USAF Heartland of America Band presents 'The Promise of the Season'

Staff Sergeant Gary Steinberg plays a drum during Winds of Freedom's rendition of 'Patapan' during the USAF Heartland of America Band's 2008 Holiday Show 'The Promise of the Season.'

USAF Heartland of America Band presents 'Promise of the Season'

Trumpeter Staff Sergeant Jeff Reich performs the opening fanfare for the USAF Heartland of America Band's 2008 Holiday Show 'Promise of the Season.'

Mr. Alessi with Nebraska composer, Dr. Eric Richards

Mr. Joseph Alessi (left), took a moment to thank Nebraska composer, Dr. Eric Richards (right) for writing the trombone solo, "Three Scenes for American Trombone and Brass Orchestra," premiered on Monday, October 20, 2008 as part of 'Slides Across the Heartland' at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Mr. Alessi is on the faculty of Julliard and is the principal trombone with the New York Philharmonic, while Dr. Richards is the Assistant Professor of Composition and Jazz Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music.

Mr. Alessi performs with Brass in Blue

Mr. Joseph Alessi (front), principal trombonist with the New York Philharmonic, performed as a guest soloist with the USAF Brass in Blue on several pieces during 'Slides Across the Heartland' presented at the Holland Performing Arts Center on Monday, October 20, 2008. Air Force trombonists pictured are Staff Sgt Matthew Erickson (left), Musical Director of the Brass in Blue and Staff Sgt Ben Kadow (right), principal trombone of the group.

Slides Across the Heartland

The USAF Heartland of America Band's Brass in Blue presented 'Slides Across the Heartland' at the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha, NE on Monday, October 20, 2008. Featured with Brass in Blue were guest soloist, Mr. Joseph Alessi, principal trombonist with the New York Philharmonic, and 76 local high school and college trombonists performing Meredith Willson's "76 Trombones."

Airman First Class Michael J. Srstka

Airman First Class Michael J. Srstka performs on piano with the USAF Heartland of America Band. He will be soloing with the Concert Band during the group's eight-day tour of South Dakota and northwest Iowa, including a performance on Veteran's day in his home town of Sioux Falls.