRESSIONAL RETIREMENT
PACKAGE
from the Dec94 TROA magazine
"I wonder if our retired mili
tary members are aware of the
largess that Congress members have
bestowed upon themselves in their
retirement package.
In a recent article, syndicated
columnist Jack Anderson wrote: "In
general, congressional pensions are
two to three times as generous as
those in the private sector, with those
retiring in 1 995 starting with an
annual pension of $60,600.00. The
average lifetime benefit package Is
$1.9 million, thanks in part to a 4
percent annual cost -of -living allow
ance that helps make the plan Inflationproof."
While Congress delays our COLA
and sometimes eliminates it, members
of Congress are assured of a 4 percent
raise annuafty. They don’t need to
vote themselves a pay raise each year.
I think that we should really Jump on
our members of Congress about this 4
percent COLA in particular.""
--_____
MaJ. James P. Wilson, AUS-Ret, Flippin
AR
Page I
PERSONALS
Don
Kraft
To say I enjoyed the reunion is
an understatement. It was such a
pleasure seeing old friends I hadn’t
seen in many years, some of them in
40 or 50 years. Of course, they
weren’t all real close friends, but
musicians with whom I shared some
memorable experiences, such as the
Tattoos we played in England. We
realy went over big with the English
audiences. What a Band!!
The three concerts presented
for our benefit were really enjoy
able, especially the Langley Band and
The USAF Band and Singing Sgts.
Seasons greetings to all
Joe
Henderson
The job I have with the Gordon
Bernard Calendar Company keeps me
hopping, so there Is not much time to
do the things I would like to do:
Sailing, Gardening, Golf, taking
leisure trips. Sally and 1 do travel,
but it is business travel, and you
don’t have the freedom to relax and
enjoy It. We just returned from a 6
day stay in New Orleans. Sounds
great doesn’t It? Except we were
exhibiting at the Kiwanis Interna
tional Convention. We go to San
Antonio twice a year for the Music
Educator’s Conventions, which is alJ
work, except for the brief visit we
have with Bill and Eve LaBrutta.
We had planned on going to
Williamsburg in August, but again
that is one of the busiest times of the
year for the calendar business. I
plan to retire, again, June 1, 1995.
My sales manager says, "providing I
can get a replacement that is accept
able." Reminds me when I was
stationed in Wichita laBs. I was
choir director of Chapel #1. The
Chaplain at Chapel #2 called and said
his choir director was being shipped
out, and would I direct the choir until
he could find a replacement. Guess
what? He found a replacement after
I shipped out to Hickam 6 years later.
I still play in the Longvlew
Symphony 4th horn- my chops
aren’t what they used to be just
to keep peace in the family. Sally
is the Symphony Manager and is
starting her 27th year. She says I
can’t retire until she does.
We have a Coronado 1 S racing
sloop that doesn’t get a lot of lake
time, but we are looking forward to
slower times when maybe we can
relax and enjoy these "Golden
Years.’
I have enjoyed reading the
CODA and hearing all the tales of
aches and pains that is all too com
mon to all of us these days.
Best to all.
Jim
Whittenton
Sorry to have missed the
RAFM IV reunion. We have been In
Northem Virginia for a year now.
Moved into a house we bought in late
June and only have a few mQrQ boxes
to go. We love our house and think
the countryside is very pretty, but
we sure do miss Texas.
Fran is the Executive Assis
tant for a corporate attorney and VP
for a company in nearby Reston, VA.
I now have nearly 11 years with
Computer Associates and am the
Project Manager for a Jarge contract
we have with FDIC. Our jobs keep us
very busy.
Amald
Gabriel
The reunion at Williamsburg of
the RAFM was the first that Renee
and I have attended and I want to
convey to everyone concerned our
complete delight with all of the
arrangements.
The ACC Heritage of America
Sand, The Airmen of Note, and the
JSAF Band and Singing Sgts., were
all magnificent. The golf tournament
was so much fun even for the
duffers and the setting was beauti
firl. Most important of all, the
reunion with old friends was heart
warming. We came away with the
feeling so beautifully expressed by
The Airmen of Note.."So little time?
We are looking forward to
New Orleans in two years and
encourage those who did not attend
this time for you were missed to
make plans for New Orleans in 1996!
Vic
Molzer
Same old stuff going on with
me here. Have mide two driving trips
to Frankfcrt, KY in the past year to
visit my daughter, stopping over in
Denver and Lincoln, NE to visit with
my younger and older brothers,
respectively otherwise, no travel
Sorry to miss you all at Williamsburg
put a daughter thru Wiljiam & Mary
there many years ago.
-
Rob and Mary Turner
Bob is undergoing tests for
some problems he has, -will keep you
informed as to his progress. Sony we
had to miss the Reunion at
Williamsburg. Sony to hear about
Tony Zavarella,-our son purchased
his first grey pearl drum set from
him, used it all through high school and
college. Still owns it and It’s in his
home in MD. We are reaUy fortunate
to have the CODA and your Special
Announcements. A real tribute to you
and Vince. I know it must take many
hours to assemble your newsletter and
it has become a labor of love to keep us
all in touch with fond memories and
friends in the Music Field.
Our son, Rob is visiting England
we do all the research on our family
and he gets to visit all the castles.
Warwick was built by one of my
Newborough ancestors. Hope every
one had a Happy Thanksgiving and a
Wonderful Christmas season.
-
Tom and Patricia Watts
I retired in October 1992 and
moved with my wife to Phoenix, AZ.
For the past two years, I have been
very busy getting adjusted to civilian
life and the like. Well, you know how
time slips away. We are the new
kids’ on the block of the RAFBL
Society, and happy to be with you all.
