Friday, March 31, 2017
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band put on a free concert at the Boardman Performing Arts Center on March 13.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The U.S. Fleet Forces Wind Ensemble performed a free, public concert at Boardman Performing Arts Center on March 13.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The U.S. Fleet Forces Band Wind Ensembled performed a few songs under the direction of Pat Haas during their free concert on March 13.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Members of the U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band played a free concert on March 13 at the Boardman Performing Arts Center directed by Joseph Rundall.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
Several guests braved the weather to see the U.S. Fleet Forces Band Wind Ensemble put on a free, public concert at Boardman Performing Arts Center on March 13.
The U.S. Fleet Forces Band, known as “The Finest of the Fleet,” is the musical representative for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va. The performance featured a variety of musical styles and different ensemble performances. Some songs featured members of the band singing.
The band provides musical support for ships, military bases and community events throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio River Valley areas.
The Wind Ensemble was under the direction of Master Chief Musician Joseph Rundall for most of the show. Special guest Pat Haas directed a few songs toward the end of the performance.
The Wind Ensemble is the largest of the U.S. Fleet Forces Band’s ensembles. The music selections performed ranged from traditional military marches and patriotic favorites to works from the wind band literature.
Chief Musician Steve Pendel, who plays keyboards, was the emcee of the night. Pendel is a native of Farrell, Pa., whose family has moved to the Mahoning Valley area. Pendel spoke between performances giving information on the pieces that the ensemble performed.
The U.S. Fleet Forces Band performed at the Boardman St. Patrick’s Day parade the day before the concert at the BPAC, giving Mahoning Valley community members an opportunity to see them perform twice.
For more information on the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, visit www.public.navy.mil/usff/band/.