Rolling Thunder - Air force Band + Trombones

For this post I wanted to feature this short video of The United States Air Force Band playing "Rolling Thunder" by Henry Filmore. This video is unique because it features guest artist George Curran bass trombonist of the New York Phil.

About the Air Force Concert Band:

"The United States Air Force Band is the premier musical organization of the U.S. Air Force. The excellence demonstrated by the Band's active-duty musicians reflects the excellence carried out by Airmen stationed around the globe. Each member is proud to represent all Airmen whose selfless service and sacrifices ensure the freedoms enjoyed by citizens of the United States of America. Since its formation in 1941, this world-class organization has inspired billions of listeners through its exhilarating music, engaging programs, and masterful recordings.

Through world-class musical presentations and ceremonies, The U.S. Air Force Band helps create bonds between the United States and the worldwide community. Using music to bridge language, cultural, societal and socio-economic differences, the Band's performances advance international relationships and inspire positive and long-lasting impressions of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America."

---------------------------------------------------------------------

From the video description:

"The United States Air Force Band is honored to have George Curran, bass trombonist of the New York Philharmonic, in our next installment of the 2022 Guest Artist Series. For this performance, we are featuring Mr. Curran as well as The United States Air Force Concert Band's trombone section in a blazing fast march called, "Rolling Thunder" by Henry Fillmore. "Rolling Thunder" is a march that falls in the category of marches known as a "circus march" or "screamer." Circus marches are generally much faster than traditional military marches and this particular march is known for its blazingly fast and technical trombone part! Please enjoy George Curran and The Air Force Concert Band as they perform the fast and furious, "Rolling Thunder!"

I really enjoyed this performance. I know it isn't technically a brass ensemble or chamber group, but their technique is exquisite and its insane how all 5 of them sound so homogenous. One of the comments under the video says, "I've never seen trombone slides move that fast" and another that says "Euphoniums get no love, playing the same part" which is a mood, and I thought was funny since there is one single euphonium in the video that I practically had to search for lol. I LOVE marches (which is weird I know, especially as a horn player) and this one does not disappoint.