Hope everyone has a Merry Xmas and a
great year ahead.
Hank
tihland
On 31 September 94 I departed
for Turkey and spent an extremely
interesting two weeks touring that
fascinating country. I heartily recom
mend such a tour to anyone who enjoys
traveling: the hotels and food are
good, the people are friendly, the
scenery is unique and there is no end to
historical sites to be visited. 1 went a’
a GLOBUS conany tour which was
very well managed. The tour manager,
Page 2
was a Turk who had lived in Los
Angeles for several years and spoke
excellent English sprinkled copiously
with AmerIcan slang. Around the
first of the year I plan to drive to
southern CA to see friends and
relatives. In May I possibly will go
on a tour of China -nothing definite
as yet. Enough for now-Best to
you all_*Keep ‘em flying Buy
Bonds -eat plenty of carrots for
night
sight.
-fill in the blanks for other WWII
slogans.
ITC Alan Bonnet
From the Editor
As a courtesy to Alt Heiberg;
Le,e,nunial
Band and the Uunus
the
Guard increased their normal size. I
was proud to present the US Flag to
Mary Heiberg.
John
Award Presentation:
The National Band Association’s
"Citation of Excellence" was
presented to our Vice President/
Treasurer, Herman Vincent for his
lifelong contributions to music and
music education. The presentation
was made at a recent concert by the
Lake charles Community Band, of
which Vince is Associate Conductor.
For those of you not too acainted
with Vince, he was Conductor of the
Kirkpatrick
-
*----*-----------
Harold and
Ladye Copenhaver
Just returned from Girard, KS
where Cope was inducted into the
Wall Of Fame? The "WaIr is a
part of a new 3 million dollar project
and it honors Outstanding High School
graduates, the purpose of which is to
promote pride in the student body and
to encourage attainment of dreams.
Cope was cited for his military
accomplishments as well as his work
in Higher Education. For a small town
in SE Kansas this really is an anti
tious project. He was the second
person to be so honored; the first
was last year, he had been the Mayor
of Kansas aty for several years.
They received a grand reception,
guest of honor at the football game,
sweat shirt, cap and a plaque. All a
complete surprise to the
Copenhavers.
Mary
Heiberg
I would like to express my
thanks and appreciation to the
society and members, during this
trying time. Alt had a fine funeral
service here in Ft Lauderdale and the
burial at Arlington. I was able to go
to Washington by having a friend
accompany me. The military 5crAces were beautiful and so impres
sive, as you well know. Full military
honors. The 1J$AF Band cid a great
job. They played some of AlPs
favorites as he had requested. I
coulcM’t help but feel that he was
hearing It all on this ‘perfect
weather’ day in that beautiful
setting. Thanks to your effort s,
several retired band members did
attend. Although it’s sad to be alone,
I thank God for %lng AIf & me 31
years of a very happy life together.
cmi
Reunion IV is going to be hard
to beat. I was boiled-over at the
quality of the ACC Band. Our bands
were never that good when you and I
were young. The USAF Band and
Singing Sgts, plus the Note over
played themselves. Gabe is better
than ever. I was there from Thurs
day PM to Sunday AM. I enjoyed
every minute! Some may have seen
me with a young man with a
‘jarhead’ haircut. He was lancecorporal Phil Brever, who is now
attending the band school in Norfolk,
a Marine. He lived in Ennis, TX about
20 miles from me played trumpet
on a few jobs with me. Last year he
sought me out and asked for guidance
in passing an audition for the Ma
rines. I made him clean up his fuzzy
tone, learn his scales and a good solo
and he passed with flying colors. He
is doing well at the band school and is
a gung-ho Marine for life, he says!! I
can hardly wait for the New Orleans
reunion in ‘96.
-
Richard
Dick
Academy Sand.
F
ACTIVE DUTY NOTES
Two of our colleagues have been
selected for Full Colonel 0-6:
LTC Alan Bonner, The USAF Band
LTC Bruce Gilkes, USAF Academy
Band
Congratulations, gentlemen!!
Perry
Still flying the line at US Air/
Piedmont Airlines. Just went over
10 years at the end of July. I have
under 6 years to go and will be
hitting the trout streams in CO, with
by better half cheering me on, from
the banks of the Frying Pan river ...l
play one gig a year on New Years
Eve, and have been playing trumpet
duets with my 1 2 year old son
Christopher, who has become a true
jazz fan. The best to all.
ease see accompanying articles
Pate 3
The United States Air Force Band
and Singing Sergeants
Lieutenant Colonel Alan L. Banner
Commander/Conductor
The United States Air Force Band
‘pad
The Singing Sergeants
Washington, D.C.
Lieutenant Colonel AM. L. Banner
Coud uflor Commander
In coneeflfrr me
ReliredAir Force Musicians Reunion
and the
City of Williamsburg, Va.
