Photo By Capt. Alexander Werden | The 4th Infantry Division Band performs at the 15th Annual Festival of the Winds on...... read more read more
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PUEBLO, Colo.- The 15th annual Festival of Winds took place on Feb. 9-11, 2023 at Colorado State University, and was the largest high school honor band in the state of Colorado. Students from across the state of Colorado came together to display their skills through concerts, learn new skills through classes, and learn about musical opportunities through participating organizations. The 4th Infantry Division Band took this as an opportunity to branch out and participate in the festival by having a concert in Colorado State University for the high school students.
“I think this is a great way to show students that there is a life in music after High School,” says John Lemme, assistant director of the Festival of Winds.
Lemme is not only the assistant director, but is also a prior Marine who played in the Marine Band for 4 years. When Lemme was in high school at the 3rd annual Festival of Winds, he experienced the 4th Infantry Division Band play, inspiring his journey into music in the military.
“Moments like this really inspired me,” says Lemme. “I have a life and a family now that would not be here if it wasn't for military music.”
The 4th Infantry Division Band does many community relations performances, and takes pride in making Colorado Springs feel more like home. Since March is nationally recognized as the month for music in schools, the 4th Infantry Division Band plans to reach out to more than 30 schools for community events. These schools range from elementary all the way to college. The performances will be smaller scale than the Festival of Winds to maximize the amount of areas Soldiers will be playing.
“Our musicians are very passionate about reaching out to students because we were all students once,” says Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mike Becker, commander and conductor of the 4th Infantry Division Band. “I think it's really important that we do events like this where we are enriching the people around us, supporting the local culture, and really giving back. I think that's what's important about the Army.”
Soldiers in the 4th Infantry Division Band love seeing young people enjoy something they are passionate about. The 4ID Band plans on continuing community outreach in the future.
| Date Taken: | 02.11.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 02.16.2023 11:58 |
| Story ID: | 438475 |
| Location: | PUEBLO, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 178 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Connecting the Community with the Army and it’s Music, by SGT Collin MacKown, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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