'My own outlet for expression' Published Feb. 11, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Force spouse and violinist Aleisha Chiappone said she can't wait to see her children's reaction when the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra performs music from the movie "Frozen" in an upcoming performance. Until that Feb. 22 recital, she positions her instrument under her jaw and practices along with several other Team Scott members who volunteer with what Belleville says is the second oldest orchestra in the United States--it being formed in 1867. She started performing with this historic orchestra about a year ago after a hiatus from music while she raised three children and traveled the world with her active-duty husband and childhood sweetheart, Staff Sgt. Anthony Chiappoine, a firefighter with the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron here. "The past nine years of raising a family and supporting my husband meant that life was crazy busy," she said. But, when her children were school-aged, she found the extra time allowed her to rekindle her desire for a creative outlet. She soon learned about the orchestra through a local college and decided to go the rehearsal. "I was very nervous. I hadn't played consistently or with a group in any way for a very long time. Before I just didn't have as much time for practice [because it's a big commitment], but now I thought, 'Why not try?'" Her nervousness ended almost immediately because other members of the orchestra helped put her at ease, she said. "The people on the Belleville Philharmonic are some of the nicest people I have ever met. I felt like one of them right away. Everyone is always laughing, smiling and talking together. Each one of them is talented and dedicated to this orchestra. That was something that really inspired me when I first started, and it still inspires me today. I think it's really cool for people to volunteer to play, and it's made up of the entire community coming together and playing. They're playing out of sheer love for the music." Robert Howard, the 22nd conductor of the orchestra, said part of the service the Philharmonic Society provides is having a musical venue available to military families in the area that may have been involved in music at previous locations. They also have a chorale group and a youth orchestra. "It allows [military members] to establish roots in the local community faster, plus it's a way to entertain using the art of music," he said. Chiappone said the orchestra in not only supportive of all its members, but many have deep military ties and are active duty, civilian, veterans, retirees, and family members who have some connection with Scott AFB. "The military life holds many surprises, twists and turns at times, and I think they are very understanding of that," she said. The orchestra hosts several concerts throughout the year, and performing is just part of a culmination of all the work the members put in to practicing together. She said it's a great feeling when they perform. "I love playing at Art on the Square in Belleville. Being in the open air of the town square is great, and it's a free concert; everybody can come. It's really festive, fun, and everyone gets in the spirit." Chiappone said it's the spirit of music that sparks the inspiration for young people to want to learn how to play an instrument. She's always telling families about the events, so they can experience first-hand. "It's good for kids to see the instruments up close and to see that if we can do it, they can do it, too. It's a great way for them to express themselves, especially if they're feeling stressed as they get older. If kids want to play an instrument, I say go for it," she said. When it comes to her own children, she has hopes they'll eagerly pick up an instrument. "I told my six-year-old who's interested in playing an instrument that it's a lot of hard work and practice. Dedicating yourself is the only way you'll get better. But if you love it, you'll find the time. Playing the violin has always helped me; it gets me close to my heart." In the future, Chiappone said she'd like to become an elementary school music teacher. "I love working with kids, and I love music, so I think that that would suit me very well. I still remember testing out so many instruments in fifth grade and finally picking out the violin, and knowing I loved it. I want to bring that same feeling I had to other children." The Feb. 22 Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra concert is at Lindenwood University at 3 p.m. and features several songs from the movie "Frozen," as well as music from "Peter and the Wolf." Information about the organization and the events can be found at www.bellevillephilharmonic.org.