William & Muy Hall
Saturday, August 27. 1994
8 pm
Sonoran Desert Holiday
Ron Nelson
The Melody Shop March
Kri L King
Concertino in Eb, op.26
Carl Maria von Weber
trans. 3. Landis
Chic/Mailer Sergeant Steven C. Lawson, clarinet soloist
Symphony No.4. FInale
-
Peter lilych Tchaikovsky
Inns. V. F. Safranek
Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel, USA?’ Ret, specWi guest conductor
Conductor Emeritus, The United States Air Force Band
The Phantom or the Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber
an. CMSgt Michael Davis
Senior Master Sereanl Patricia .4.?’. Wolfe and Technical Sergeant ties ilelsabeck, vocal soloists
Pictures at an Exhibition SelectIons
Modeste Mussorgsky
tans. Lawerence Odom
INTERMISSJON
Opera Live!
compiled by MSgt William C. Adcock & flgt Lynn Jennings Adcock
I. Overture
2. 0 iSo babbino nra
S. Habanera
4. Papageno/P.pagena
S. Bridal Chorus
6.Un bel dl
7. Ride of the Vafleyrles
B. Clii ml freon Ia SI momento
. Sons le dense epaS
II. La donna E mobile
11. Gypsy Anvil Chorus
12. Overture
13. Largo .1 factorum
14. Triumphal March’
IS. Senupre libera
16. Toreador’s Song
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
GIANNI SCHICCRI
CARMEN
THE MAGIC FLUTE
LOHENGRIN
MADAME BUfltRFLY
DIE WALKURE
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR
Moran
Puccini
Bust
Moran
Wagner
Puccini
Wagner
Donizetti
Delibes
Verdi
Verdi
Rossini
LARME
RIGOLETFO
IL TROVATORE
WILLIAM TELL
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
AIDA
LA TRAVIATA
Rossini
Verdi
Verdi
first
CARMEN
The Higher We Fly
John Denver. Joe Henpi & Lee Holdridge
Based on the poem ‘High flight’ by John Gillespie Magee. Jr.
an. MSgt David Nokes
Master Sergeant Kelly Egan McDonough and Master Sergeant David IYokes, vocal soloists
The Stars and Stripes Forever
Member. "Fonner Member, The United Sites Air Force Band
John Philip Sousa
PERSONNEL
Lieutenant Colonel Alan L. Bonner- Mabel, OK
"COW
CORNET
MSgt Asdyth Scan - Shreveport, LA
CMSgc Ronald Blais - Lincoln. RI
SMSgt David Golden - Bethlehem, PA
SMSgt Victor Bowman . Dixon, IL
MSgt Clarence Mitchell - Portsmouth, VA
TSgI Curt Christen son - Mt. Clemens, MI
mgi Andrew L Wilson - Columbus, OH
FLUTES
SMSgt Judith Lapple - Rochester, NY
MSgi Lawrence Ink - Rockvifle, MI
MSgt Lucille Johnston Snell - Albuquerque, NM
‘T%z David Lankavich - MedicS, NJ
-
SOPRANO
SMSgt Donna Baldwin Abraira - Dummerston, VT
SMSgt Juhanne Sages Tun.nSef - Umsionrown. PA
SMSgt Barbara C. Lewis+ - Lemoyne. PA
flgt Lynn Jennings Adcock - Spring Grove, MN
TSgl Carol Hawkins Wiley - Wilson, NC
TRUMPET
MSgt William C. Adcock - San Jose, CA
MSgt James E. Dinner- flanisburg. PA
OBOE
MSgt Rebecca Brown Williams
THE SiNGiNG SERGEANTS
San Diego, CA
ALTO
MSgt Ronald Erier - Falls Church, VA
CMS1t Glenda Ruth Shepelafl - Aberdeen, SD
SMSgt Patricia A.l Wolfe+ - Massapequa Park, NY
MSgt Kelly Egan Mcfloncugh - Comslag4 NY
mgi Jennifer L. Lyons- Knoxville, TN
ThgI Angela Burns - Greenville, NC
TROMBONE
MSgI Mark Williams
ENGLISH HORN
- Okemos. MI
MSgt Jeffrey Gaylord - Western Springs, IL
MSg Lindsey Smith - W illiamsson, MI
mgi Matthew R. Vaughn . Richmond, IN
CMSgI James H. Moseley - Beaumont. TX
Rb ClARINET
TENOR
MSgs Jan Brooks Siegfried - Valparaiao, IN
SASS TROMBONE
SMSgI Chris A. Mallen - Catasauqua, PA
lb CLARINETS
CMSgt Steven Lawsont - Simi Valley. CA
SMSgI Christopher Hire - Columbus, OH
MSgt Janet DIals -Arlington. WA
TSgt Lontne Haddad Poughkeepsie, NY
TSgt Sharon Bonueau - Foxboio, MA
MSgt Robert Little - Houston. DC
TSgt Elizabeth Carnpeau - Pinckney. MI
flgt Shawn Buck - Bmokside, PA
SMS1t Karen Dembow Erler Cedarhursi, NY
TSgt James Biyla - Chevy Chase, Ml
TSgt Richard A. Drew - Solid, IL
TSgt Jeffrey t Snavely - Milwaukee, WI
EUPHONIUM
TSgt Ann Baldwin Shrieves - Canton, OH
TS3t Lance G Lafluke - Niles, MI
TUBA
CMSgt Robots N. Daniel - Lubbock. DC
SMSgI Edward R. McKee - Roselle. NJ
MSgt Jan Z Duga - Columbus, OH
MSgt William D. Porter Il-Alcoa, TN
SMSgt Richard D. Pearson - Carroilton, OH
ISgm Nathan A. Sonuners -Sioux Falls, SI
Thgt Richard. AJia.Bicoy - Ewa Beach, HI
TSgt Kevin I. Sapp - Foil Myers. Pt
BASS/BARITONE
SMSgt George E. 3. Singleton - Charlotte, NC
MSgt David Nokes - Menlo Park, CA
TSgt Kerry Wilkerson - Greensboro. NC
TS2t Alex Helsabeck+ - Winston-Salem, NC
Superintendent. The Singing Sergeants
Section Leader
a Assistant Conductor. The Singing Sergeants
I = Announcer
I
=
+ =
CELLO
TSgt Val Griffin - Oklahoma City, OK
TSgt Timothy Tigges - Dubuque. IA
BASS CLARiNET
MSgt Jerome R. DeBello - Bonita, CA
STR1NG BASS
CONTRA-ALTO CLARINET
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
MSgt Frank Pappajohn - Morgantown, WV
MSgt William Hones -Toledo, OH
TSgi Bnan D. Jones - Panama City. Ft
STAGE MANAGER
TSgt Michael Ryan - Horseheads. NY
BASSOON
SMSgt Danny K. Phipps - Annapolis. MD
MSgt Gregosy Brown - Mesa, AZ
TIMPANI
SMSgi Andrew Power UI * Fort Worth, DC
ALTO SAXOPHONE
PERCUSSION
CMSgI Randall A. Eylest - Cay, IL
