The United States Air Force Band of Flight

The United States Air Force Band of Flight has represented the Air Force to the Midwest from its home at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH, since the unit was activated in 1942. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alan C. Sierichs, each year the band travels over 100,000 miles and presents over 500 performances to military and civilian audiences.

The band has performed for numerous dignitaries including presidents, vice presidents, visiting heads of state, cabinet offices, members of congress, the U.S. and foreign military leaders and millions of others. In addition, the band has received numerous awards, including The Colonel George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert bands, awarded by The John Philip Sousa Foundation.

Soaring Winds, The United States Air Force Band of Flight’s newest performing ensemble, comprises the most versatile brass, woodwind and percussion components of the U.S.A.F. Band of Flight, allowing the sophistication of a chamber ensemble alongside the enthusiastic appeal of a brassy march or light-hearted dance.

This very special ensemble will be performing a wide variety of exciting music showcasing the extraordinary musicians within the group. Highlighting this concert is the performance of a newly commissioned work entitled “Irving Berlin, a Patriotic American.” The piece was written especially for Soaring Winds by famed composer and arranger Charles Sayre.

This performance is part of the Bank One Beyond Broadway Series. Other 2004-2005 season sponsors include The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Akron Community Foundation, OMNOVA Solutions Inc., Dominion East Ohio, FirstEnergy Foundation, Bridgestone/Firestone Trust, The Coca-Cola Company, Ohio Arts Council, and GAR Foundation.