High quality musical goodness will be in abundance as Barton Community College hosts the United States Air Force Academy Concert Band the evening of Thursday, April 10, in the Fine Arts Auditorium.  The concert is sponsored by Barton Community College, The Great Bend Tribune, The National Association for Music Education and the Great Bend Jazz Festival Committee.
Although there is no charge for admission, tickets ensure a seat Thursday. As expected, the tickets have “sold out.” The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. and ticket holders must be seated by 7:25. Any remaining seats will be open to non-ticket holders after that.
Barton’s Director of Instrumental Activities Steve Lueth said the high quality of musicians will make this a memorable performance.
“This group is one of the premiere performing groups of the armed services,” he said.  “Members of this group are the same caliber of musicians as you’d find in major orchestras in the United States.  The group’s primary function is to promote a positive relationship between the military and the civilian population and promote patriotism while presenting quality musical literature.”
“The United States Air Force Academy Band proudly represents the Air Force Academy as the leading educational institution developing and inspiring air and space leaders of character with a vision for tomorrow. The Academy Band maintains a rigorous performance schedule in support of Cadet and Air Force troop morale, recruiting and community outreach. For more than 50 years, the Academy Band has used the power of music to: inspire Air Force personnel and the nation they serve, produce innovative musical programs and products, and communicate Air Force excellence to millions around the globe. The Concert Band is the largest of 11 performing units in the Academy Band, comprised of 45 active-duty Air Force bandsmen dedicated to serving our great nation and representing our future leaders being trained at the Academy.” – Air Force Academy Band Website.