Roger Garcia conducts Air Force Band

Garcia lends hand conducting prestigious Air Force band

Longtime district Music Coordinator Roger Garcia was honored to conduct the US Air Force Band when they traveled to Walla Walla to perform in the Walla Walla High School gym October 18. Roger worked on getting this prestigious service band to come to Walla Walla for nearly a year. About three weeks ago, Roger was asked if he would like to conduct the band performing Kungl Livregementets grenadiers marsch. It is a Swedish March performed in honor of Sweden joining NATO.

“I of course said yes,” said Roger. “Colonel Don Schofield (the Commander of the US Air Force Band) told me conducting them is like driving a sports car, just give them a tweak here and there and they will respond.”

The US Air Force Band is one of four premiere service bands in the country, joining The Presidents Own Marine Band, The West Point Band and The Navy Band. These are some of the finest wind and percussionists in the country, according to Roger.

This opportunity to conduct the US Air Force Band was extra special for Roger since he grew up in a career Air Force family and was born on Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Roger’s dad, who has long since passed, was an Air Force veteran.

“I know I would have made him proud,” said Roger. “This was a special honor.”