Tinker Flying High Band commemorates 20th anniversary Published Nov. 21, 2007 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- They are a unit in their own right. With their 20th anniversary approaching, the mission is still being accomplished and their sense of camaraderie soars high above the highest note. On Nov. 23, Tinker's all-volunteer Flying High Band will celebrate their 20th anniversary. Led by director, retired Lt. Col. Richard Rasmussen, the band's goals remain simple. "We just hope to keep this going for another 10, 15 or 20 years, as long as we can and (as long as) people can still enjoy playing and performing," said Colonel Rasmussen, a trombone player and founding member of the band. "And as long as we have an audience that still likes listening to that type of music." Colonel Rasmussen said the band, which specializes in big-band music, formed when then-Lt. Ken McGee sent notices through the base bulletin informing musicians of a new venture. "He wanted to try and get something going because the different activities we'd seen like the retirements and change of commands just had an 8-track player and it really didn't sound very good," the colonel said. "I saw (the bulletin) and jumped right on it, because I knew I wanted to get back into music. "Nine folks showed up for our first practice and it just snowballed from there." Colonel Rasmussen said, at the time, Lieutenant McGee was an incredible musician, trained in jazz guitar and classical piano and could play everything except trombone, which was the colonel's specialty. The band has had hundreds of members through the years. Not all are military. Some are civilians, community members, dependents and retirees. Currently, about 20 active members are on the roster. They play guitar -- electric and bass -- drums, trombone, saxophone and trumpet, clarinet, flute and keyboard. "Most people, once they come in, stay as long as they stay in the local area," the colonel said. "The active duty folks normally stick around two to three years and get reassigned. We do have one person that's been around 18 years." Bonita Heinken, a saxophone player, has been with the band since 1998. "I love it, I enjoy it so much," she said after practice Nov. 8. "Our friendships have grown and we play better." The band has more than 800 tunes in their library, which consists of five filing cabinets in the colonel's Choctaw garage. The band has open practices for an hour every Monday and Thursday afternoon in the base theater. Retired Master Sgt. Harold Hodges attends most of them. His wife, Helen, plays saxophone. As she sits on stage, his sits in the back of the theater reading magazines and calling out an occasional request. To which the band plays. "They're good," he said. The band typically performs 35 to 40 gigs between February and December. Their gigs include two weekend stints at the base commissary leading up to Christmas, change of commands and retirement ceremonies. They also play off-base gigs such as picnics, community gatherings, banquets, fundraisers, weddings and in December, will play at a 50th birthday party for Ms. Heinken. "The memories we bring back, the excitement of the music, it becomes contagious and gives us the incentive for the work and effort it takes to keep the band going," the colonel said. It costs about $1,000 each year to pay for the band's supplies -- lights, music stands, sheet music, transportation and uniforms. Much of their expenses are donated when the band fundraises at the commissary before Christmas. Remaining proceeds are contributed through sales of the band's two compact discs. Other services such as storage of equipment and a practice facility are donated by Tinker. If interested in joining the band, there are no auditions. Simply show up to a rehearsal or call Colonel Rasmussen at 769-3010 or 370-2852 for more details.