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Band of Mid-America soundtracks air show at Scott

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jake Eckhardt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Band of Mid-America performed a show with two components of the band, Shades of Blue jazz ensemble and rock band Starlifter during the air show Saturday and Sunday.

"A lot of people don't know that the Air Force has bands," said Master Sgt. Steve Frioux, Band of Mid-America Shades of Blue jazz ensemble NCOIC. "They are usually surprised, so many people stick to see around what type of music the Air Force plays."

Frioux, who leads the jazz band, said, "We play some jazz and poppy tunes. We go all the way back to Glen Miller. Our audience is typically an older crowd."

In contrast, Master Sgt. Jerry Kelley, Starlifter's NCOIC said, "We typically cater to the younger crowds, but we also play some music such as Boston, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Toto from the '70s and '80s to also bring in the older crowds as well."

Even after performing at roughly 10 air shows, setting up and tearing down 4,000 pounds of stage and sound equipment for three hours themselves each time they perform, the band leaders say they enjoy what they do.

"Playing for the air show allows us to support the wing, base and Air Force in our own unique way," said Kelley. "Also, as a plus, it's just really fun for me. If you play a song that a person probably hasn't heard for a long time, it's worth it to see the look on their face. You know you are having an impact on them."

Frioux added, "If the Air Force didn't pay me to play my instrument, I would still play it anyway. People say that I have the best job in the Air Force, and I believe that."

Playing in the same event with the Thunderbirds inspired the musicians to take their performance to the next level.

Kelly said, "This was my third time performing with the Thunderbirds. Every time I am left in awe of their professionalism and precision. It inspires me to strive for that professionalism and precision in our performances."

Another aspect of the Thunderbirds that the Band of Mid-America takes seriously in their performances is the amount of teamwork that goes into what they do.

Frioux said, "Playing music in an ensemble is a team sport. We wouldn't be able to bring people together if we couldn't come together as a team. Sometimes you're going to play the leader, and sometimes you're playing the support role. You can't be a success unless you can play both of those roles well."

Rank within the bands moves to the wayside when it comes to composing and writing music.

"Like any military organization, rank is important, but when making the music rank doesn't play as big a role," said Kelley. "When we are performing live, it is truly a team effort where everyone contributes equally."

Because new techniques are being developed and new talent is being recognized every day, some of the younger Airmen can be versatile when it comes to the role they play.

"So many of our people come in very qualified," said Frioux. "They could take on almost any position in a musical sense. A lot of our youngest Airmen are our most qualified. They take on a huge responsibility, because they guide us by keeping us musically relevant while teaching us new techniques."

In 2011, the Band of Mid-America performed for more than 7 million people.

"This is a great way to give back to the community, and we enjoy it," said Frioux.