TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR AF BAND

A few free tickets are still available for Wednesday's performance in Cape Girardeau by the Air Force Military Airlift Command Band.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Central High School Auditorium. It is sponsored by the Southeast Missourian and Cape Central's music department.

Capt. Frank J. Grzych, band conductor, said Wednesday's program includes a wide variety of selections and performances by soloists.

Featured on the oboe-English horn will be Senior Airman Bonnie J. Fresen. Vocal soloist is Sgt. Jay Willis, who will perform selections from "Phantom of the Opera."

Other highlights of the performance will be a classical overture, "Morning, Noon and Midnight in Vienna," selections from "West Side Story," and a salute to America medley.

Grzych said the patriotic section of the concert is a favorite with audiences.

"I like this section the most because the audience really gets involved in it, and the audience usually sings along," he said. "During one concert we did recently, the whole audience stood up during `God Bless America.'"

The band performs 450-500 concerts per year across the United States. Assistant Conductor will be 2nd Lt. Lloyd E. Walton. It is based at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Tickets, available at the Southeast Missourian, will be good for seating between 6:45 and 7:15 p.m., after which anyone, regardless of whether they have tickets, will be admitted.