Travis Brass spreads holiday cheer throughout Beale

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Siobhan Bennett
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Travis Brass, a quintet ensemble of the Air Force Band of the Golden West, spread holiday cheer at several locations across base Dec. 13, 2012.

Every year, the Band of the Golden West breaks up into small groups and performs 10 shows in December for the holidays. The shows span across their area of responsibility, including California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Nevada.

What made the band's visit to Beale unique was how close it is to their home, Travis Air Force Base, and performing for fellow Airmen.

"It's special to perform for fellow Airmen," said Tech. Sgt. Scott Ruedger, Travis Brass trombone player. "It's heart warming because it makes us feel at home."

During their visit to Beale, the ensemble performed 15 minutes of Christmas songs at each location, lifting the spirits of all those gathered to watch.

"We're very excited and thankful they come every year and provide a little holiday spirit and support to the families and children here at Beale," said Helen Reeves, a training and curriculum specialist at the Child Development Center.

Lynn Nicolazzo, a lead caregiver at the CDC, explained how the children look forward to the band's meaningful visit to Beale every year.

"It's a chance for them to have traditions, family, and culture brought to school," she said.

The children danced, clapped, and sang along to Christmas songs, such as "Rudolph the Red- nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," and "Jingle Bells."

"(The children) enjoy the Christmas season as much, if not more, than anyone," said Staff Sgt. Robbie Mayes, Travis Brass French horn player. "Judging by the amount of hugs we received, they appreciated it the most."

Onlookers also danced and took pictures as they shared in the festive rhythms.

"The band was really good. It was nice to break up the monotony of the day and hear Christmas music in person as opposed to the radio," said Airman 1st Class Anthony Arroyo, 9th Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health technician. "It definitely boosts morale and adds a bit more fun to the work environment."

The band also performed for Chief Master Sgt. Robert A. White, 9th Reconnaissance Wing command chief, at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. White spoke highly of the band's overall performance.
 
"We are very fortunate to have outstanding professionals doing extraordinary things to take care of our Airmen and their families," White said. "We have a very engaging mission here at Beale. It's nice to take a strategic pause and enjoy the talents of our Airmen."

For more information about the Band of the Golden West, visit www.facebook.com/bandofthegoldenwest.