Gavin Gallegos | December 6, 2023
In a heartwarming celebration of the holiday season, Fort Sill’s very own 77th Army Band brought joy through musical performance to a number Sandia students with a phenomenal Christmas performance during sixth period on December 5. The talented band performed a blend of classic Christmas tunes and original compositions.
The performance included time-honored classics such as "Mr. Grinch" and "All I Want for Christmas is You," filling the Performing Arts Centre with a festive atmosphere. The precision of the performance displayed by the band highlighted their dedication to delivering a top-notch performance.
Adding a unique touch to the performance, the Army Band treated the audience to original compositions, including a special piece composed by one of their own members, Sgt. Melvin Newton titled “What Christmas Sounds Like To Me” This personal touch not only showcased the band's versatility but also provided a platform for individual members to express their creativity and musical talent.
Amidst the familiar melodies and original compositions, the audience was captivated by the seamless coordination and harmony exhibited by the band. The spirited renditions of beloved holiday songs created an immersive experience, fostering a sense of unity and joy among the students.
In an exclusive interview by the Sandian, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Martin Johnston, the commanding officer of the Army Band, shared his insights on the
impact of these performances for students saying "It’s a great time of year, and if we can give back the gif of music around the holidays, that alone is great. And you know if there’s more awareness about what the army does, at the same time, even better."
CWO 2 Johnston further emphasized the importance of demonstrating the seven army values during the band’s shows saying "The Army is built around our Army values which are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. So anytime we’re out in public, we want to make sure that we convey at a minimum those seven army values and anything we can do on top of that, that’s great but just want to be a good face for the army."
As the curtains closed on the memorable afternoon, the band’s ability to deliver the power of music to unite, uplift, and inspire was vividly demonstrated, making this Christmas show a cherished memory for all who attended.
*Photographer: Gavin Gallegos
Source: G2 Photo
Copyright: © 2023 G2 Photo All Rights Reserved.
Created: December 6, 2023
Caption: Spc. Brittany Simmons, a vocalist with the 77th Army Band, performs live at Sandia High School delivering a seasonal Christmas performance for students in the audience.
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