The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, under the baton of Major Donald E. Schofield Jr. gave a free concert at The Center of The Arts, Belhaven College, on Monday, October 8, 2007. The musical production performed a wide variety of musical selections, ranging from Fantasy Variations-James Barnes to Selections from Stevie Wonder-arr. MSgt. Dean Smith. The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America also awarded Belhaven's Director of Bands, Dr. Paxton Girtmon, who conducts the marching band, pep band, and concert band, the opportunity to be a guest conductor. The selection Dr. Girtmon conducted was Samuel Barber's Commando March.
As an added treat, Major Donald E. Schofield Jr., asked Dr. Girtmon to recommend a Belhaven music student attending the concert the opportunity to conduct a musical selection. Sam Johnson, freshman trumpet music major was given the opportunity to conduct Henry Fillmore's Americans We. Furthermore, Major Donald E. Schofield Jr., gave Sam Johnson two gifts; 1) Dog tags saying, “I conducted The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America,” and 2) A conducting baton used by Major Donald E. Schofield Jr.
For their dedication and service to their country, The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America performed the musical selection A Salute to the Armed Services- arr. Robert Cray, a musical tribute to all branches of the military and its soldiers. The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America performed every Armed Forces theme song, while relatives of, as well as, past and present members of each military branch stood and were recognized. The final selection of the performance was John P. Sousa's Star and Stripes Forever.
Special thanks goes to Dr. Stephen Sachs, Chair of the Belhaven Music Department, for his efforts in bringing this concert band to Belhaven College.
 Dr. Girtmon conducting Commando March with guest concert band, The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America. |
 Major Donald E. Schofield Jr., Commander of The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America and Dr. Paxton Girtmon, Director of Bands, Belhaven College. |