Fall Tour 2009

Sergeant First Class Erica Russo, left, performs a medley of Patsy Cline songs during the U.S. Army Field Band peformance on Thursday evening. Staff photo by George Anderson

Approximately 1,200 people filled the Kennett High School (KHS) gymnasium on Thursday evening as the U.S. Army Field Band made a stop in Kennett as part of its Fall Tour 2009.

The event, sponsored by the KHS Band and the Daily Dunklin Democrat, delighted those in attendance as the Army Field Band played selections from various composers and original pieces written by Army Field Band members during its 90-minute performance.

The show kicked off at 7:30 p.m., with the "Patriotic Prologue," followed by "The Liberty Bell," and "Sunrise at Angel's Gate."

Sgt. First Class Erica Russo then sang a selection of Patsy Cline songs.

After two more selections, 12 members of the KHS Band joined the U.S. Army Field Band for the performance of the "Chesapeake Bay March," a selection written by U.S. Army Field Band Conductor Col. Thomas Palmatier.

Those joining the U.S. Army Field Band were Amber Dawes on piccolo, Vickie Panousis on first flute, Yiota Panousis on first clarinet, Katie Goebel on second clarinet, Will Caldwell on first trumpet, Allyson Luce on second trumpet, Jody Vancil on third trumpet, Laurel Jones on first French horn, Jonathan Rooney on first trombone, Heather Armstrong on baritone, Travis Gentry on saxophone, and Ethan Seats on Tuba.

Following the combined performance, the U.S. Army Band Soldiers' Chorus sang several choral selections from various composers, which was followed by "Silverado."

Also during the show, the band played the various military branch songs, asking those who have served to stand when their song was played as part of the Armed Forces Salute.

The show concluded with an instrumental piece from the movie, "Saving Private Ryan."

Instead of applause at the end of the show, the U.S. Army Field Band asked those in attendance to have a moment of silence for the men and women who put their lives on the line for the United States of America on a daily basis.

Kennett resident Jack Astrachan, who was in charge of the booking for the event, said he was "tremendously pleased" with the turnout for the show.

Astrachan said there were people at the show from all across Southeast Missouri, including several schools.

"I think [the U.S. Army Field Band] made a tremendous concert," Astrachan said. "They are one of the best groups we have had."

Astrachan said the band was "extremely professional," and many of the band members said they enjoyed coming to Kennett.

"I thought the audience response was excellent," Astrachan continued.

"The sound was excellent. It was one of the most successful concerts we have had [in Kennett]."

Astrachan said he wanted to give a special thanks to KHS Head Custodian Kevin Pate and his crew for the work they did in setting up the show.

"They did a tremendous job getting the gymnasium ready," Astrachan said.