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Horsham AGS hangar turns orchestral amphitheater…if just for a while

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Christopher Botzum
  • 111th Attack Wing
HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa. --  Thunderous trumpets, mellow tubas and the rat-a-tat-tat of snare drums filled the air on base April 23 as area drum and bugle corps performs a rehearsal in a now repurposed aircraft hangar here.

Lancers Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps from Hanover, Pennsylvania needed a facility to practice in in advance of performing for the Reilly Raiders Shamrock Music Festival at Burlington City High School in New Jersey later that evening and the 111ATKW was quick to help.

"Horsham was very convenient and right on the way to the high school," said Lancer's business manager and retired colonel with the 193rd Special Operations Wing in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, Sharon Hedges. "Because [leadership] allowed us to rehearse at the base, our day had zero, and I mean zero, dead time --you know, that 'hurry up and wait.' "

The nearing 80 musicians and flag team members would not be disappointed with their stopover.

"I heard a lot of good comments about the facility from the corps members. It definitely met our every expectation," added Hedges.  If we're in the area again, maybe we can present our 20 minute show to the unit if the unit is interested."

Bob Zarfoss, drum instructor with the Lancers and former Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps member in the mid-50s was anticipating the trip to Horsham.

"To perform at our best, we need a rehearsal proximate to the time of our performance," said Zarfoss. "Using your hangar allowed us to save time, unload easily, form quickly and take advantage of a spacious and clean environment.

"When we left, I commented to some of the drummers that in a perfect world we could rehearse four times a year at your facility."

And the base looks forward to hosting them again in the very near future.

Before packing up their horns, bass drums and assorted flags, the band closed out their unique practice experience by dedicating a soulful yet powerful rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" to show their gratitude to the men and women of the Wing for their service.