MSgt Stuart Clemmer - Farinington. CT
CMSgt Keith Young - Middlelown, OH
MSgt John Thomas Ellisville. MS
TENOR SAXOPHONE
AUDIO TECHNICIAN
Thgc Joseph Korgie - Columbus, NE
MSgt Aubrey Adams - Medford, OK
MSgt Patrick Shrieves - Freehold, NJ
MSgt Craig CoUison - Spokane, WA
Comments regarding this perfonnance may be
addressed to: Commander, The United States
Air Force Band, 23 Mill Street, Suite 5, Boiling
Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. 20332-5401
Thgt William Man - Alexandria, VA
BARITONE SAXOPHONE
AUDIO ENGINEER
mgi Kendall S. Thomsen - Walnut, IA
PIANO/KEYBOARDS
flgt Marek Vastek - Warsaw, Poland
TSgt Maty Beth George - Buffalo, NY
FRENCH HORN
MSgt Kyle Penf - Bedford, IN
TSgt Philip Munds - Nap. CA
TS1t Samuel Compton - Chattanooga. TN
TSgt Deborah L Stephenson - Dallas, TX
MSgt Paul Fisher- Hershey, PA
£
=
t
=
=
Superintendent, The Concert Band
Concert Master
Principal
Color team provided by The United States Air Force Honor Guard, Washington, D.C.
Information about future peifotmances of The
United Slates Air Force Band may be obtained by
witting to: The Office of Public Relations,
The United States Air Force Band, 23 Mill Street
SuiteS, BoIling Air Force Base. Washington, D.C.
20332-5401
-
Lieutenant Colonel Steven Clark I Commander
LIEUItNAP4T COLONEL ALAN I. BONNER
COMMANDERKONPIJfTUR
Lieutenant Colonel Alan 1.. Bonier is the comman
der and conductor of The United States Air Force
Band based at Balling Air Force Base, Washington.
DC. Originally from Idabel, Okla., his cotter in the
Air Force began in 1969 as principal trumpet with
the Air Force Band of Ihe Rockies in Denver, Cob.
S with the United States Air Force Academy Band
in Colorado Springs, Cola. As an Air Force band
leader, he has commanded bands in Illinois, Florida,
New Jersey, Cabifontia. Texas and, most recently.
Nebraska. He has directed tours throughout the
United States. Puerto Rico, Canada. Greenland and
the Azores. Of particular note. Colonel Banner led
the Strategic Air Command Band on a six-nation
tour of the Persian Gulf in support of our troops par
ticipating in the United Nations Desert Shield/Desert
Storm Operation. His other assignments have
included deputy chieof bands and musk. office of
ptthlk affairs at the Pentagon and vice commander
of The United States Air Force Band.
Colonel Banner isa I969graduate of the
University of Oklahoma with a bachelor of music
educatioriclegree. In 1981 heearnedamasterof
music degree from the University of South Florida
at Tampa. Colonel Banner is also a graduate of
Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff
College and the Air War College. His professional
aftiliations include the Music Educators National
Conference, the College Band threctors National
Association, the NaSal Band Association S the
Anwiican Eandmasten Association. He also is on
the board of directots for the John Philip Sousa
Foundation and National Band Association.
Colonel Bonnerbecame thecommanderofThe
United States Air Force Band on Match I, 1991.
His military decorations and awards include the
Air Forte Merisous Service Medal with four oak
leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with
one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievemem Medal,
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak
leaf clusters. Air Face Organizational Excellence
Award with three oak leaf clusters, National
Defense Service Medal with one brunt sz South
West Asia Service Medal. Air Force Longevity
Service Award Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters
and Air Force Training Ribbon.
He cuneittly resides in Alexandria, Vt with
his wife, lent, and their tee daughters, Kelly.
Megan, and Beth Ann.
THE UNITED STATES
MR FORfE RAND
THE UNITED STATES
AIR FORCE SINGING SERGEANTh,
for over 50 years has endeared itself to millions of
listeners through its exhilarating music, engaging
concerts and masterful recordings. Since its forma
tion in 1941. this multi-faceted organization, consist
ing of the Concert Band, Singing Sergeants, Airmen
of Note, Strolling Strings, High Flight. Ceremonial
Brass, Chamber Players and Silver Wings, has con
tinuously brought superb music and exciting
entertainment to music lovers around the world.
The Band has become a most effective goodwill
ambassador for the the nation and has, deservedly,
earned itsdistinguished reputation as "America’s
International Musical Ambassadors". Throughout
the years. components of The Band have journeyed
to Europe, South America and Asia, perfonning in
49 countries and 41 world capitals, importing to its
audiences a firsthand insight of America’s culture.
Through their efforts, musicians of The United
States Air Force Band have laid solid foundations
for a better understanding among the peoples of the
world.
the 24-voice official chorus of the United Stares Air
Force, is one of the most versatile and well traveled
choral organizations in the world. Formed in 1945.
