Lou Coppola has made three of The United States Air Force Strolling String CD’s available.
The Strolling Strings traces its roots to 1944 with the creation of the Army Air Forces Symphony Orchestra, the first of its kind in a glorious and storied history of American military music. First requested by the Eisenhower administration to perform at the White House, the Strolling Strings has been honored to appear before every subsequent president.
Enjoyed both by members of our armed forces and the general public, the Strings are an essential part of troop morale, recruiting, and public relations, projecting a patriotic and positive image for the U.S. Air Force. The group has performed on six continents, in every state of the union, and at U.S. Air Force installations worldwide.
When the USAF Force Strolling Strings produced their 50th Anniversary CD, Lou Coppola, former member and leader, was given the honor of collaborating and recording with the ensemble. Lou Coppola’s outstanding leadership has provided uncompromising standards and a legacy of excellence for this superb group. His commitment to quality is reflected in their extraordinary skill.
An accomplished classical accordionist, Lou Coppola won numerous titles on his instrument and was the first accordionist to win three consecutive national championships. He was also the first American to represent our country, at age eighteen, in the Coupe Mondiale world accordion competition in Brighton, England. Lou performed with the acclaimed United States Air Force Strolling Strings for over 28 years, ultimately becoming the leader of the organization. His Air Force career took him to the palace of Anwar Sadat, to the Far East & all over the globe. He played at the White House for hundreds of heads of state and performed for nine U.S. Presidents in the course of his years in the military.
Mr. Coppola has managed his own company, Stereo Strings, for many years providing musical entertainment for the Washington, DC area as well as throughout the country. Lou and his ensemble had one of the longest consecutive engagements in the country, having performed dinner music every weekend at the Officers’ Club in Fort Myer, VA. for an astounding 44 years.
American Accordionists’ Association Board Member Frank Busso Jr. now serves as the accordionist with the Air Force Strolling Strings in Washington, DC.
For further info about the CD’s: Lou@Loucoppola.com
