JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The universal language of music can have the power to lift spirits and unite mankind. On the anniversary of 9/11, Max Impact the premier rock band of the United States Air Force brought a show, filled with esprit de corps, to the students and staff of Stuart Dobson Middle School.
The Air Force Band's new initiative, Advancing Innovations through Music, an educational outreach program, united the Band with the school on this historic day.
"Due to sequestration, the government is trying to find the best use of our assets and tax payers' dollars,'" said Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, Max Impact vocalist. "When we got this billet for this particular school, it fell right in line with our vision for the Air Force Band."
Good timing was to thank for the hallmark occasion, said the Airman who has sang in school programs from second grade through college.
"Our schedules are so busy, we are fortunate to have the educational event fall on 9/11 to teach the importance of military service to students while sharing the gift of music on such a historic day," said Carson. "Most of the children we're going to play for today weren't even alive on 9/11; it's important we teach them the heritage and history of where we are as a country today, and that's a big part of it."
After a playing a rocking tribute song to America, the band kick started the young crowd with their rendition of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." The crowd, including many of the band students, sang along and reciprocated the bands high-energy output.
"This tremendous opportunity allows our kids to benefit from various levels of interaction with the U.S. Air Force," said Jim Edwards, Stuart Dobson band program director. "They can see a career opportunity for themselves down the road while being exposed to such a high-level musical performance. This helps to set the bar high and encourages them to keep up the positive efforts."
Some band members were able to see Max Impact set up before the show.
"I think the experience of watching the band set up and being up close with the concert and relating as fellow musicians was amazing for them," said Edwards. "I appreciate the opportunity to bring this type of performance to all 106 of my band students, and the school as a whole."
The middle school's music program has come a long way since its inception, he said.
"Four years ago we didn't have a band," said Edwards. "We started with only twelve students after school and we have been consistently building it. This year we have four bands and we are implementing a choral program."
Both Edwards and Carson said they understand the impact a successful music program can have on education.
"It's critical for schools to have a music program," said Edwards." It gives many students a reason to show up in the morning. For the general student body, it's a source of pride."
In addition, there are tons of studies that show students involved in music programs do better at standardized testing and college entrance exams, he said. Additionally, students foster an ability to finish projects they start and engage in teamwork from the work ethic they have learned.
Carson attributes his passion for sharing the importance of music because he said music developed him in every aspect of his life.
"It's one of our privileges to highlight the importance of music in schools," said Carson. "What's sad is in these times of budget cuts and turmoil, music programs are one of the first things to go. There is so much to be gained through music. It is truly a universal language that can be spoken by everyone around the world."
In between rocking out songs that inspired confidence such as, "Walk this Way," and a song called "Free," which reminisced on the history of the day, the band interacted with the students to share some the history of the nation and how discuss the effect of 9/11 on America.
"It's a sad day, but it's also a happy day because it brought our country closer together," said Carson.
Although Emory Kosh is only in the sixth grade, 9/11 was important to him because his father served the military in Iraq in 2002, the year he was born.
"9/11 was very terrible," said Kosh, "but I'm happy to celebrate by using music. I loved all the different kinds of music being played, but my favorite was 'Walk this Way.'"
Max Impact left impression on at least one student; Kosh said he really wants to be a part of the school band now.