An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Reserve Band performs last public performance in Central Georgia

  • Published
  • By Chandra Brown
  • Air force Reserve Public Affairs Office
Robins Air Force Base, Ga. --  Members of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve rehearsed with the Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra this week to prepare for "Kaleidoscope" performances at the Mercer University Fickling Recital Hall in the McCorckle Music Building in Macon. The performances are May 4 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Kaleidoscope is a Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra tradition that began in 2010. The common concert style will showcase a variety of musical styles and ensembles, including orchestral works, chamber groups, duos, and solo performances by MSYO scholarship competition winners.

The concert will be the last public performance by members of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve before their unit inactivates Sept. 30.

"It hurts my heart to think about all of the phenomenal talent we're losing when the band disperses. I know many of these musicians are plugged into the Middle Georgia community in ways beyond what their commitment is to the Air Force," said Connie Davis, MSYO general manager. "Whether it's teaching privately, subbing with the Macon Symphony professional orchestra, or coaching our Youth Orchestra students, the band has been a great resource to us, and we're happy to have had the opportunity to work with them again."

In fall 2010, the two groups performed side-by-side at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins.

"Any time our young musicians can interact with, or better yet play with, professional musicians, they're getting so much more than just a performance out of it," said Jonathan Baker, MSYO conductor. "Our students see what it means to be a professional musician - all the responsibility and personal commitment to practice that goes into it - and they're learning what opportunities are out there for players who want to make a career playing their instrument."

Robbie Thomas, MSYO trumpet player, said the experience of playing next to members of the Reserve Band is very humbling.

"I heard them play when I was in sixth grade at the Grand Opera House, and I was just blown away," said Thomas. "To play with any sort of professional band is amazing, especially with the Reserve Band who is renowned. Sitting next to them you get an experience that you can't get from reading a book or listening to a teacher."

First Lt. Thomas Gamboa, commander of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, said he hopes this performance, while their last, has a positive impact on both the students and the community.

"This performance will be bittersweet. We've established great relationships and ties within the surrounding communities," said Gamboa. "To everyone in Central Georgia, we thank you for all the support you've given to the Reserve Band over the years".

The free concert is open to the public. Doors open May 4 at 1:45 p.m. for the 2 p.m. concert, and at 6:45 p.m. for the 7 p.m. concert. Seating is limited and will be based on first-come, first-served.