by Cazoshay Ward - University of Alaska Anchorage
The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific’s performance had a little something for everyone this holiday season. From jazz to rock to heavy metal to traditional Christmas carol renditions, the presentation of “Sounds of the Season” at the Atwood Concert Hall on the evening of December 7th had the audience engaged, active, and bouncing in their seats. The night’s performance began with a vocal quartet’s acapella rendition of “Good King Wenceslas,” followed by The Greatlanders jazzy interpretation of the classic. The USAF Band of the Pacific was comprised of The Greatlanders, Top Cover, the Arctic Saxophone Quartet, Northern Lights, and Dixie Express-all of the performers are members of the United States Air Force currently on active duty. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was KTUU’s own John Tracy, who got in on the action on the song, “Elf’s Lament,” singing along onstage with Top Cover. He also lead the audience sing-a-long portion of the show, inviting the children up on stage and having them share what they wanted for Christmas this year.
“Sounds of the Season” was a mixture of instrumentals as well as songs featuring vocal performances. The vocalists of the evening were MSgt John Teamer, SSgt Amber Grimes, SSgt Clint Whitney, and SSgt E. Justin Allen. Many of the classic holiday songs were given a little kick with the USAF Band of the Pacific’s presentation, such as the heavy metal instrumental version of, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” The show also featured a video presentation of some of Anchorage’s own deployed military personnel sending home greetings to their families and friends as SSgt Hall and SSgt Manzi played “Christmas Time Is Here” in the background. Audience members currently serving in the military, as well as veterans and the families of those serving were asked to stand during a portion of the show to have the rest of the audience clap to thank them for their service.
“Sounds of the Season” was a night celebrating the Christmas spirit and an opportunity for families and individuals to see a free show exposing them to many different styles of music presented by men and women currently serving our country in the military.
*The Air Force Band of the Pacific’s presentation of “Sound of the Seasons” will be broadcast on KTUU-Channel 2 on Saturday, December 25th at 6:00p.m.
Sounds of the Season
Air Force Band of the Pacific
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 @ 7pm
Atwood Concert Hall
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