Golden Anniversary (1991-1995) The years of 1991 to 1995 marked a time of celebration and includes The Band’s 50th Anniversary and its first tour to Moscow, Russia to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of V-E Day. Captain Amy Mills would break through the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman Commander and Conductor of a premier service band. The Band instituted three new competitions designed to promote new Symphonic and Jazz compositions and to serve as an outreach program between The USAF Band and the civilian music community. These awards included: - 1993, “Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel Award,” designed to encourage composers to write new compositions for symphonic band. - 1994, “Colonel George S. Howard Young Artist Competition,” for high school band instrumentalists. - 1995, “Sammy Nestico Award for a New Jazz Composition,” named after former director of the Airmen of Note and famed jazz arranger/composer/orchestrator Sammy Nestico; this competition is a call for unpublished works for jazz ensemble. However, the biggest celebration of all was the preparations for moving out of the six WWII buildings The Band had clearly out grown. Some of the old timers still reminisce about the original purposes of these buildings. Building 421 was built in 1941 as a bowling alley; in 1991, The Band used 421 as a storage area for Technical Support, Supply, and as work areas for the band’s stage managers and High Flight. Building 422 was built in 1941 as a morgue; in 1991, The Band used it as the Command Section, Administrative work areas, and Operations. Building 423 was built in 1941 as a base theater; in 1991, this building served as The Band’s main rehearsal studio and was shared by three performing units. This building also included office work areas for the Diplomats, the Airmen of Note, and served as a storage area for the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants. Building 424 (a two story building) was built in 1943 for educational and chapel activities; in 1991, the first floor was used as The Band’s publicity work area and the upstairs section included a shared rehearsal and office area for the USAF Strings and the Ceremonial Brass. Building 425 (also a two story building) was built in 1943 as a barracks; in 1991, the band used the first floor to house the audio and lighting support activities and the second floor as a rehearsal/office area for the Singing Sergeants. Building 54 was built in 1953 to house the Band’s library. As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations, The Band commissioned several new works, produced a special 50th Anniversary compact disc, and took new group photos. Inauguration: 1993, Inauguration for the 42nd President of the United States of America, William Jefferson Clinton 168 Originally formed in 1983 from within the Singing Sergeants, The Camerata Singers performed a cappella music ranging from 16th through the 20th centuries, including madrigals, motets, masses and popular and folk music. They were featured at the North and South Carolina ACDA convention in Charlotte, NC in July 1991. The Band’s popular music combo (previously known as Mach One and then Spectrum) was enhanced by adding several vocalists to form a costumed and choreographed show group named High Flight. 169 February 10, 1991, Capt Mills conducting former Metropolitan Opera baritone soloist, Robert Merrill at a Guest Artist Series concert at DAR, Constitution Hall. In 1991, Captain Amy Mills was the first woman to assume command as Commander and Conductor of a premier service band. 170 1992 - The USAF Concert Band 171 CMSgt Alan W. Sine, the band’s fourth Drum Major (1992 to 1998) 50th Anniversary of The USAF Band Program 1992 - The Ceremonial Brass at The Lincoln Memorial, Capt Steven Grimo, director 172 1992 - The Diplomats 1992 - The Singing Sergeants at the Jefferson Memorial 1992 - The Airmen of Note at the National Air and Space Museum 173 1992 - The USAF Strolling Strings 174 Origins of The USAF Band’s Rhonda E. Smith Award “When Rhonda Eliza Smith was four years old, her parents brought her to a recital to help her decide what musical instrument she would learn. She sat and listened intently, her small legs not yet reaching the floor, and when the harpist began to play, she turned to her mother, a violinist, and nodded her head. She had made her decision.” Her mother Irene remembers that moment vividly, the beginning of a musical career that would have her become one of the world’s premier harpists. Senior Master Sergeant Rhonda Smith was the harpist with The United States Air Force Band from 1977 to 1993. Before joining The Band, she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from The Juilliard School. Rhonda was often featured as a soloist with the Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra, and as solo harpist at high-level protocol functions. Her ability to charm her audience bridged language and cultural gaps making her of special value to the improvement of international relationships. Her finest hour came after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In June 1991, after undergoing surgery and 38 radiation treatments, she was one of four internationally performing artists featured at the American Harp Society’s convention in Fairfax, VA. The concert was held at George Mason University and featured The United States Air Force Orchestra complimented with strings from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and was conducted by Captain Kevin Smith. The last performer on the program, Rhonda memorized and flawlessly performed Alberto Ginastera’s Concerto for Harp and Orchestra, one of the lengthiest and most difficult works in the harp repertoire. Her brilliant performance inspired the audience and drew a thunderous standing ovation. “It was the performance of her life,” Irene Smith says, “It showed the special kind of person she was.” After serving more than 16 years, Rhonda was medically retired in February 1993. The following month she passed away. Former Air Force Band commander Lt Col Alan Bonner said this about SMSgt Smith’s distinguished service: “Rhonda has been blessed with truly exceptional talents. During her entire career with The United States Air Force Band, she captivated audiences. When you heard Rhonda perform, you knew you had been graced with the soul of a true artist. She has always been a great lady – and a great friend.” In 1996, The Rhonda E. Smith Award was created to honor The United States Air Force Band’s most deserving airmen. It is presented annually to the Band’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. 175 One of the most frequently requested USAF Band protocol duos is for harp and flute. Pictured here at the Air House is Rhonda Smith and Judith Lapple. 176 Since 1945, The USAF Band has only had six harpists. Rhonda has the distinction of being the first woman harpist to be hired by the band. Rhonda E. Smith (1977-1993) Robert W. Barlow (1954 -1955) Harold R. Hirsch (1945 - 1959) Philip M. Young (1954-1964) Eric D. Sabatino (1994-2015) Lawrence T. Odom (1962-1978) 177