Sing for the moment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Malmstrom Air Force Base Choir will take the stage for its first performance Feb. 19 at the Malmstrom Annual Awards ceremony.

The ceremony recognizes the year's best of the best at the wing-level and will be attended by honored guest speaker Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

The Malmstrom Choir will be performing a four-part harmony, including soprano, alto, tenor and base vocals, of the national anthem for the first time for an audience since the choir's inception Dec. 1, 2015.

Since the choir formed, the members have practiced only the national anthem with the hopes of one day being able to perform at events for not only the base but the local community as well, said 2nd Lt. Briana Crowe, 341st Force Support Squadron chief of career development and co-conductor/director for the choir.

According to Crowe, the choir retains its roots of being a club flexible enough for all who wish to join. Prior choir experience is not required, participation is flexible based on schedules and performing in front of an audience is not mandatory.

"The choir is still a club for people who want to sing," said Crowe. "We ask for availability, for people to try to attend practices, but we are flexible with schedules. We understand that sometimes people just can't make it because they're posted out (to the missile field) or whatever the case is. And performances aren't required. We are still a club."

In late 2015, Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Stiles, 341st Missile Wing command chief, started an initiative on base to introduce more club and group options for Airmen on base. The choir was one of several of those ideas.

"There are people at this base who are interested in the same things you are interested in," said Stiles. "The idea behind the clubs is to get these people together who may not know each other, and to improve where they live and work because there is something for everyone."

Crowe and co-conductor/director 1st Lt. Deanna Kerkhoff, 341st Contracting Squadron contract specialist, together focus on a more relaxed environment.

"We work more one-on-one, peer-to-peer," said Crowe. "Everyone helps out. There's no judgment. We can all learn from each other and everyone can participate. We have a mix of choir experience (levels)."

According to Crowe, there are approximately 15 regular members of the choir and their experience levels range from having some choir experience in high school to just wanting to try something new that they enjoy with a group of supportive peers.

"We are taking care of Airmen," said Stiles. "It's open to everyone, including dependents."

Choral parts are taught through the use of positive criticism, video tutorials posted to the Malmstrom AFB Choir Facebook page and group practices. Practices are held every Monday from 5-6 p.m. at the base chapel, Room 9.

"Singing the national anthem has been a part of this country since the beginning honoring people first, mission always," said Crowe. "Offering (the choir) at Malmstrom helps the Air Force as a whole by giving people an opportunity to de-stress and unwind."