Military band legend visits AF Band of Liberty

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jon Linker
  • U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. -- --  When it comes to music and the military, perhaps no one has lived a life quite like retired Col. Arnald D. Gabriel. From the beaches of Normandy on D-Day to the conductor's podium on some of the great stages of the world, Colonel Gabriel has been there, done that and then some.

Director Emeritus of the United States Air Force Band retired Colonel Gabriel paid a visit to Hanscom April 10 to share his wealth of musical expertise, wisdom and stories with the Air Force Band of Liberty. Having spent 21 years, from 1964 to 1985, leading the United States Air Force Band in Washington DC, and 36 years in the military overall, Colonel Gabriel is a living legend in the band world as well as a highly sought-after conductor and clinician. 

The colonel spent the entire morning and part of the afternoon with the Band of Liberty. His knowledge and musicianship were evident the moment he began rehearsing Clifton Williams' Symphonic Dance No. 3. Working entirely from memory, he knew every note of every musicians' part and exactly how he wanted it played. His enthusiasm for making music quickly came across to the band members. 

"It's always a wonderful experience to play for someone who has such a positive take on music," said Senior Airman Anthony Balester, saxophonist. "He inspires you to play better through his vast knowledge and the energy that he brings to every piece." 

"It was a true inspiration having Colonel Gabriel here to work with our band," said Lt. Col. Larry Lang, Band of Liberty commander. "He's a legend in our career field, having served as an Air Force band commander for 34 years, and the only band officer to receive the Legion of Merit. His depth of knowledge for band music and the ability to convey the power of music in carrying out our vital mission as AF bandsmen is almost magical." 

One of the many stories Colonel Gabriel shared with the Band of Liberty was of performing a marching show along with several European military bands at a stadium in Bari, Italy. At the time, the political environment in that part of southern Italy was decidedly anti-American. 

"When we took the field we were roundly booed," Colonel Gabriel said. "Being booed by 40,000 people -- that's quite an experience -- but when we were done, everyone in that stadium was on their feet and cheering. That's the power of music." 

Although he had been an outstanding flute player in high school, Colonel Gabriel's military career began as a combat machine gunner with the U.S. Army's famed 29th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II. He was on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and saw more than 200 days of combat receiving two Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the French Croix de Guerre. 

Following his separation from the Army in 1946, Colonel Gabriel enrolled in Ithaca College, where he earned both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Music Education. He then auditioned and was accepted as a conductor in the Air Force bands. His career took him through several assignments, including the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band and the Air Force Academy Band before he became commander and conductor of the United States Air Force Band in July 1964. 

Over the next two decades, he rejuvenated the band and carried it to new musical heights while creating a legacy which lasts to this day. "Colonel Gabriel was responsible for hiring almost half of the band commanders who have led this organization over the years, and he set a standard of excellence for our entire career field that continues to garner high esteem throughout the world," Colonel Lang said. 

Under Colonel Gabriel's leadership, the Air Force Band appeared everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Disneyland and also resumed tours overseas. Among his innovations were instituting government-financed concert tours, which greatly increased the ability of the band to travel and perform and is the system currently in use for all military bands today. I

n addition, he created the wildly popular Guest Artist Series in Washington D.C. Over the years, Colonel Gabriel has shared the stage with more than 150 famous actors, musicians, conductors and performing groups and has become good friends with numerous celebrities. 

During his career, Colonel Gabriel has helped Air Force bands reach new levels of quality and popularity and has made them some of the most sought-after military bands in the world. 

Colonel Gabriel retired from the Air Force in 1985 but has remained active in the music world. He was on faculty at George Mason University from 1985 to 1995 and continues to appear as clinician at major state, regional and university music festivals. He also guest conducts outstanding school, college, municipal and military bands, as well as orchestras around the world.