Air Force band, students play to packed house

The U.S. Air Force Band of the West concert band played to a packed house and standing ovations Thursday evening at the Sahuarita Auditorium.

Joining the band for one of the highlights of the evening, John Philip Sousa’s “Liberty Bell,” were eight music students from Anza Trail School, Sahuarita Middle School and Sahuarita High School.

The students selected to perform: Alex Bosse of SHS on percussion; Clayton Casciato of Anza on clarinet; Briana Chavez of Anza on clarinet; Jessica Cozine of Anza on French horn; Aysha Farnsworth of SMS on trombone; Adam Metzger of SMS on trumpet; Bryan Schaefer of SMS on clarinet; and Katie Tingle of SHS on tuba.

The USAF Band is a 45-member ensemble conducted by Capt. Cristina Moore Urrutia. The band has been an integral part of the music scene in the Southwest for years, traveling 125,000 miles annually to perform for military and civilian audiences throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana. The USAF Band of the West has performed for presidents, heads of state, and dignitaries from around the world.

Throughout the evening, homage was paid to U.S. veterans serving throughout the world. The many veterans in the audience were recognized by branch of service during a medley of signature military songs.

Urrutia thanked veterans everywhere for their service, saying, “Our veterans, past and present, have served our nation nobly and deserve our abiding respect.” She also thanked members of the SHS NJ ROTC who assisted throughout the evening, noting, “These young people are the future of our country’s armed services.”

The music selected for the concert ranged from classical to jazz to pops, including selections from the comic opera “Beatrice et Bertrand” by Berlioz; the Concerto for Clarinet and Symphonic Winds by William Schmidt featuring Staff Sgt. Chantelle Friedman on clarinet; “Autumn in New York” by Vernon Duke featuring vocal soloist Staff Sgt. Mary Beth McFann; a suite from Bizet’s Carmen, and more.

The evening closed with a tribute to the U.S. flag , “There She Stands.”

Jeannie Applegate is a freelance writer in Sahuarita. Contact her at wordwizard@cox.net