Wednesday in DC

This was what I would call an enriching kind of day. One of the Mom's in our homeschool group organized a field trip to visit the United States Air Force Band. We are so fortunate that they happen to be stationed here on Bolling and they were so happy that we came by for a visit.

This is a very impressive organization. We were greeted by MSgt Cleaver and he gave us a brief introduction. This premier band has performed in over 50 countries around the world and in 42 world capitols. It is a very large band and most of the members are enlisted Air Force members. The unusual thing is that many of them have their Doctorate degrees! Another interesting tidbit is that the world's foremost expert on "TAPS" is a band member.

The large band is also broken into several ensemble groups and we had the privilege to go into a studio and see "Silver Wings" during one of their rehearsals. They focus on country music - but today they let the Moms in the group rock out and played some great numbers like "867-5309" and "Hit Me with Your Best Shot." Boy - this took me straight back to highschool! I think the kids mostly appreciated the moving rendition of "Spongebob Squarepants!"

After the fun time with "Silver Wings" MSgt Cleaver escorted us around the building and into their vast recording hall. This thing was state-of-the-art! They have the ability to change the acoustics to match almost any concert hall that they may be performing in. This gives band members ideal practice conditions for the venues they will encounter!

Each student got an AF Band folder and each family received their newest CD! Click on this website and you can listen to quite a bit of the music from the ensemble groups. It was a terrific visit.

When we got home - we studied up on the music from the Renaissance - focusing specifically on the harp, lute, flute and harpsichord as well as the difference betweeen the chants from the Middle Ages to the glorious Madrigals of the Renaissance. Of course - Caitlin almost preferred the Chants.

As we would say in the Air Force - "It was a great Air Force Day!"