Missile maintenance NCO's musical flair adds dimension to local symphony orchestra

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eydie Sakura
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The music filled the air and gently flowed over the heads of the audience sitting on the grassy knoll. The crowd was listening to patriotic-themed music on a sun-kissed Sunday afternoon at a free, summer concert. 

The second-chair oboist with the Great Falls Symphony Orchestra, whose music career spans more than a decade, plays with confidence and ease; the same attributes encompassed performing his duties as an electro-mechanical technician with the 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron. 

Staff Sgt. Chris Sembroski, an active-duty servicemember, said he contacted the local symphony orchestra immediately after being assigned here three years ago. 

"I figured I'd make the most out of my experience while in Montana, so I found the symphony in the [city] phonebook and sent them an e-mail," Sergeant Sembroski said. "[The symphony] contacted me and said, 'We're going to set you up with an audition.' It took me aback for a minute. I wasn't ready for that response." 

The principle oboist for the orchestra sent Sergeant Sembroski sheet music to prepare for the audition, and before he knew it, he was center stage at the Great Falls Civic Center auditioning for the conductor. 

"The only thing I could see while on the stage was a bright spotlight on me and the exit signs glowing in the back of the auditorium," he said. "I kept thinking they were going to stop me and say, 'Get out ... now.'" 

Sergeant Sembroski's humble attitude is part of his nature. He began his music career in the sixth grade when he picked up a clarinet. He later switched to the oboe his sophomore year of high school. He performed for his church while attending college, and later picked-up the guitar and is self-taught. 

"I just get wrapped up in the music. It's a great way to release stress and I enjoy the sounds coming out of [the instrument]," he said. 

Sergeant Sembroski's growth as a musician during his three-year tenure with the symphony orchestra is beneficial for everyone, said Gordon Johnson, Great Falls Symphony Orchestra music director. 

"His musicality and ability to play has been strengthened due to his individual interaction with the professional oboist playing in the symphony orchestra," Mr. Johnson said. "It's always a joy for someone to call me asking about opportunities to play; especially military personnel and family members." 

The music director said having musicians from the base in the symphony orchestra adds a community dimension that is very beneficial because the people of Great Falls now have human contact with the base. 

"[He] performs before 1,700 audience members and that's a large impact on how the base is represented," Mr. Johnson said. "He's a courteous and a conscientious man." 

These characteristics are embodied in Sergeant Sembroski's dedication and love for his job, as well. As part of the electro-mechanical team, he troubleshoots the security systems at each missile launch facility, maintains the cooling systems for the missile's computer, performs preventative maintenance on the emergency power systems and loads data into the missile computers, keeping the missiles on constant alert. This team effort is critical in maintaining the mission here and his supervisor sees this effort each day. 

"Sergeant Sembroski is one of our best technicians out in the field. His poise and leadership traits keep a positive influence on the new upcoming technicians," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Garcia, 341st MMXS critical task supervisor. "Of course [playing with the symphony] makes him a better Airman. He is meticulous and a team player, both positive traits needed to be on the EMT team and part of a symphony." 

This blend of professionalism Sergeant Sembroski portrays on- and off-duty is what makes him a key ingredient in the Great Falls Symphony Orchestra's ability to create fine music; and it is vital to fulfilling the wing's mission and showcasing his leadership abilities within the EMT team.