The Singing Sergeants is die oldest professional
chorus in the U.S. military. Although it maintains a
strong emphasis on American choral music, the
choni repertoire is quite extensive, representing a
wide range of vocal music including opera, tradi
tional and contemporary choral literature, oratorio,
folk songs, pop standards, musical theater. jazz and
even comedy. The group has appeared before every
chief executive of the United States since President
Harry S. Truman, as well as with the New York
Philharmonic, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Florida.
Houston and National Symphony Orchestras By
performing at major national and international
music conventions, symposia and clinics, plus
touring to all parts of the country, The Singing
Sergeants brings the musk S the people of
the world together.
Commemorating
the 50th Anniversary
of World War 11
COMAIAA’IthK. ‘7iN1UCIOR
DEPUTY COMMANDER/ASSISTANT CONDVCZOR
LAegaenan: L’uloa:el Lowell FL Graham
Gate/c’: CO
Lieutenant Douglas C. Monroe
Livcniia MI
.ii.r<7It!Vmflur
BAND MAMA651
SMS8t Joseph R. Taylor. Jr.
Washit.gtun NC
FLUTE/&’ICCOI.O
‘MSgt V. Wcivice Fjcctr:d. Wytheiille VA
AIC Kristen L Blunlock. Ruanuke VA
MSgt Atc,ivoc..ii J. tttedford
110kM
SrA Lawrence 0. Price, Bethesda MD
SSgs James M. Jon es Corpus Chrls:i TX
SrA David M. Crites, Fayette MO
Sg: Roger 0. No rick, Alantugordo NM
OBOE/ENG LISH HORN
SrA Jo/icc L. tVa.tLer. Lincoln NE
SM Nancy A. Armuld, Highland IN
TROMEONE
‘MSgt Thomas O’Connor, Champaign IL
SSgs William I. South, Betblehen, tA
SSg, Gregory P. Werner, Loin: Mary’s PA
SrA Craig A. LeDoux, Cannel IN
BASSOON
AICAm bet L Fere:,iz. Winsion-Sajen, NC
USgs Joints J. t-r usak, Parson OH
EUPHONIUM
SMSgs Charles R. Hors-is, Jacksonville FL
TSgi Burba,a S. Taylor. Kingsport TN
E*FLA T CLARINET
SSgv Alc,on A. C/iri:.;;iofuti. Buti::gbrook IL
B-FLAT CLARINET
SrA Sands a U. I-, coon. ‘uhinabia SC
A I C Susan B. Kisu::: ‘nun::, Ru. usc, and VA
TSgt Peset 0. Fonnuan. Satan Bathos a CA
SA Jennifer U. Ln:,,lel,c:le, iVes:,nwv NJ
SrA Allison L. thni gh. Albuquerque NM
SrA Mary Jasiu.e t,raoker Wav-scns GA
A IC Jnin:Jcr S ci. cacti., Wheeling WV
BASS C L4RINET
USgs Janice M. Bcugsson, Phoenix NY
SAXC,11101.1E
SSg: Michael P. U acrshalt Aberdeen MD
SrA GregotyS. L.4.fffey. Rich,nocoi VA
SSgt Joseph A. 0::. Lombard IL
Scot: Ut,:., ‘cv hi, A::i.i a: VA
LU MNET
5, A Joints J. Z..ic::gasa. hiculis on WI
SSgt Peter L Air//ga, West Babylon NY
SS David R. Tay:lun Jr., Milwaukee WI
SrA Ke:ryA. .Moffis. Flint MI
1K IL/tMPET
SrA Phitl:ppe V R,c.a/kccs. Chesapeak.e VA
SrA Daci, T. Blur, Wheeling WV
".1
TUBA
MSgt Larry F. Whi:comb, Auburn NY
AIC Philip Burke, Housron iX
*
BASS
SSgs Vincent 0. Osbo,n. Woseca MN
USg: Kurt Kurosawa. Lang Beach NY
.TIMPA NI/PERCUSSION
SMSg: James A. Nierescher, Flint MI
PERCUSSION
SMSgs Joseph K. Toy/or, Jr., Washington NC
SMS3I Elcain A. Hughes. Jr. Menfolk VA
AICAnihony R. Detuzia. Hampton VA
A IC Reid Swc Ad/lI, Ft La uderdale Fl
PiANO
Sgb Philip B. Cuilloutne, Flu: race XI
VOCALIST
MSi Terry R. Taylor, We,: Ccc rum CA
ARRANGER
lSgt A/do K. Forte, tIun:crille AL
TSgt Al Newman. Brwtlysi NY
AUDIO TECHNICIAN
SSgt Ray Lnndun. Decatur IL
Inc/ira its Pica:’ i,,at Ilcm ye.
IN CON
Retired Air Force Mu
Thursday, Aug
6:00
ACC Band
1 OCT41 Constituted Air Fore Baud, B
of the original 59 Air Force Bands
-
War. Assigned In *fliird Air Force.
Sergeant, I Scrgeant, I Corporal, an
cadre was to come from the 12th In
10 AUG 42
27 IEC 43
26 FEB 44
1OCT44.
24 AUG 45
Esteemed Guests,
The men and women of lie Air Combat Command ACC
Heritage of America Band take great pleasure in welcoming you to
the 1994 Retired Air Force Musicians’ Reunion and to otir concert.
We are par icularly honored to have this opportunity to prforrn for
you, our CC Ileagues and mentors.
Tonigh: we feature music representative of a performance tra
dition conc cived and developed by John Philip Sousa. Selections
on our prc Qram range from the classics to the contemporary by
composers who have made their mark in our industry. This is out
music; it is music that moves the soul. To solidify this evening of
music making, two of this band’s former commanders, Colonel
Antald D. labriel USAF Ret. and Lieutenant Colonel Richard E.
