FORT RUCKER, Ala. (November 29, 2012) -- The 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band hosts the Fort Rucker Commanding General's Holiday Concert: "Joy to the World!" at the Fort Rucker Post Theater, Bldg. 9212, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. to promote holiday cheer and good will.
The concert will feature the Blackout Brass Band, Crossfire and the Wiregrass Jazz Ensemble, as well as other special guests during the performance, according to CW4 Jesse Pascua, commander and bandmaster for the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band.
"The entire Family is welcome and encouraged to join us for this fun-filled evening of festive concert music from around the world. Jazzy holiday tunes, modern favorites as well as some sing-alongs will be played," he said, adding that the concert will last a little over an hour.
The annual concert is free and open to the public, and Pascua said the concert is sure to ring in the joy of the holiday season at the Family affair that continues onstage as well as off.
"We will have guest artists and vocalists, and other personnel, spouses and children, will be playing at the concert with us. We will also have special dancers from our Family readiness group," he said.
Supporting the Soldiers and Families on Fort Rucker is the bands No. 1 mission, but band members, like Spc. James Old who plays the trumpet, said the concert will give the band a chance to reach past that mission.
"We can support the Fort Rucker community as well as the other local communities through this concert. We can spread holiday cheer to everyone through our music," he said.
The traditional holiday music that will be played includes music from various cultures, as well as a musical telling of the "Night Before Christmas."
"We will play things like Bing Crosby's 'Mele Kalikimaka,' 'O Holy Night' and 'Carol of the Bells.' We also have a few novelty tunes here and there," said Pascua.
To complete each song, the bandmaster will speak a few times during the show.
"Before or after a tune, a short narration will be given to give listeners a little insight to each song we play," said Pascua.
The concert is for children and children at heart of all ages.
"We will have a very special guest that likes to wear a lot of red," said Pascua. "Dress up and come out to have a great time. It doesn't matter if you're old or young."
Sgt. Stephen Doney, a french horn player, said this is the time to get into the spirit of Christmas and to create Family memories.
"It's going to be a great time whether you're military or not. It reminds us of holidays past and it will create memories for children. Soldiers sometimes don't get to spend holidays with their Families, so [Soldiers need to] take advantage of the post events if [they] are fortunate enough to be with [their] Families this season," he said.
Old added that the concert is a great way for the post and the local community to mingle together and celebrate the special season.
"We want to give back to the civilian community. They support us just like we support them. This area is very proud of its military heritage, so even though this is a small holiday event we really hope civilians will come and celebrate Christmas with us," he said.
Band members encourage people to come early to enjoy the music in the foyer before the concert begins.
"This is a nice way to get to perform for the public. I am really looking forward to the holiday concert. This is a more traditional way for Soldiers who may be away from their Families to celebrate the holiday and just for those who may have never heard a holiday concert live before. Come a little early, get a good seat and have a fun Christmas time," said Doney.
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