A musician might call a schedule of performances a “tour.” For the members of the United States Army’s premier touring ensemble, it’s more than that – it’s a mission.
And again, PIMF is answering the call!
PIMF Concerto Competition Winner Itay Hazan will appear as a soloist with the U.S. Army Field Band on one of its Spring 2026 National Engagement Missions: a sold-out concert with its Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus on March 7, 2026 at the Chandler Center for the Arts in Chandler, Arizona.
PIMF Concerto Competition winners have embarked on missions with the USAFB before. Oboist Ella Xu performed with them in 2024 in Denton, TX and marimbist Bensen Kwan took the stage with them in Newport News, VA in 2023.
“Our job is to connect people with the Army and service, to make them feel hopeful about their country, and to inspire the next generation to serve or support those who do serve,” said Lt. Col. Domingos Robinson, Commander of The United States Army Field Band.
“We do this in several different ways – social media, live concerts, television programs, and education outreach. Supporting programs like PIMF not only helps us let great young musicians know there’s this opportunity to serve by performing music, it helps bring different people to our audiences from different backgrounds. It helps us bring communities together that maybe wouldn’t connect otherwise.”
The feeling is mutual, according to PIMF President Sandy Marcucci: “For PIMF, partnering with the U.S. Army Field Band is more than an artistic collaboration—it is a patriotic privilege. Their example of discipline, integrity, and service offers our young musicians a powerful model of what it means to use one’s talents in service to the nation.”
Itay, 17, attended PIMF last summer in Pennsylvania and distinctly reflects the “International” part of our name. He’s an Israeli citizen currently studying clarinet in Paris, France at Le Conservatoire à rayonnement régional de Paris. He calls it “an honor and a pleasure” to play with the USAFB.
Itay will perform Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, the master’s last instrumental work. Mozart created it for a friend in 1791, the last year of his life. It’s believed to be the first clarinet concerto by a major composer.
“It’s one of the most beautiful and prominent works in our repertoire,” Itay told us. “Mozart’s concerto has always been especially important to me. It was the very first piece I ever heard played on the clarinet. I hope that everyone who hears it in our concert experiences it with the same sense of wonder.”
“The audience will hear a lively interpretation of the Mozart that will definitely be impressive,” Lt. Col. Robinson promised after the dress rehearsal with the talented PIMF alumnus. “Itay is mature musician, especially for his age! His technique is outstanding and exciting, and he has a clear idea of what he wants to do.”
“PIMF offers young musicians real opportunities, not just prizes,” Itay reflected, “but experiences that can change their perspective on a musical career. The festival supports artists, believes in their potential, and creates pathways to professional-level performances. This collaboration with the U.S. Army Field Band is a perfect example of how PIMF invests in young musicians’ futures.”
If you’re still looking for a musical home this summer, PIMF’s audition deadline is March 25, 2026. Grand Prize Winners of the in-person Philadelphia International Music Camp & Festival Concert Competition are eligible for scholarships and participation in a Winners Circle Concert with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and placement as a featured performer with an orchestra or ensemble – maybe even the U.S. Army Field Band!
Scholarships and Winners Circle performance opportunities await Grand Prize and Division Winners of PIMF’s Spring 2026 Virtual Concerto Competition, accepting auditions through May 15, 2026 here.