Thurston JSAF Ret., will he featured guest conductors.
IEC 45
12 JAN 46
21 MAR46
28 MAR46
l’ersc,niiel reduced to
24-29 JUN 46
13 and moved In I a ng
and moved to l3ro ik
Assigned to The tic a I
Assigned to Ninili Air
Force lasc
Assigned directly In
Unit for suppor
26SEP47
25 AG 48
Redesignated 5641hz A
SEP 53-FEB 54
OCT53
1 JUL64
DEC 65
1JUL70
15DEC89
1OCT91
-i
T
I JAN47
MAR50
Thanks to your work and vision, United States Air Force Bands
are viewed as the musical standard for quality performance. It is
through your efforts that we enjoy today’s success and celebrate our
rich musical heritage. Relax and enjoy your time with colleagues
and tiiend We welcome you.
WELL E. G AHAM, Lt Col, USAF
Commander/Conductor
Redesignated 64th Ar
Redesignated 564th Ar
Rnk’sign:iled 564th A
A ssigiicd to Ill Bombe
Assigned to Fbi tI Air
1JUN91
Authorized strength:
B nods men
Several Bandsmen at
at Boiling AFB. DC
Temporary authoriza
Began to produce loc
Afl Hit Parade"
Authorization for I o
Began radio program
Assigned to TAC, fi
Redesignated 564t1z
Redesignated Tactic
Reassigned from Tac
Command and redes
Band
Former Commanders/Band Leaders*
Major James K. Berry 1943
Selection
-
‘OJG Robert B. Kay 1943-1945
CWO Glyan A. Beckham 1945
WOJG Wilbur H. LØadbitter 1945-1946
Captain Robert M. Bussel 1946
1st Lieutenant Gordon V. Johnson 1946
Captain George B. Schold, Jr. 1946
CWO Edwin H. Sanford 1946-1947
CWO Elmer Reade 1947-1950
CWO Clyde C. Owens 1950-1951
1st Lieutenant David H. Peery 1951-1952
1st Leiutenant Gilbert W. Shrauger 1952
1st Lieutenant Henry 0. Sellers, Jr. 1952
CWO Adam B. Shadier, Jr. 1952-1954
Major Walter V. Halsey** acting 1954-1955
Major Robert SY. Libell** acting 1955-1956
1st Lieutenant Arnald 0. Gabriel 1956-1959
CWO Eldridge G. Bunton, Jr. 1959-1960
CWO Eugene A. Dieter 1960
Captain Carl %V. Costenbader 1960-1964
Tidewater Festival Overture
-
-
The Patriots
-
-
/
-
Rhapsody for Flugelborn and Symphonic B
-
SrA Jwnes J. Zingara,
-
-
Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa
II. Largamente; alter The Thunderer
-
-
-
…
-
-
Flight
Colonel Arnold V. Gabriel USA
-
-
American Celebration
-
-
-
-
Polka and Fugije fluin "Schwanda"
Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Thurswn
CWO Eugene A. Dieter 1964-1965
.
CWO Julius Sanger 1965-1967
Major Richard E. Thurston 1967-1969
Major Edward D’Alfonso 1969-1974
Captain Ronald V. Carl 1974-1978
-
-
-
-
The Last Days of Pompeii
I. "In the House of Burbo and Straton
II. "Nydia the Blind Girl"
Ill. "The Destruction of Pompeii and Ny
Captain David W. Rackley -1978-1981
Captain Richard A. Shelton- 1981-1984
This list reflects rank upon ussumption of command.
*Smese commanders were assigned to the band as an additional duty.
SSgt Donald S. Bruno was assigned the musical responsibilities
as Bandleader.
Musk from SzØk
There’s No Business Like Show Business
I
Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel USAF Ret.
Lieutenhnt Colonel Richard E. T
colonel Arnalt:l 9. Gabriel retired From the United States Air Force in 1985
loilowing a distinguished 30 year career. at which time he was awarded. an
unprecedented third Legion of Men; for his service to the L’SAF and contributions
to music education throughout the United $tates. The youngest Œonductor to assume
leadershp of one of our countrys premiere military bands, he served as Corn
mander/Lonductor of the international’ renown US Air Forced Band. Symphony
Orchestra, and Singinc Sergeants from 1964 to 1985 and. In February 1990. was
named the first Conductor Emeritus of the USAF Band during a special concert at
DAR Constitution Hall iii Washin2ton, D.C. One of the world’s most widely
traveled conductors, he has directed orchestras and hands in all 50 of the United
.States and in 4tr countries ii otind the globe.
Richard E. Thurston is currently a consul
pany of San Antonio, Texas, one of the woi
and publishers. He retired as Assistant
September 1, 1993. Prior to coining to S
Oklahoma
City,
where
he
served
as
Dea
Performing Arts at Oklahoma City Uni
chmmunity orchestras and a community c
Before joining the faculty of Oklahoma
Director of Bands, Adjunct Professor of
the School of Music at Yale University.
Serving as a combat machine gunner with the United States Arm c famed 29th
Infantry Division in Europe durin2 World War II. Gabriel was awarded the Bronze
Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. and the French Croix
tie Guerre. Fo’lkiwint his separation in 1946, lie received a Bacheloi ‘F Science
degree and Master ol Science degree in music education from Ithaca College. In
May 1989, his alma mater conferred upon Gabriel an honorary Doctor of Music
degree. Gabriel is listed n the Inferno tso,sri / tV/u, ‘,c %Vl:o in Music 7th edit ion.
