By MEGAN MAHARRY, Staff Reporter
Northwestern Oklahoma State University will host the USAF Band of the West on Feb. 22 at 1:00 p.m. in Herod Hall.
The USFA Band of the West is a large band consisting of members of the United States Air Force. The band was created in 1941 by professional musicians who wanted to serve their country through music. The USFA Band of the West members are Airmen that are highly-trained musicians.
The USAF Band of the West travel thousands of miles across the country to perform at various locations and events. The USAF Band of the West has performed for the president, as well as performing for communities.
The USAF Band of the West is divided into different ensembles such as Concert Band, Brass and Wind ensembles. The USAF Band of the West Clarinet Quartet is the ensemble that will perform at NWOSU.
Dr. Marc Decker, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts and Director of Instrumental Music and Music Education, contacted the group and asked them to perform at NWOSU. Decker said the USAF Band of the West’s main goal is to be largely interactive with all communities they perform for.
The performance by the USFA Band of the West is open to anyone in the public. Decker said the concert will not be formal, but interactive with the members of the audience. The USFA Band of the West will perform their concert pieces, and then discuss the pieces with the audience. Decker said he is sure the performance will be phenomenal and very entertaining.