New Iberia residents will have the opportunity soon to hear melodies performed by a nationally recognized group.

The U.S. Air Force Band of the West will be playing a free concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Sugar Cane Festival Building. The event is being sponsored by The Daily Iberian.

"The U.S. Air Force Band of the West has a long lineage in the U.S. Air Force," said Sgt. Heather L. Kirschner. "The band was created on Oct. 1, 1941, at Moffett Field, Calif."

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The 50-member concert band will play a number of different pieces for audiences at the auditorium.

"The music ranges from the Renaissance up to present day and ranges from serious symphonic band literature to Broadway musicals, from Sousa marches to Top 40 hits," said Kirschner.

The band consists of all active duty U.S. Air Force personnel. The department is self-sufficient, with each of the members not only playing an instrument, but planning and running their operation. Prior to joining, each member is required to go through basic training.

"Nearly all of the members of the band auditioned for the band career field prior to joining the Air Force," Kirschner said. "When an opening in the band occurs, we advertise the position in musical journals and musician union papers. People submit a demonstration recording and a resume."

Any opening with the Band of the West is highly sought after by musicians.

"On a given year, over 200 candidates submit their initial audition packet, and we select between five and 10," said Kirschner.

A number of local high school students also will have the chance to play with the The Band of the West. The stop in New Iberia marks the end of an eight-day tour through Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. "We have been waiting for an opportunity to perform in New Iberia again and put it on the tour plan when this region was selected for this year," said Kirschner.

Kirschner is one of the 50 members who tours with the group. She plays the euphonium, a brass instrument.

"Personally, I enjoy performing for a big audience," she said. "It is an incredible feeling when you are doing something that you love, and there are a lot of people who are sharing in the experience. It's hard to believe that we get paid to do this."

Tickets for the event are available at The Daily Iberian business office at 926 E. Main St. Tickets are free, but are first-come, first-served.