The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants will perform a free concert on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. The Singing Sergeants features SUNY Fredonia alumni, Technical Sgt. Hillary Grobe and Technical Sgt. Michael Aiello.
The United States Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants will perform a free concert at SUNY Fredonia this October.
The concert takes place on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in King Concert Hall. The Singing Sergeants feature two graduates of the Fredonia School of Music — Technical Sgt. Hillary Grobe, alto, and Technical Sgt. Michael Aiello, baritone.
While the Oct. 16 performance is free, tickets are required. They are available online 24/7. Tickets may also be obtained on Monday, Wednesday or Friday by phone at (716) 673-3501 or in person at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center during the same hours.
The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants are two of the six performing ensembles within The United States Air Force Band, the premier musical organization of the U.S. Air Force. Stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., The U.S. Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants honor those who have served, inspire American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and connect with the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America.
Technical Sgt. Grobe earned her Fredonia degree with majors in Vocal Performance and Music Education and later a master's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. While at SUNY Fredonia, she received the Charles C. Eikenburg Scholarship in Opera/Vocal Performance, established through the Fredonia College Foundation. Technical Sgt. Aiello earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Fredonia, majoring in Music Education, and later a Master of Music degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music where he was the recipient of the Renee Fleming Endowed Scholarship.
Formed initially as a men’s chorus in 1945, the Singing Sergeants became the first premier military chorus to enlist women in 1973, increasing their musical versatility. Today, the group’s members use music to bridge language and cultural differences and to help advance positive diplomatic relations through song. The chorus is regularly featured at national music education conferences, including the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and Chorus America.
As part of the U.S. Air Force Band, the mission of the Concert Band and the Singing Sergeants is to honor those who have served, inspire American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and connect with the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States. The excellence demonstrated by the Singing Sergeants represents all Airmen stationed worldwide, whose sacrifices and selfless service ensure the freedom enjoyed by citizens of the United States of America.
The Oct. 16 concert is presented by Rockefeller Arts Center and sponsored by The Observer, The Post-Journal and radio stations WDOE and KIX as part of the 2025-26 Lake Shore Bank Season.
