An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Another kind of ‘brass’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Torri Ingalsbe
  • Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Three members from the Air Force Central Command Band, Full Spectrum, used the universal language of music to reach children in the local community May 30.

Master Sgt. John Cisar, Tech. Sgt. Chris Stelling, and Senior Airman Carl Stanley, who make up Full Spectrum's brass section, sat in with high school students enrolled in the Master Class for music at the American School of Doha. The students range in age from 14 to 17 years old, and represent more than 80 countries from across the globe.

"Having professionals come and interact with the students is something truly unique," said Bob Krebs, ASD Fine Arts Department head. "Since we can't take the kids to see professionals perform here, we bring the performance to the kids."

The band members also enjoy mentoring and performing for the students.

"It's a great opportunity to engage in music education with these kids," said 1st Lt. Dustin Doyle, AFCENT Band officer in charge. "I have such a passion and appreciation for music, and it's such an experience to represent the Air Force while sharing that with kids who have the same passion and appreciation."

After an initial session in the classroom, each band member had break-out sessions with students who were learning their respective instruments. This gave the students more one-on-one time with the band members.

"It's pretty amazing to see the kids improve so quickly," said Senior Airman Carl Stanley, AFCENT Band trumpeter. "Wearing the uniform is a privilege, and to represent the knowledge and professionalism of the Air Force to people in the community is a great opportunity."

Stanley described the personal gratification he gets when his mentorship finds footing with kids.

"When they start to get it, they just spark up and do some really amazing things," he added.

Full Spectrum is scheduled for another visit to ASD later in the month to perform an end-of-year concert for the students, faculty and parents. With community outreach as one of their primary missions, the bandsmen couldn't be more excited.

"It never gets old," Doyle said. "The community relationships are important to the 379th (Air Expeditionary) Wing. We're doing our part, while musically portraying that professional image of the Air Force, and it just doesn't get old."