Woodwinds Beneath Their Wings

The only active duty Air Force band west of the Rockies energized audiences at two free performances Feb. 27 at Westmont and Montecito Covenant Church.

The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West Woodwind Dectet performed several patriotic and classical pieces, including one song that featured kazoos to the delight of the Westmont crowd.

Prior to the performance, Air Force members held a masterclass with student musicians.

The band, under the command conductor Lieutenant Colonel Cristina Moore Urrutia, stayed after its performance to answer questions from dozens of Westmont’s student-musicians. With a motto of Honor Inspire Connect, bandmates encouraged students to pursue a career as an active-duty military musician stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield. 

The band is constantly on the move, logging more than 250 free performances a year throughout the Western U.S.