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Joint Base Andrews Features

NEWS | March 10, 2015

Band AIMS to inspire students

By Senior Airman Nesha Humes 11th Wing Public Affairs

The bell rings, gossip fills the halls and the U.S. Air Force rock band, Max Impact's tunes greet students as they file into their second period classes.

The grinning elementary schoolers hit alarmingly high notes as they sing along during the band's assembly.

While, some high school students draw their phones to start recording the performance, others gleefully, squeal for selfies.

Both are excited for the opportunity to sing, play and receive instruction from the USAF Band.

The cause for all this commotion is the USAF Band's educational outreach program, Advancing Innovation through Music, which aspires to teach students by providing music entertainment.

"We bring musical outreach while personifying Air Force excellence to all students of all levels," Master Sgt. Bryce Bunner, USAF Band principal violinist and AIM Outreach Program manager said. "Many of the students have never attended a music concert or heard a professional ensemble of musicians perform. But, to see the amazed looks on their faces makes it worth the time and effort every single time. It allows us to have a really meaningful impact on student's lives and development."

Together, the 180 classical, jazz, ceremonial, rock and symphonic wind ensemble bandsmen, offer a wide range of skill sets to the workshops.

"I'm really glad the U.S. Air Force rock band came to my school," Corrina Green, a Skyline High School student, said. "I've been considering joining the military but I also want a career in music. I didn't know being a musician in the Air Force was a job. It combines the best of both worlds and I think that would be pretty great. They are having the time of their lives. It's pretty amazing."

In 2014, the USAF band reached over 15,000 students through more than 75 AIM events.

"We redefined our AIM program in the summer of 2013 and it has been a tremendous success from the very start," Bunner said. "It has garnered accolades from the Secretary of the Air Force and generated overwhelming positive feedback from educators, administrators and, of course, the students."

The USAF Band offers clinics and master classes for all mediums of music performance for assemblies, music classes and even career days.

The band also hosts field trips into their rehearsal facility in their historic hangar on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington D.C. There, students and educators have the ability to work with world-class musicians and conductors.

To request USAF bandsmen for a workshop or an assembly, call 202-404-3460 or visit www.usafband.af.mil for more information.