Air Force Brass Ensemble Makes First Tour Including Stop At MacDill

Posted Jan 18, 2012 by Howard Altman

Updated Jan 18, 2012 at 04:22 PM

“The Ceremonial Brass”, the U.S. Air Force Band’s all brass and percusison ensemble is making its first concert tour, including a stop at MacDill Air Force Base and other venues in Florida.

The ensemble, which provides the “finest musical support for heads of state arrival at the White House, marches down the streets of D.C. during presidential inaugural parades, provides final honors for fallen patriots at Arlington National Cemetery, and performs patriotic programs at events throughout the Nation’s Capital” will be at MacDill Mon., Jan. 23, at the base theater.

According to the Air Force:

The origins of the Ceremonial Brass trace back to 1964 when The United States Air Force Headquarters Command Band was incorporated into The U.S. Air Force Band as a ceremonial unit. It became an all-brass and percussion ensemble in 1985 and was renamed “The Ceremonial Brass.”

Since those early years, it has evolved into a 50-member organization consisting of world-class brass players, percussionists and a drum major. This elite group is seen throughout the National Capital Region performing at more than 1,100 ceremonies each year, including large ensembles and buglers to perform in most outdoor ceremonial venues and “The Ceremonial Brass Quintet” for smaller indoor settings. Members of “the Brass” have also been featured during both pre-shows and halftimes at numerous professional sporting events, including Super Bowl games.

The Ceremonial Brass represent all Airmen while standing on the tarmac for the arrival of heads of state; providing full-honors during state funerals; and, marching down Pennsylvania Avenue during presidential inaugural parades.

The band’s theme of the winter tour is “American Song and Cinema.” The tour features a new work commissioned by the band and dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen entitled “Red Tail Skirmish” by composer Bruce Yurko.

“Red Tail Skirmish” is a musical epic that depicts the tension, thrill and excitement of an aerial dogfight through a fast-paced work for the brass and percussion ensemble. Following the work, a Tuskegee Airmen will be presented score sheets for “Red Tail Skirmish” at each concert.