Christine Kharazian

Well, there weren’t that many performances to start with. Remember how all events and concerts got cancelled in the spring and the closures continued throughout the year? But there was one I will never forget. On 4th of July, I got to play with the United States Air Force Band. What was so special about it? I was impressed by the organization and collaboration that went into preparing and producing this unprecedented event. It was the time where every single orchestra on the planet was deprived of rehearsing and performing. No one knew if it was possible. And yet, the USAF Band production team made it happen. It was safe. It was grandiose. It was free for people to watch.  

The performance took place at the aircraft hangar on the air force base. Every musician was supplied with a HEPA filter behind their chair. Woodwinds and brasswinds were separated by a plexiglass shield. The area was cleared and ventilated every 40 minutes. 

It was also memorable to see Joshua Bell in rehearsal mode. When you see someone like that and their work ethic, you realize why they are where they are. The other notable performers were Larisa Martinez and Soloman Howard. They were incredible.