Merry Christmas… Some Christmas cheer as USAF band does “flash mob”

The US Air Force band does a wonderful job on December 3rd, pulling off a “flash mob” performance at the National Air and Space Museum.

They blogged about it.  What a story.  What a video.

Turn up your sound, set the resolution to 720HD and watch it below.  Seven minutes of wonder and splendor.

Dec. 3, 11:20 a.m.
Five buses arrive outside the National Air and Space Museum. Musicians file off, attempting to conceal their instruments and uniforms under civilian coats. As they enter the museum, they quickly make their way into designated “hiding spots.” Many take the escalator downstairs to the parking garage below the museum. Here, musicians hand their instruments over to members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard who will keep them hidden until their exact entrance in the performance.

They managed to make it in without attracting too much attention.

Dec. 3, 11:53 a.m.
The Air and Space Museum is buzzing with excitement. The United States Air Force Band members disguised in civilian coats roam the museum, acting as tourists. Observing a sign stating that there will be filming in the area, a group of tourists asks an employee what is being filmed. “Something big is happening in here in seven minutes–stick around!” the employee replies. A group of children speculate what the big surprise could possibly be. “I think they might be launching that rocket!” a young boy chimes. “Maybe we’ll get to try on a space suit!” The crowd noise heightens as the clock inches closer to noon.

Something big was going to happen in seven minutes, at noon, December 3rd.  Something that would not meet with the approval of Dear Leader.

Dec. 3, 12 p.m.
A man walks to the center of the museum carrying just one chair and places it in an open area. Nobody seems to notice. Suddenly, one cellist removes a civilian coat to reveal his ceremonial uniform. He sits down and begins to play “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” A few close spectators turn and begin to listen. The cellist is joined shortly by the Band’s commander and conductor, Col. Larry H. Lang, as well as a bassist and a handful of winds and strings who are each presented with their instrument by a member of the United States Air Force Honor Guard. The small group slowly turns into a mass of airmen musicians, each adding a new texture to the tune. From the balcony, two solo voices begin to float out over the crowds. They are joined by a host of singers lining the balcony railing. As “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” draws to a conclusion, the music changes. The tempo accelerates and as the key changes, a group of brass players in ceremonial uniforms sound a glorious fanfare from the balcony of the museum. This fanfare leads directly to a rousing rendition of “Joy to the World.”