The Air National Guard Band of the Northeast presents its brass quintet and trombone quartet on March 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Lutz Hall of the Blair Music Center at Lebanon Valley College. Brass in Blue includes five brass players and one percussionist; the Trombone Quartet includes four trombonists. Both ensembles are formed from the ranks of the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast concert band. The concert will feature a variety of classical, jazz, popular music, marches, and show tunes.
The Air National Guard Band of the Northeast was originally formed in 1942 in Rapid City, S.D. as the 53rd Army Air Forces Band. Federal recognition was extended to the band in 1949. The band has experienced numerous name changes and reassignments over the years, more recently as the 553rd Air Force Band, Pennsylvania Air National Guard. In 2000, the band became known as the Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic, reflecting its expanded geographic area of responsibility. Recently, the geographic responsibility of the unit was again increased and the unit’s name was changed to the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast. The band is based at Fort Indiantown Gap as part of the Regional Support Group to the 193rd Special Operations Wing stationed in Middletown, Pa.
Ten members of the band deployed to several undisclosed locations throughout the Middle East in 2010. This deployment was the first of its type for the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast. The Band members performed more than 20 concerts in 40 days for allied and coalition forces, American soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and Middle Eastern nationals during both military and civilian performances. The deployment raised the spirits of thousands of audience members from across the globe and inspired patriotism and the American spirit in our friends from dozens of countries.
A traditional Air National Guard squadron, the band consists of 40 members, all traditional National Guard members with civilian careers who meet one weekend a month to rehearse and perform. Its ranks are filled with professional musicians, educators, students, administrators, salesmen, builders, and other professionals. The band has received many awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit award and the Pennsylvania Governor’s Unit Citation. Its annual concert tours have taken it to Germany, Holland, France, the Azores, Antigua-West Indies, Norway, England, Denmark, and throughout the United States.
The concert is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. Contact MSgt Joshua Fickes, director of operations at 717-497-9323 or fickesja@gmail.com for additional information.
From Lebanon Valley College