Breaking out in song and dance, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific celebrated the Month of the Military Child in April by putting on a performance for Eagle River High School.
EAGLE RIVER, Alaska - Breaking out in song and dance, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific celebrated the Month of the Military Child in April by putting on a performance for Eagle River High School.
Defense Department . The Defense Department said there are 1.6 million military children who face challenges and certain experiences because their parents chose to serve. At Eagle River High School, at least 30% of its student body are military children, according to school officials.
“We’re here to honor and celebrate their service and their sacrifice,” Staff Sgt. Courtney Woods with the U.S. Air Force said.
“Military kids serve too. It’s a little bit different and it wasn’t their choice, but they have a lot of challenges, like being separated from their parents and moving around a lot and having to start over every time they move. So if we can come here and let them feel seen and celebrated, that’s everything to us. ”“I’ve been singing since I was old enough to talk,” Woods said.
But after she lost her health care at 27, she said she turned to the military to begin the next chapter of her music career.
“It’s the greatest honor in the world to be able to wear this uniform doing what I love the most,” Woods said. “It’s something that I take a lot of pride in. My family is so proud and it’s been a really wonderful adventure. ” According to Woods, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific plays a large role in cultural diplomacy as the band travels around the world putting on performances.
“I think it’s more important now than ever that people have a positive image of just not only the United States Air Force, but of Americans in general,” Woods said. “So connecting with people through music is a wonderful way to achieve that mission. ”“Music really connects everyone,” she said.
“I travel all around the world, and one thing that we all have in common, whether or not we speak the same language or practice the same religion, everybody knows a Taylor Swift song. ” On top of spending the day honoring military children, she said she also hopes she can shine a pathway for other students interested in pursuing music.
“I like to think that if it’s possible we can inspire one kid to either pursue music professionally or maybe pursue a career in the military, then that’s a huge win,” Woods said. “I think it’s important to highlight that there’s a possibility to pursue your passion in the military, whether it’s music, whether it’s science, there’s a path for these kids to pursue what they love and wear the uniform.
” On top of the band’s performance, the musicians spent the morning working with students in the school’s band and choir programs.
“Honestly, it’s really cool, especially because I do want to be a professional musician,” said Ivin Dick, Eagle River High School junior. “So there’s obviously like the networking aspect of it, and then also being able to get advice is really awesome. ” Dick told Alaska’s News Source his favorite thing about having the band at the school was the ability to connect with other people who shared similar interests.
“I see it every single day,” Woods said. “I hope that these students have a way to continue to have music be part of their lives and their education. ”. On April 17, according to ASD, the district notified 12 fine arts teachers they were being laid off.
The district said 44 other educators were also notified that they were being laid off. Alaska’s News Source asked ASD what impact budget cuts would have on the Eagle River fine art programs, but they have not responded as of publication. Man accused of plowing into popular downtown Anchorage restaurant arrested, faces arraignmentWasilla men sentenced in illegal guide operation out of Kodiak, face prison, fines and worldwide hunting bans‘Music really connects everyone’: PACAF band performs at Eagle River High School
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