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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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For one Niagara Airman music has become a passion

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephanie Clark
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  On August 30, 2013, after nearly a year of rehearsals, the Ghost Rider's Drum and Bugle Corps won First Place World Title, beating their 6 year undefeated opponents, Star United, by less than a point, according to the DCA (Drum Corps Association) website. For Michael Haag, this is what he plays for.

Haag has played an instrument throughout most of his life, starting with piano lessons in elementary school. He didn't particularly care for piano, but once he moved on to brass, he was hooked. Haag has played the trumpet and the baritone horn. The latter is his current instrument.

Haag is also a Senior Master Sgt. in the Air Force Reserve. He is the Operation's Manager for the 914th Civil Engineering Squadron here at Niagara.

Throughout his twenty-six year military career, Haag has played the trumpet for the Air Force Honor Guard off and on. The Honor Guard is a military organization which projects an image of exceptional discipline and dedication. Often, he would play taps (retreat) for military funerals.

Haag's involvement in the Drum Corps began over twenty-five years ago, beginning with the Buccaneers of Reading, PA, then moving on to the Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights of NJ, Mighty St. Joe's of Le Roy, N.Y., the Rochester Crusaders, and lastly, the Ghost Riders of Batavia, N.Y.

The Ghost Riders Drum and Bugle Corps was founded in 1996. They are part of the mini corps, since they are comprised of less than twenty-five players. Members range from teens just out of high school to seasoned musicians of retirement age. They are from all walks of life, although it is not uncommon to find a military background in more than a couple of its members.

Drum Corps has a strong connection to march music which is a type of music that is rooted in the rich history of the United States Military.

It's brass and percussion - a very distinct kind of music, the kind of music that Haag has a true passion for.

"It's an art that's kind of getting lost in the digital world," said Haag.

With the technological advances we have today, music is often made with the aid of a computer or other electronic devices. Drum Corps is pure, unaltered music. It is reminiscent of the earlier days of music.

To prepare for the Mini Corps competition, the Ghost Riders got together every Friday night from November up until finals which take place in late August. In a given year, members participate in up to twenty performances and fifty rehearsals.

To dedicate a significant amount of time to any interest or activity outside of work and everyday obligations, one must have a plethora of passion and drive. Imagine a runner who trains all year round; through adverse weather, injuries, and illness in order to at some point complete a marathon. 'Why do it?' you ask.

Haag sits back and says simply, quoting Aquinas, "For those that understand, no explanation is necessary. For those that don't, no explanation is possible."

He continues in his own words, "It's the camaraderie, it's getting together, playing music, the audiences response, it's...the best hobby ever."

Robert LaDuca is a fellow Ghost Rider who shares Haag's enthusiasm for Drum Corps and has played with him off and on for the last ten years.

"It's in your blood. You get so caught up in it and you can't leave it. It just consumes you," said LaDuca.

Haag says he participates for the feeling he gets when his team performs. In a stadium of sometimes 20,000 people, it can be overwhelming, even intimidating, but it's mostly just fun for Haag and his friends.