A Night of Music and Military Service at BYU

Thunderous drums shook the concert hall in the new Music Building at Brigham Young University during the Finale of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, op. 36—one of several songs that the United States Air Force Band performed in March. The band came to campus with a clear objective: to connect with the BYU Air Force community and recognize their commitment to valiant service.

Lights shine through cracks in wood panels that hang above large pipe organ and blue choir seating in the Concert Hall of the BYU Music Building — The United States Air Force Band performed in the Concert Hall in BYU's Music Building.

“We are so excited to be back on the road in Utah,” the concert director explained at the beginning of the concert, saying it had been 12 years since the band had visited BYU. As the director introduced Amanda Aldridge’s marching piece On Parade, she explained, “Tonight we have a special treat: We are welcoming students from right here at BYU to join us in presenting this march.”

A group of singers in blue air force uniforms perform on a stage made of light wood in front of red, white, and blue banners — The US Air Force Band returned to BYU after 12 years.

On Parade wasn’t the only piece that recognized BYU’s Air Force ROTC, either. The group featured band member and BYU alumnus Technical Sergeant Isaac Sanabria on the bassoon in Strauss’s Rondo from Duet Concertino, and other BYU students and alumni performed over the course of the evening as well.

For Alison Bawden, program manager for BYU Marriott’s Department of Aerospace Studies, the entire performance reflected a culmination of teamwork and service. “I am just in awe of the amazing performance,” she says. Simply by attending, Bawden explains, “I enjoyed being able to share with so many the love I have for the air force and the freedoms we each are gifted because of the sacrifices of so many.”

Colonel Jonathan Creer, a US Air Force commander and professor of aerospace studies at BYU Marriott, agrees with Bawden. “This event allowed cadets to connect with the local community, bridging the gap between military service and public engagement,” Creer describes. “The US Air Force Band builds relationships that foster a greater appreciation for service and unity.”

But more than anything, Creer believes the US Air Force Band exemplifies more than military service to cadets in BYU’s Air Force ROTC. He says, “Ultimately, this experience reinforces the importance of coordination, planning, public relations, service, teamwork, and leadership—all key qualities of future air force officers.”

a seated orchestra dressed in blue air force uniforms prepares to perform on stage decorated with red, white, and blue banners — For faculty and administrators in the Air Force ROTC, the event demonstrated the importance of collaboration and unity.

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Written by Nicholas Day