FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- (November 11, 2011) Families from the Fairbanks community were treated to a performance by the U.S. Army Alaska's 9th Army Band, and a reading of the book, "The Remarkable Farkle McBride," at the Noel Wien Library Nov 5.
The book, written by John Lithgow, was read aloud by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeffrey Price, the commander of the band. It is about a young musical genius who tries and for one reason or another decides against several instruments. As he went through each musical phase, a member of the 9th Army Band played a catchy solo on that instrument (violin, flute, trombone and drum) so the audience could see each instrument and hear what it sounded like.
After much consideration he realizes that his favorite sound is all the instruments playing; takes the stage to lead the orchestra, sharing the music that made him happy at last.
Before and after the reading, there was an "instrument petting zoo" where children talked to the musician, touched the instrument with supervision and heard what sort of sounds it made.
The band played to a full house, with some children sitting on the floor to better hear the music and the reading of the book.
Fairbanksan, Arthur Konefal brought grandsons Ben and Wyatt Otnass to see the instruments, hear the music and spend some quality time with them.
Richard Wies brought his daughters to the performance. His daughter Josie enjoyed the instrument petting zoo, with drums and cymbals being her favorite instruments.
Susan Jones, the youth services librarian, said that the library always loves having the 9th Army Band visit.
"Whether it is a small group or a large group, they are always such a hit with kids and adults and they do such a good job. They come and perform for us maybe two or three times a year and we just love it every time," Jones said.
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