‘
A native of Oklahonia, Thurston attende
where he earned bachelor’s and master’
served as assistant conductor of the Unive
the Plymouth Michigan Symphony Orch
Air Force and served five years as a navig
joining the Air Force band program. As
and conducted bands in Washington D.C
From 199 to 1975 he was commander
Force Academy Band in Colorado Sprin
elected to membership in the prestigious
ciation, where lie has served as Secreta
2climax of his military career caine in 197
of the U.S. Armed Forces Bicentennial B
joint service organization. In this post he
Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S
he appeared as conductor in Australia, N
1980 he retired as a lieutenant cblonel af
of Bands and Music, U.S. Air Force.
In Fehi nary I 9’ 2, G abi el was inducted into the Na: unto! Band A.c.wuhiiu’n liii!!
Fwne of 1_list ii ii is/ted fits fir! Co,i rho!, n_s, the you a gest md tic tee to ia ‘‘e received
tins honor.
-.
Among the lit.i ndreds of major orchestras and hands he has conducted are the
NI inneapohs, Pittsburgh. San Antonio. Memphis, Florida, Glendale California.
York and Will arnsport Pennsylvania. Green Bay Visconsin and Fairfax Vir
ginia Syiiiph--ny Orchestras, tfie Carahiniere Band and the Air ?o.rce Band Italy.
the Band of t ]ie RoYal Netherlands NI arines, the Royal Hellenic Band IA thetis.
Gicece. the S aff Music Coi;,s Bonn, West Germany, the National Band of the
Canadian Forces Ottawa, and the Ganiagori 13 and and the Tokyo Kosei Wind
Orchestra Ja ran.
His professional honors include the first Citation of Excellence awarded by the
National Band Association, the Mid-West National Band and Orchestra Chnic S
/963 Go/c! Medal of Honor and 1973 Disthi8uislied Service to Music Award, the
rarely presented Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Citation for "significant contn
hutions to mtiic in America". and the Distinguished Service to Music An-aid horn
Kappa Kappa Psi. the national band fraternits. while the Danish C,ocs ‘t 5: Gte’t’c
can be cotitlier I u’n his numerous military decorations.
Gabriel continues to receive invitations to appear as a uest conductor and clinician
at major state. ‘egional. and university music festivals across the countr as swell
as to conduct outstanding school, college, municipal, and military hands and
professional orchestras around the world. Recently retired as Chairman of th
Department o Music at George Mason University in Fatrfak,Virginia. he remains
on the facultw as Professor of Music and Conductor of the GMU Symphony
While on active dtity, Thurston earned a
University of Texas at Austin. Througho
an active schedule as guest conductor,
also noted as an arranger Of music for ha
and-ensembles, with more than fifty pub
.
/
Orchestra. He is Conductor and Music Director of the McLean Virginizh Orches
tra
-
/
THE NOTE
TOURS
RECENT EVENTS
On August 26 the Note performed for the
Retired Air Force Musicians Reunion in
Williamsburg, Virginia. The event was or
ganized by Airmen of Note alumnus Eddie
O’Alfonso. Many ofthe Note’s alumni were
in attendance including Tommy Newsom
and former directors: Fred Kepner, Sammy
Nestico, Bob Bunton, Gene Egge. Dave
Napier and Dave Steinmeyer. Sammy gave
the band a heartfelt introduction for what
turned out to be a memorable evening. Its
always a treat for us when the alumni get
together. There’s always a good Airmen of
Note story from years gone by. The next
reunion is scheduled for New Orleans in
1996.
Joining us this summer were Chris Vadala t
the Capitol steps and Stanley Turrentine at
the Henidon JazzFestival. Many of our local
fans may remember Stanley’s performance in
our 1992 Jazz Heritage Series. Its always a
treat to play with the fabulous "Mr. T."
On September 13 the Airmen of Note per
formed at the annual Air Force Association
Convention in Washington. D.C. The Note,
along with selected members of the Strolling
Strings. Singingsergeants and Concert Band,
presented a show stopping tribute to Glenn
Miller’s AAF orchestra. Also featured was
Bobbie McCleary, the Note’s vocalist for
over ten years. This performance was a
preview of what is to be the format for the
spring tour in 1995.
OBITUARY
We regret to inform our readers that Lt. Col.
Edward fl’Alfonso LISAF Ret., passed away
on September 27, 1994 at the age of 63. Ed
had just recently organized the Retired Air
Force Musicians Reunion in Williamsburg,
Virginia. Ed retired as a musician/teacher
after 20 years in the Air Force. He played
French Horn on the Airmen ofNote between
1954 and 1955 and retired from the Air Force
as commander/conductor of the TAC Band,
Langley Air Force Base.
its been a long time coming but the band is
doing on a 15 day tour in Japan starting
October 24. The tour is being co-sponsored
by the Japanese chapter of the ‘Glenn Miller
Birthplace Society." TheAirmen ofNote has
been performing for the Birthplace Society
Festival in Clarinda, Iowa Glenn’s birth
place for the last several years now. Next
spring the Note is offon a three week tour of
the United States as part of The U.S. Air
Force Band’s recreation of Glenn Miller’s
AAF orchestra. The tour will begin in Day
ton, Ohio and end in San Francisco, Califor
nia. The Ml itinerary will be in the next
newsletter.
MILLER CD
Manyofyou may rememberourGlenn Miller
NESTICO AWARD
The "Call for Compositions" for the first
annual Sammy Nestico Award has generated
a good number of entries. Our own Mike
Crony and Sammy Nestico will pick the
winner and present the award at the IAJE
convention in Anaheim, California in early
January, 1995.
