62nd Army Band to present holiday concert

By Gabrielle KuholskiDecember 6, 2013

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The 62nd Army Band is ready to rock and roll and will spread the holiday spirit next week. The band will host its annual holiday concert Wednesday at Buena Performing Arts Center, Buena High School, at 7 p.m. The concert's theme is "Holiday Music through the Ages." Staff Sgt. Ron Hinkle, 62nd Army Band, explained the music will be performed chronologically from World War II up through present day.

Bandsman Spc. Jonathan Spangler wrote this year's show. He said the idea for the theme arose from working with professional theaters while in Atlanta. Spangler worked with a theater company that focused on United Service Organizations, USO-type productions, and thought the concept would reach the concert audience.

"I feel like it would be a better way to reach our audiences here in Sierra Vista and be more entertaining and actually tell the story rather than just present a conglomeration of music," Spangler said.

According to Hinkle, audience members will experience no lack of music during the concert. As Families arrive and exit the show, the band's Dixieland combo members will be playing music. The holiday concert will not be entirely instrumental either. Several 62nd Army Band Soldiers will sing during show. Audience members will also be invited to participate in a "sing along" during "Silent Night."

"That's a World War I tribute because there's a famous story about the British and German Soldiers singing in the trenches on Christmas Day," Hinkle said. "They put down their weapons and sang 'Silent Night' together."

The 62nd Army Band's holiday concert is open to the public. Buena High School is located 5225 Buena School Blvd., Sierra Vista. For more information, call 538.4284.