SMCB performs at Barksdale during 4th of July holiday

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra M. Boutte
  • 2d Bomb Wing
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Members of the Barksdale community came out to listen to the Shreveport Metropolitan Concert Band July 3 at Hoban Hall.

More than 300 people attended the hour - and - a- half concert, which included many hymnals such as "America the Beautiful," "The Saints Go Marching In" and "Stars and Stripes Forever."

The band was established in 1984 and is the oldest, continuously operated community band in Shreveport. There are more than 70 members, ranging in ages from 16 years old to more than 80 years old.

"The majority of the people who attend the event are retirees," said retired Col. Steve dePyssler, Retirees Activities Office director.

Each year, the retiree office donates mini American flags to give out to all attendees.

"We ran out of the little flags," said Colonel dePyssler. "We instead handed out larger flags--we gave out well over 300 flags."

"We wanted to put on a show for our active duty and retiree populace," said Alan Swilley, SMCB director. "It is just a slight payback for all the work they have done for us.

This year marked the band's 25th anniversary and has been performing at Barksdale for the past 14 years.

"We appreciate Barksdale and what they do for us and the nation," said Mr. Swilley.

Mr. Swilley and the concert band will be back to Barksdale next year to perform during the 4th of July holiday once again.