JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The United States Air Force Band contributed their holiday cheer by performing "The Spirit of the Season" concert at the Daughters of the American Revolution concert hall in Washington, D.C., Dec. 12, 2014.
Approximately 22 schools attended, including a school from Australia, totaling nearly 3,000 attendees.
"The concert falls under our Advancing Innovation through Music initiative," said Senior Master Sgt. Bob Kamholz, United States Air Force Band marketing and outreach superintendent. "The AIM program identifies the needs of the schools and matches them with the correct musical performances or clinics."
The holiday concert is the largest student outreach initiative of the year and is aimed at reaching students K-12. Home school students from Joint Base Andrews, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and the surrounding communities were invited to attend the concert.
"This really serves as a great opportunity for the children to see us perform," said Senior Master Sgt. Eric Sabatino, United States Air Force Band harpist. "It also allows me to explain how my harp works; not many children get the chance to see one up close."
The show consisted of 14 songs, including selections from "The Nutcracker" featuring dancers from the Virginia Ballet Company. The performance concluded with a multi-song audience sing-along.
"I've been performing at the holiday concerts for 14 years and the best part is the kid's concert," said Chief Master Sgt. Jebodiah Eaton, USAF Band chief of production. "Seeing how the kids enjoy the show, interacting with them, and talking to them about our instruments is my favorite part.
The band performed once on Friday and twice on Saturday.
For more information on the Air Force Band and their performances, go to www.usafband.af.mil.