The United States Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors received a standing ovation after vocalist Master Sgt. Marva Lewis sang “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood at Thursday night’s concert in the Dvorak Concert Hall of the Doudna Fine Arts Center.

During the song, a flag was lowered from the rafters over the audience. The audience members rose and applauded the band. Some people even wiped tears from their eyes.

The Jazz Ambassadors, from Fort Meade, Md., performed pieces from George and Ira Gershwin, Thad Jones, original work from their bass player, Sgt. Maj. Jeff Lopez, and others.

Chief Warrant Officer Gordon K. Kippola, director of the ensemble, said Eastern was just one stop along the big band’s 35-concert tour.

“We take a day off about every 10 days, so we probably do 32 shows,” Kippola said.

This concert was Kippola’s first time in Central Illinois, but he said the band, which has been performing since 1969, has been in the area before. He said the group has performed all over the United States, which takes about 2 1/2 years to cover.

Kippola said the goal for the Jazz Ambassadors was to represent the Army as they travel the U.S.

“We go places where there’s not very many big army bases and do some public affairs work for the Army,” Kippola said. “We hope that people enjoyed it and enjoy jazz because one of the things that besides representing the Army is that jazz music is music that is uniquely American and a lot of people don’t get the chance to hear.”

During the show Nick Grill, a senior jazz studies major and trumpet player, Aaron Eckert, a sophomore music major and trombone player; and Brandon Jelks, a senior jazz studies major and saxophone player; joined the band to play “In the Mood” by the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Grill said he enjoyed the concert because the band was on key.

“They were put together real well: good dynamics, good pitch,” Grill said. “Whenever you see a group like this, it’s inspiring.”

Grill said he has heard the band via YouTube videos, but this was the first time he has seen the Jazz Ambassadors live. He also said the Army may be the next step for him, but first he is talking to one of his teachers and his parents about joining.

Three sisters, Greta, Hannah, and Nissa Larson from Charleston, all said they enjoyed the concert and it was the first jazz concert they have ever attended.

Five-year-old Greta Larson said her favorite part of the show was the singing. Hannah Larson, 6, said she liked the trumpets, while Nissa Larson, 11, said her favorite part of the concert was the saxophones.

Yvonne Larson, a certified teacher from Charleston and mother of the three girls, said she liked the concert because of the amount of talent the band had.

“(The music) sounds like laughter,” Yvonne said. “The New Orleans thing was amazing. All of it was great!”

For more information about The United States Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors, visit their website. The band can also be followed on Facebook or Twitter .

Kacie Berry can be reached at 581-2812 or klshreve@eiu.edu.