Beacon High School is hosting the U.S. Air Force Academy Band on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. in The Theater at Beacon High School. The band is touring the northeast and will be performing a special concert of popular, classical, and patriotic music. The 60-member band features America’s best and brightest musicians and travels the country to support troop morale and community relations.
As part of their education program, the band has invited students from the Beacon High School band to join them on stage. Sophomore Joseph Borrello, who plays drums, mallet percussion and piano, will join the group’s percussionists. Joseph has been studying music since grade five and has appeared in many concerts; however, this is his “first appearance with a professional concert band,” said Joseph. He said he welcomes the opportunity to explore music.
Erin Moseman has also been invited to join the band. A sophomore, Erin has studied the flute since fifth grade and is more than excited to be asked to participate.
“I love the idea of playing concert music because they are longer pieces that challenge my musicality,” said Erin. This will be Erin’s first experience on stage with professionals.
The concert was initiated by the Beacon Teachers Association. President Kim Atwell said, “When we heard the band was coming to the northeast, we thought it a great opportunity to provide the community with a family event that celebrates the spirit of America.”
When other groups heard of the event, they were quick to respond. The administrators and the school district are also sponsors of the concert, as well as some local businesses. “The concert is on Second Saturday, so we hope many in the community will take advantage of this evening activity. In Beacon that day you can go to football game and finish with a concert,” said Atwell.
“We have also supported local business with this event. Any services or products we need to purchase are being contracted within the Beacon City School District. We hope to model for students how to give to your community and how to support those who have supported you,” she said.
Tickets to the concert are free but required to guarantee seating. You may obtain tickets by visiting the kiosk at Beacon High School or sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, New York 12508 ATT: Air Force Concert.