U.S. Air Force Academy Band tunes up for holidays Published Dec. 6, 2013 By Amber Baillie Academy Public Affairs U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Tis the season for festive, jolly tunes to stream through the radio, your head and at the Academy. In the spirit of the holiday season, the U.S. Air Force Academy Band will perform its annual "Holly and the Ivy" concert at Air Academy High School Dec. 16 and 17 to spread holiday cheer, thank the community for their support and represent the excellence of the Air Force through song. Fifty-six active duty musicians from the Air Force Academy Band will perform a 90- minute program that includes selections from the "The Nutcracker" ballet. "The Holly and Ivy is designed to bring family and friends together during the holiday season, a time that can be stressful and busy, to enjoy an evening of good fun with the music of the holidays," said Capt. Dustin Doyle, U.S. Air Force Academy Band flight commander and assistant conductor. "In the Colorado Springs area, there is a very large military presence, the band strives to honor their service through acknowledging their sacrifice and devotion to a greater cause. It's a small way we say 'thank you' for their service." The band will perform five concerts in Colorado Springs and one in Pueblo at the State Fairgrounds Event Center this month. Tickets to shows at Sand Creek High School are sold out. "This production has been going on for approximately 20 years," Doyle said. "Members of the band are professional musicians. These members study music relentlessly, many having master degree's in music, to earn the opportunity to audition and be a member of this organization." Doyle said he enjoys performing at the Academy for the unique prestige to represent an organization devoted to developing leaders of character for the next generation of Air Force leaders. "It's an honor engaging the community on behalf of this fine institution," he said. The band is also excited about opportunities to come in celebration of the Academy's 60th Anniversary in 2014, Doyle said. "The band has several events surrounding this theme, from a special commemoration concert to ceremonial performances on the parade fields honoring this great achievement," he said. Concert attendees are to travel to the South Gate and present a photo ID and their ticket for Academy access. For non-ticket holders able to get through the gate, remaining open seats will be offered at 6:45 p.m. The auditorium will open at 5:45 p.m. "Tickets are free and we're expecting around 420 people at each show," said Master Sgt. Heike Gazetti, non-commissioned-officer-in-charge of publicity for the band. "We'll also include a sing-along during the concert with lyrics included in the program." For tickets, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Air Academy High School Attn: Academy Band Tickets 6910 Carlton Drive Air Force Academy, CO 80840