Eglin's Ceremonial Band is seldom seen, but always heard

  • Published
  • By Minty Knighton
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Base and community people are arriving at a base function. They are immaculately dressed in their blues and business suits. Before they take their seats, they anxiously await the next moment. They see the flag, the podium and the honorees, but no one makes a move until the music plays; be it the National Anthem, Ruffles and Flourishes or Hail to the Chief. 

The Ceremonial Band, which is seldom seen, but always heard, has played all these interludes and more. 

The Ceremonial Band is considered Eglin's band. Although not officially recognized as an Air Force band, it has been an integral part of base ceremonies for the last 15 years. 

"The band started playing for functions when a former 96th Air Base Wing commander didn't want to use tapes," said William Creekmore, director for the band and manager for Eglin's multimedia operations. 

The band has grown to include doctors, retired generals, contractors, colonels and others from the base and the local community. Word of mouth is usually how the band gets these volunteer musicians who come from all walks of life and are already musically skilled. 

Skill level does not seem to be the primary qualification for the band; the band's musicians are truly devoted. 

"One thing common to volunteer bands is that the desire to participate is more important than ability," said Glen McCardle, who works for 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron and is a clarinet player for the band. "The best thing is the camaraderie of the band members and the sincere appreciation of those we play for." 

Because the band is strictly a volunteer service, it faces practice and performance challenges due to duty absences. 

"The most challenging thing in performing for the Ceremonial Band is melding in performances with TDY absences," said Mr. McCardle. 

"We try to keep performances down to once a month because many of our players have to take leave from their jobs to perform," said Mr. Creekmore. "And if I could get musicians to practice every week, it would be a gas. Of course, when there is something required from top leadership, we do our best to make it happen." 

There are about 25 to 30 musicians currently part of the band and approximately 15 musicians at a time who play for scheduled functions. 

Mr. Creekmore explained that duty sometimes make it difficult to keep the band flourishing and they are always looking for persons who can play. 

"It's difficult to have a band without certain instruments, like trumpets. To really make the band sound good you have to have a drummer, two trombones, a couple of trumpeters and a little sax and then you can really make some sound." 

The Ceremonial Band performs for numerous charitable organizations, retirement ceremonies and other special events. 

"Sometimes the ceremonies are very emotional," said Pamela Denny who works for the 679th Armament Systems Squadron and is a flutist. "The POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony always brings us to tears." 

Although Eglin's ceremonial band is not an official Air Force band, they've proven they can perform for the best. 

"Our biggest event is when President Bush came a few years ago and we were asked to play," said Mr. Creekmore. "I had never played 'Hail to the Chief' and probably never will again, but I tell you it was amazing. They had people with little microphones in their ear right up until the last minute telling us whether or not we were going to play and at the last minute as he [the president] was walking up, they gave us the go ahead to play. Afterward, the president gave us a 'thumbs up' and we know we did well." 

The Air Force's premier bands travel states and countries to perform and are renown, but Eglin's Ceremonial Band has proven time and time they are Eglin's premier and beloved band.