April 12, 2016
MARSHALL, Texas (4/11/16) – When a young man or woman enlists to serve in any branch of the United States military service there is an expectancy one will experience a life that is challenging and exciting as they serve. For East Texas Baptist University alum and United States Air Force Technical Sgt., Hannah Rigg Shirey that has been true as she serves with the Singing Sergeants.
Shirey will be coming back to Marshall as the Singing Sergeants and the United States Air Force Band will perform a free concert for the community on April 12 at 7:00 p.m. in ETBU’s Baker Auditorium in Ornelas Spiritual Life Center.
“I joined the USAF specifically for the job with The Singing Sergeants. I had no idea what I was signing up for,” said the 2010 graduate of ETBU. “I had just finished my Master's at Southern Methodist University in Dallas when a position opened up. I found the listing for a soprano vocalist and jumped at the chance. There's nothing you want more than a steady paycheck and some stability as a musician, and I realized quickly that I could have both of those things. Plus, I love America!”
“Since I won the position, I strive to never take it for granted. This is an incredibly rewarding job. Both of my grandfathers served in the military, one in the Navy during WWII and the other in the Air Force for 31 years. I know they would both be so proud to see me perform. They have both passed away, but I feel them with me every time I am on stage,” she said.
While a student at ETBU, the Tomball, Texas native was involved in many concerts and performances of the Department of Music. She played the witch in the production of “Into the Woods,” Hansel in “Hansel and Gretel,” and one of the school students in “Schoolhouse Rock Live.”
“I would not be where I am today were it not for the wonderful training I received at ETBU. I feel so humbled to come back and perform with The Singing Sergeants in the auditorium where I sang in countless choral concerts, led praise & worship in chapel, and even took home third place at one of the talent shows,” reflected Shirey.
At this year’s Super Bowl, she sang with a joint military choir performing “God Bless America” in the pregame festivities before Denver and Carolina played. But this was not the first time to be on the field for a Super Bowl.
“One incredible moment in my career was singing in the Joint Service Military Chorus at Super Bowl XLVIII with Renee Fleming, arguably the best soprano opera singing superstar there is currently. Not only was she a spectacular performer but it was also so wonderful to work with her,” Shirey said.
“The wow moment, however, came when we stepped into the stadium. I remember looking up at the crowd of fans, strolling out onto the field at MetLife Stadium and feeling enveloped by volume and excitement of that game. I have never experienced anything like it.”
“We weren't allowed to take our cell phones out onto the field, which forced all of us to look up and out instead of through the camera lenses of our phones. I soaked in that moment, because how many people get to go to the Super Bowl and perform? I never thought in a million years that I would be standing there,” she added.
When Shirey was looking for a college to attend, ETBU was the only one she applied too. “The father of a good friend of mine told me all about Mr. James A. Moore and what a great man and choral conductor he was Mr. Moore retired my junior year of college, and I had the great privilege of working with Dr. Justin Hodges during my senior year.”
“Dr. Virginia Lile Boaz was both my voice teacher and mentor. Thankfully, I can now also call her my friend,” said Shirey as she remembers her time as a student at ETBU. “She saw potential in a little, insecure freshman from the small town of Tomball. I also may not have passed a class or two if it weren't for the support I received from all of the professors.”
“All of my stories and memories can be summed up into one word: friends. I have four years’ worth of memories with the best friends God could have given me during my time at ETBU. Although I have moved halfway across the country and life gets busy, I know that those friends are always there for me and I for them.”
Shirey said, “I'm just so incredibly thankful for my time at ETBU. I feel like I am coming home.” She is also looking forward to her parents being in the audience because they still live in Texas. “We don't see each other nearly as often as we would like.”
Back in December 2014, she married Jordan Shirey. “Besides Jesus, he is the best thing that ever happened to me. He is a registered nurse and works at a local Washington, D.C. hospital in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. He also is a wonderful drummer, guitarist and sings as well,” she concluded.
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 honors those who have served, inspires American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and positively impacts the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America.
The concert date at ETBU is part of a 12-day, five state community relations tour. The tour includes stops in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
To request free tickets (maximum of four) to the April 12th concert, call 903.923.2130 or email shudman@etbu.edu. Tickets may also be obtained at the Marshall News Messenger offices located at 309 E. Austin St., Marshall.