AFMC Band of Flight small groups tour four states Published May 29, 2009 By TSgt Wendy Harvey Air Force Band of Flight Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Though many people are well acquainted with the talents of the United States Air Force Band of Flight as a whole, some may not be aware that the concert band also breaks down into many smaller ensembles that demonstrate the vast flexibility of these highly trained musicians. In May, these smaller components of the Band of Flight toured throughout the Midwest to spread the Air Force message in communities who may not typically see the blue suit. The Band of Flight's largest breakout ensemble is the Night Flight Jazz Ensemble. The group left for a tour in Ohio and West Virginia directly following their annual Tribute to Glenn Miller concert at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Saturday, May 16. During five performances, these 20 musicians entertained audiences through the ages of the Big Band. They presented music by America's finest jazz pioneers including Stan Kenton, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Fittingly, each evening concluded with the music of the Army Air Forces' own, Major Glenn Miller. On one memorable evening, the band played in a recently renovated 19th Century opera house located in the historic district of Gallipolis, Ohio, along the Ohio River. This 113 year old theatre, known as the Ariel Theatre, hosted the Chicago Opera and the Ziegfield Follies back in its heyday. The Huffman Prairie Winds Woodwind Quintet toured in Ohio and Michigan presenting both formal evening concerts as well as clinics for middle school band students. Consistent with all Band of Flight performances, selections included varied works to appeal to a wide variety of audiences. Evening programs included a medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera," as well as a work from the classical woodwind quintet repertoire by composer August Klughart. Performances ended with a light-hearted collection of popular tunes titled "The Lone Ar-Ranger" by Phillip Buttall. SrA Jennifer Kost, oboist with the quintet, said that performances in Whitehall, Michigan, were the highlight of her tour. In an evening performance at Whitehall High School, the quintet performed for an audience attended by members of a local woodwind quintet who had performed together for more than 20 years. Following the performance, members of both quintets met to reflect upon shared musical experiences. The Kittyhawk Clarinet Quartet, led by MSgt Shelley Steepe, performed throughout the state of Indiana in concerts sponsored by arts councils, retirement communities and churches. The group played in a Brown Bag Performance Series at a local art gallery in downtown Evansville for a standing room only crowd of more than 150 people. Surrounded by artwork created by local University students, the quartet performed a diverse repertoire including show tunes from "The King and I," as well as works by Leroy Anderson, Percy Grainger and George Frideric Handel. Mr. Jerry Seng attended the concert with his friend, Ms. Kathleen Boink. Mr. Seng remarked that he was "thoroughly impressed with the range of repertoire. [The group] was able to play many different styles of music well." During the concert TSgt Tyler Selden, narrator and bass clarinetist, spoke about the Air Force as well as the Air Force Band Program. Audiences learned that active duty Air Force musicians deploy to play for the troops overseas. Ms. Boink noted that she was "happy that the group is willing to serve us and the guys on the front line." This week in May was the first time these ensembles presented community relations performances in the band's touring area since 2004. Sending three separate groups out during the same time period allowed the Band of Flight to touch more people in both communities big and small. It also provides a fulfilling musical experience for the musicians. For more information about upcoming performances by your United States Air Force Band of Flight, please go to www.bandofflight.af.mil.