FORT RUCKER, Ala. (August 16, 2012) -- The Music Under the Alabama Stars concert series returns to Fort Rucker Aug. 24 as the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band prepares to provide entertainment with a variety of sounds.
With only three MUTAS concerts left for the year, CW4 Jesse Pascua, commander and bandmaster of the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band, invites people to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and even their pets on leashes to Howze Field at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy music from the band's various music performance teams.
The concert will start with the ceremonial MPT performing patriotic music and will then transition into the band's jazz combo and rock band, Crossfire.
"We want to have a variety of music for people to enjoy," he said. "A lot of the older crowd really enjoys the patriotic music and the younger generation … likes to hear pop music and things that they would hear on the radio, so we'll have something for them as well.
"It's a chance for people to come on post, hear a professional product and enjoy some of the Army life," said Pascua.
"It's on Friday evening, it's been a long week and we just want people to come out and unwind," added 1st Sgt. Albert E. Kaufmann, first sergeant of the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band.
The 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band is made up of different music performance teams: MPT Bravo, which is the ceremonial group that plays graduations and ceremonies; MPT Charlie, better known as Crossfire, which plays rock music and is also broken down into the jazz combo; MPT Delta, which is the blackout brass band; and MPT Echo, which is the brass quintet.
There is a lot of integration between the MPTs, said Kaufmann, and some members play in more than one music performance team, not only out of necessity, but out of their shared love for music.
"We love to play music and this is what we came in [the Army] for. There is no greater honor than to play for the troops. The Army band … tells the Army story and gives everybody a sense of patriotism," said the first sergeant. "We want everybody to feel good and we want them to forget their troubles for a while … just let everything go and enjoy themselves."
The concert is also a good way for the people to show their support for the military and a chance to show people how the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band supports the Army, said Pascua, adding that the concert series is Fort Rucker's way of giving back to the community.
"The Army Band's mission is to provide music throughout the spectrum of the military operations, to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests both home and abroad," said Pascua. "[The concert series] is all about thanking the community for their support to Fort Rucker and welcoming them on to the installation.
For more information on MUTAS, visit the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band Facebook page.
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