For more information about the concert, please visit The United States Air Force Band’s website or call 202-767-5658.
Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan is pleased to announce:
Anjo Gakuen High School Wind Orchestra at Fumon Hall, Tokyo. All Japan Band Contest National Final
October 25, 2009. ©Anjo Gakuen High School
Anjo Gakuen High School Wind Orchestra
Special guest band of The United States Air Force Band Summer Concert Series
Friday, August 27th @ 8:00 pm
At the Air Force Memorial, 1 Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA
Since its formation in 1941, The United States Air Force Band has brought high caliber music and entertainment to people around the globe, earning its reputation as “America’s International Musical Ambassadors.” On August 27th they welcome special guest Anjo Gakuen High School Wind Orchestra from Aichi, Japan for a joint performance conducted by the Band’s commander and conductor, Lt. Col. A. Phillip Waite and featuring the Concert Band, Singing Sergeants, and Air Force Strings at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.
Led by conductor and director Yoshimi Kozo, a graduate of Kyoto City University of Arts, the 110-member Anjo Gakuen High School Wind Orchestra has earned 11 appearances at the All Japan Band Competition national finals, 4 appearances at the All Japan Ensemble Contest and 2 appearances at the All Japan Marching Band Festival. With a motto of “Merrily, Cheerfully, Earnestly,” they have been awarded 5 Gold prizes from the Central Japan Band Contest and have performed in countries around the world including China, Canada, New Zealand, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden and the United States.
Conductor Yoshimi Kozo received the Japan Band Directors Association’s “Superior Director Award” in 1988 and was honored for his devoted service at the 40th Anniversary meeting of the Central Japan Band Association in 1997. He is currently active in many musical pursuits, including serving as the Vice-president of the Aichi Prefecture Band Association, board member of the National High School Orchestra Association, and President of Aichi Prefecture Junior and Senior High School Orchestra Association.
Be sure to bring your family and friends to enjoy this wonderful performance beneath the stars! The concert is free; tickets are not needed. In case of rain, the concert will be rescheduled for Saturday, August 28th at 8:00 pm. For the latest information, call The United States Air Force Band’s Concert Line at 202-767-5658 or visit their website www.usafband.af.mil.