The United States Air Force Strolling Strings, which includes accordionist Senior Master Sgt. Frank Busso, continues to connect with fans on social media. In these current and unprecedented times of social distancing, The United States Air Force Band has had to temporarily cancel its public performances.

However, the organization has found exciting and innovative ways to inspire and connect with audiences and strengthen its international presence through social media performances and outreach initiatives. Its Strolling Strings ensemble is no exception.

Already with 40,000 views across multiple social media channels, Jay Ungar’s “Ashokan Farewell” was recorded by each member of the Air Force Strings in their respective homes, and turned into a unique project for the performing group.  This piece gained recognition as the title tune to Ken Burns’ 1990 PBS television miniseries, “The Civil War,” and has become a staple of the Air Force Strings repertoire.

The Video Editor for this project was Master Sergeant Emily Wellington, and its Producer was Senior Master Sergeant Frank Busso Jr., who is also the accordionist with the ensemble.

Excerpts from the “Meet Our Players” of the US Air Force Strolling Strings Facebook Page: MEET THE STRINGS | Senior Master Sgt. Frank Busso has been playing the accordion for over 35 years! His vast experience has been an incredible asset to the Air Force Strings since he joined the ensemble in 2005. Rising up through the ranks, he now oversees the group’s personnel and scheduling matters, in addition to his performance responsibilities.

Hailing from Staten Island, New York, Sgt. Busso began playing the accordion when he was just 5 years old! It was a natural choice for him, coming from a musical family of accordionists – Busso’s father is a professional accordionist, and his older sister and an uncle also play!

Prior to joining the Air Force, Sgt. Busso attended Boston University where he studied Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Operations Management. After completing his studies in 2001, Busso served an instructor and arranger with the Boston University Athletic Bands. He was also an instructor at the Staten Island Music School, where his students earned many regional and national titles in competition.

A talented arranger, a career highlight for Busso was performing his arrangement of “Piano Man” with the Strolling Strings for Billy Joel himself at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors! What a memorable evening that must have been! Another career highlight is one that hits close to home for Sgt. Busso.

Following the incredible devastation that Hurricane Sandy dealt to the Northeast, the Strolling Strings embarked on a humanitarian mission to perform at shelters and schools in Busso’s hometown of Staten Island. The ensemble performed nine missions in just two short days, providing hope and comfort to those affected by the storm.

During his off-duty time, Busso is active as a board member for the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA). He enjoys spending his down time with family, giving music lessons, and performing as a freelance musician.

Next performance: Details on poster below.