Music in our schools

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Rich Romero
  • 423rd Air Base Group public affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE ALCONBURY, England --  “Headwinds,” the U.S. Air Forces in Europe wind quintet ensemble, performed for students in Alconbury elementary and high schools March 21.

The ensemble spent the morning with high and middle school band students, performing a selection of musical pieces for about 40 minutes, answering student’s questions and sitting in with the different wind sections for a practice session.

“This is certainly a treat for us,” said David Claassen, AHS music teacher. “I can talk (to the students) for hours and hours on tone, counts, flow and movement, but it’s a much better learning experience to hear it from these wonderful musicians.”

Chamber ensembles from the USAFE Band dispersed throughout Europe in March to perform at 30 overseas Department of Defense Dependent Schools-Europe. The various concerts, clinics and demonstrations coincided with the Music Educators’ National Conference “Music in our Schools Month” program. The month-long event is designed to celebrate music education and increase awareness of various types of music and opportunities in music.

The USAFE Band’s participation in the event is specifically aimed at enriching the educational experience and quality of life for school-age children of active-duty servicemembers stationed overseas, according to Tech. Sgt. Rosemary Castillo-Sartin, USAFE Band public affairs and Winds Aloft Quintet NCOIC.

“Music in our Schools Month” began in 1973 as a one-day celebration in one state and has grown into a world-wide, month-long program designed to “inspire creativity through music in our schools,” according to the MENC.

The wind quintet upholds the classical music tradition as they serenade senior U.S. military leaders, American ambassadors, foreign dignitaries, presidents and royalty. The ensemble is at home performing everywhere from the most intimate living room settings to concert halls. Their repertoire reaches beyond the classical genre to include ragtime, Broadway and even a little jazz.