GUEST ARTISTS
Our 1994 Jazz Heritage Series ended this
year with Nick Brignola’s performance at
the Baird Auditorium. Nick is one of the
premiere virtuosos on ban-sax and his
performance was true to form. Our next
series began on October II, 1994 at the
George Mason Concert Hall. Our guest artist
was trumpeterAllen Vinutti along with Col.
Arnald 0. Gabriel USAF Ret. conducting
popularity we have decided to reissue the
the George Mason Symphony Orchestra. The
next scheduled concert in the series will be
on March 3, 1995 at the George Mason
album once more. In keeping with current
technology and with respect to radio station
later.
album released back in 1982 titled "The Glenn
Miller Tradition." Because of its immense
standards, the album will be on CD only. In
this latest project the original recording was
digitally remastered, and four new arrange
ments were added to the existing fourteen
selections. The four new arrangements were
recorded in The 11.5. Air Force Band studio
and mixed at Bias recording studio. Person
nel and credits from both the 1982 and 1994
projects are included in the liner notes. With
the completion of the new artwork and cover
design the album should be released in sev
eral months.
Concert Hall with a guest artist to be named
BACK TO THE BEACH
On October Ii the band performed with Bob
Hope. Miss USA and Wayne Newton for
the biannual fund raiser in Ft. Walton Beach,
The event was sponsored by the
Air Force Assistance Fund Agency and all
proceeds wentto the Air Force Enlisted Men’s
Widows and Dependents Home.
Florida,
BACK TO THE FUTURE
AON MAILING LIST
24
If you know of anyone else who would like
to be on the Airmen of Note’s mailing list,
please have them send their name and address
to:
ATTN MSgt Dudley Hinote
USAF BAND BABN
IS
23 MILL ST SUITE S
BOLLING Afl DC 20332-5401
202 767-1756
For information regarding booking inquiries
call MSgt Craig Gentsch at:
202 767-4582.
Nov
New York NY
,.
..Macy’sParade
Dec ....Remembering Glenn Miller
Constitution Hall. Washington. DC
12-14
Jan...jntAssocofjanEduIAJE
20-21
Anaheim. CA
Jan
IJutchinson, KS
30-3?
Mar
22-23
8-29
JanFestival
Mobile Jazz Festival
Mobile, AL
Apr
PensacolaJazzFestival
Pensacola. FL
May
Glenn Miller Tour
TEA
THE BAND
OF THE UNITED STATES
AIR FORCES IN EUROPE
dmeiioa i 4?aical dmIasado4
Lieutenant Colonel Roger W. Sebby Commander/Conductor
-
First Lieutenant John P. Graulty
The members of the
-
Deputy Commander/Assistant Conductor
Band of the United States Afr Forces in Europe are "America’s Musical
Ambassadors". Based at Einsiedlerhof Air Station in Germany, these 60 musicians represent the
United States and its Air Force in over 38 countries across Europe, Scandinavia, Asia and Africa.
The USAFE Band is composed of several performing groups. These include: the Concert Band,
the Ambassadors jazz ensemble, Galary popular music ensemble, the Ceremonial BanS Wings of
Dixie, Brass Quintet, Woodwind Quintet, and several protocol combos. Each of these groups travel
extensively, performing more than 500 concerts each year for both civilian and militazy audiences.
The combined repertoire of the USAFE Band ranges from classical music to latin thythms; show
tunes to modern jazz, rock and pop; and of course the traditional big band sound.
In addition to performing for more than 1.2 million people in live concerts each year, the USAFE
Band can be heard on radio and television broadcasts bringing the music of America to millions of
people across the globe.
Recently awarded the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the band was recognized for
exceptionally meritorious service by the Secretary of the Air Force. Previous official recognition
includes six Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. The band earned these awards by maintaining
exceptionally high professional performance standards in its role as American ambassadors of
goodwill.
As "America’s Musical Ambassadors", the members of The Band of the United States Air Forces
in Europe use the "international language of music" to foster friendship wherever they perform.
TH E BAND
OF THE UNITED STATES
AIR FORCES IN EUROPE
Unit 3315 -APO At 09094-5000
im e 4 ica
‘s
SudicaI d1mtqz4ado*
Kim A. Rodriguez
Phone: 011-49-631-536-6663
Fax: 011-49-631-52491
Clinton in Harmony with Air Force Band
While military members look to the president as’ commander in chief, members of the
Band of the United States Air Forces in Europe can also look to him as a fellow musician. This
summer President Clinton’s trip to the Baltics and Europe brought him to Ramstein Air Base,
Germany. There he spoke to some 8000 members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community and
soloed with the USAFE Band.
Following his speech, Clinton mingled with the audience, shaking hands with as many
guests as time would allow. While greeting the audience, he stopped to enjoy the performance of
the USAFE Band.
Aware of the president’s particular musical interest, and hoping for an impromptu
performance, the band had prepared for the occasion. Staff Sergeant John A. Fritz brought along
an extra tenor saxophone. Master Sergeant Peter J. Sandberg prepared a copy of the solo part.
As Clinton listened, band commander Lieutenant Colonel Roger W. Sebby seized the unique
opportunity and invited the president to sit in. Accepting the instrument from Fritz, and to the
delight of the musicians, the president sat down and played "Night Train."
Following the performance Clinton, with a big smile on his face, autographed the sheet
music. Departing, he shook hands with band members and thanked them for the chance to share
in the gift of music.
Upper President Bill Clinton stops to enjoy the sounds of Staff
Sergeant Jack Ryder’s saxophone.
Lower President Bill Clinton sits in with the U$AFE Concert Band
-J