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RODEO 2009: Band's effortless performance anything but easy

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steve Wilkins
  • RODEO 2009 Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  When they play, the work behind the performance doesn't show. 

"Most people can't imagine all the things that have to happen to make this look like it's all we do," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Williams, non-commissioned officer in charge and Music Director for the 45-member Band of the Golden West.

The band, assigned to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., came here to entertain RODEO 2009 competitors throughout the week, from the opening ceremony, played by its ceremonial band segment to evening performances by Mobility, a contingent of the group who will also play the closing ceremony. 

"These are so much fun," Sergeant Williams said. "We have really great jobs." 

Sergeant Williams said that music affords band members the opportunity to see the world and the entire Air Force mission. 

"We get to walk around and see how other Airmen work. It is really fascinating." 

Band members are college-educated musicians whose career field provides the Air Force a community outreach vehicle through music. As their careers progress, they travel between Air Force bands located at different duty stations. Each band has responsibility for distinct geographic areas. 

"We transfer bases at the same rate as other Airmen," said Sergeant Williams. 

The Band of the Golden West's geographic area of responsibility includes Washington, Idaho, California, Oregon and Nevada. 

Sergeant Williams said the experience is always exciting "because you never do the same thing twice. Things change every day." 

"We rehearse in the mornings for a few hours, then we take care of administrative and logistical support types of things in the afternoons." 

In addition, bandsmen are responsible for stocking their supplies and making sure arrangements are made for travel. They also write their musical arrangements and set their schedules. 

"We go through the same frustrations everyone else has with things not working, coordinating offices and events, missing shipments and keeping the paperwork straight," he said. And additional problems can pop up when they try to perform the same functions while on the road. 

The band's three main segments can perform together as they tour, or separately on distinct schedules. This week the Concert Band played the opening ceremony, while Mobility performed for competitors twice at the end of the duty day. Mobility will entertain during the closing ceremony as well. "Rhythm and Brass," the band's third component played a couple of community concerts during RODEO week.