Air Show opening concert demonstrates military opportunities for musicians

On Friday evening, September 4, the Wings of Pride Air Show weekend kicked off with an inspirational evening at Branson Landing. Prior to the evening’s entertainment performance, students from area schools were officially sworn in as recruits, celebrating the beginning of their military career in front of proud families and friends. 

Other highlights of the evening included introductions of the Golden Knights Army Parachute Team, each member sharing their name, Army job and number of jumps, some in the thousands. Also introduced were several civilian stunt pilots scheduled to perform during the weekend; the pilots of A-10 aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri; the C-17 crew from South Carolina; and the pilots and crew members of this year’s Air Show headliners, the Thunderbirds. 

Following their introductions, the Thunderbirds presented Air Show Director Gary Floyd, Hollister Mayor Jeff Long and Branson Mayor Larry Milton with stunning lithographs of the Thunderbirds flying in front of Mount Rushmore. 

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Thunderbirds' presentation of lithographs to Mayor Milton, Mayor Long and the Wings of Pride chairman (Photos from Wings of Pride Facebook page, used with permission)

The evening’s headline concert featured Roots in Blue, one of two popular groups within the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America. The seven-piece ensemble, out of Scott AFB in Illinois, is committed to honoring veterans and active duty members through motivational and inspirational music performances across the Midwestern and Southern United States. The group celebrates America’s love for country, rock and popular music and is adaptable for military functions, community concerts, school assemblies and special events such as the Air Show. Their Friday evening set list included a variety of genres as well as tributes to the late Dolly Parton. 

Along with bands from the Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, the Air Force bands offer a wonderful opportunity for music-loving students to carry their high school and college musical successes forward into serving their country. “I joined the Air Force to serve through a technical career,” shared vocalist Raymond Ruffin, “but then I realized I could also do something I absolutely love—singing—and help motivate other young people to consider serving in the military.” Ruffin was one of several personnel introduced at the concert who had family members present, including his grandmother and his 96-year-old great-grandmother who traveled from the Dallas area to attend! 

One area band director had a pleasant surprise at the Friday evening concert when the Roots in Blue sound technician was introduced. Technical Sergeant Devin LaRue entered the military directly after graduating high school in 2004 as a euphonium and trombone player, and immediately was involved in music. He completed a B.A. in Music from the University of Missouri – St. Louis while amassing an impressive performance resumé, first with the Air National Guard and then with the USAF Band of Mid-America. After starting band as a euphonium player, LaRue was introduced to trombone during his 7th-grade year at Ft. Leonard Wood Middle School in Missouri, when he wanted to join the jazz band being started by middle-school band director Philip Thomas. Mr. Thomas, who now serves as band director at Forsyth Schools, was enjoying the concert from his lawn chair not far from the tech booth! During the band’s break, they were able to connect and catch up a bit, and TSgt. LaRue emphasized the importance of school music teachers and his gratitude to his directors for giving him a great foundation for success. 

As motivation is an important part of the duties of popular military music groups, area school music instructors may want to consider reaching out through their school’s JROTC instructors or local recruitment offices, or visiting the website for the various service branches, to schedule presentations for their students, to help inspire the young musicians toward potential careers. 

The evening’s entertainment wrapped up with an amazing drone show and fireworks set to patriotic music, all serving as an inspirational kick-off to what proved to be a wonderful Wings of Pride weekend!