Flash Mob! – A blog from beginning to end

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Shipes | Cellist Tech. Sgt. Edward Prevost begins The U.S. Air Force Band's holiday flash mob at the National Air and Space Museum. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tara Islas/released)  

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

12.06.2013

Courtesy Story

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

By Tech. Sgt. Kristin Bowers

Nov. 26, 2 p.m.
It is rare that a large majority of the members of The United States Air Force Band are gathered in one place—but that is exactly what has happened today. It’s time for the first rehearsal of the band’s first-ever Holiday Flash Mob. Some musicians are excited, some are leery—everyone wonders if the band can pull this off. Rehearsal goes well, but nothing can be fully visualized until next week when the rehearsals move to the National Air and Space Museum. Until then, it is time to disperse for Thanksgiving—and to memorize the flash mob music, of course!

Dec. 2, 6 p.m.
The members of The United States Air Force Band are back from Thanksgiving, and ready to get in the holiday spirit with our first onsite flash mob rehearsal at the National Air and Space Museum. Some members busily work on final memorization of their music for the performance. Others marvel at the novelty of being in a museum after hours. Everyone is excited. The night progresses and rehearsal goes smoothly. Space is a bit tight with the number of performers, and many musicians wonder what they’ll do if a spectator is in their place when it is time to perform. No flash mob can possibly go exactly as planned—read on to see how ours turned out!

Dec. 3, 7:45 a.m.
The National Air and Space Museum is closed, and it’s time for the final rehearsal of the flash mob. After checking the sound and recording equipment, the band successfully runs what will hopefully be a stunning performance at noon!

Dec. 3, 11:20 a.m.
Five buses arrive outside the National Air and Space Museum. Musicians file off, attempting to conceal their instruments and uniforms under civilian coats. As they enter the museum, they quickly make their way into designated “hiding spots.” Many take the escalator downstairs to the parking garage below the museum. Here, musicians hand their instruments over to members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard who will keep them hidden until their exact entrance in the performance.

Dec. 3, 11:53 a.m.
The Air and Space Museum is buzzing with excitement. The United States Air Force Band members disguised in civilian coats roam the museum, acting as tourists. Observing a sign stating that there will be filming in the area, a group of tourists asks an employee what is being filmed. “Something big is happening in here in seven minutes—stick around!” the employee replies. A group of children speculate what the big surprise could possibly be. “I think they might be launching that rocket!” a young boy chimes. Maybe we’ll get to try on a space suit!” The crowd noise heightens as the clock inches closer to noon.

Dec. 3, 12 p.m.
A man walks to the center of the museum carrying just one chair and places it in an open area. Nobody seems to notice. Suddenly, one cellist removes a civilian coat to reveal his ceremonial uniform. He sits down and begins to play “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” A few close spectators turn and begin to listen. The cellist is joined shortly by the band’s commander and conductor, Col. Larry H. Lang, as well as a bassist and a handful of winds and strings who are each presented with their instrument by a member of the United States Air Force Honor Guard. The small group slowly turns into a mass of airmen musicians, each adding a new texture to the tune. From the balcony, two solo voices begin to float out over the crowds. They are joined by a host of singers lining the balcony railing. As “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” draws to a conclusion, the music changes. The tempo accelerates and as the key changes, a group of brass players in ceremonial uniforms sound a glorious fanfare from the balcony of the museum. This fanfare leads directly to a rousing rendition of “Joy to the World.” The music fills the National Air and Space Museum and lights the faces of the audience members. At the conclusion of the performance, the final triumphant brass chord lingers in the museum long after the musicians have stopped playing. The audience erupts into applause.

Immediately following the performance, Lang wished spectators a happy holidays and invited them to come forward and meet the members of the band. Airmen musicians showed children their instruments, talked to tourists, and wished all a happy holiday season. One young talented girl even took a seat to play a tune on Senior Master Sgt. Eric Sabatino’s harp. There was no denying it—the National Air and Space Museum was filled with the spirit of the season.

Dec. 5, 12 p.m.
Days after the flash mob, the holiday message first heard at 12 p.m. on Dec. 3, is spreading rapidly across the globe through social media networks. As this article is written, more than 188,000 people have viewed the flash mob on YouTube alone. The lyrical cello melody, delicate choral voices and glorious brass harmonies all share the same message—Happy holidays from your United States Air Force Band!

• Date Taken: 12.06.2013
• Date Posted: 12.06.2013 16:56
• Story ID: 117863
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US