Illinois Soldier and pianist performs to honor veterans

Story by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (11/03/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Army National Guard Soldier and pianist Capt. Ian Gindes of Urbana, Illinois, played a Salute to Veterans performance, a series of patriotic works in honor of members of the armed services at the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, Nov. 2.

"A lot of servicemen and women have been through things that I cannot explain. Many have been in combat," said Gindes. "I hope that the music helps them understand what our American culture is."

Gindes played at a concert in honor of all servicemembers during American music month. He regularly performs for veterans and has performed at the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition, as well as Carnegie Hall in New York performing multiple challenging masterpieces.

"I've known him for several years and he is a very talented fellow. It's wonderful that he does these concerts," said Dr. Reid Alexander, professor of music at the University of Illinois, School of Music and Gindes' academic advisor. "I think it's wonderful that he is taking the time to put this together on top of everything else he has to do. I am very proud of him."

In addition to playing the piano for 28 years, Gindes enlisted in the California Army National Guard before transferring to the Illinois Army National Guard in 2004. He commissioned as an officer in 2007 and serves as the personnel officer for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation in Peoria, Illinois.

Gindes joined the Guard as a way to give back to his country. In addition to his responsibilities as a commissioned officer, he used his talent to raise money for military families and victims of terrorism.

"It is very important to me to give back and use my talent for those families in need of relief," said Gindes. "I think the performance went very well, the emotional parts came out and the heart was there. It was very sentimental."

Gindes said he wanted the veterans to take away a reminiscent cleansing of the soul from the performance.

"I think it's a fantastic, wonderful, unique, beautiful thing he's doing," said Kris Becker, international award winning composer and pianist. "I like how it combines service to our country with a certain segment of our culture. I think it's a neat combination."

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier and pianist Capt. Ian Gindes of Urbana, Illinois, plays a Salute to Veterans performance, a series of patriotic works in honor of members of the armed services at the University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, Nov. 2. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier and pianist Capt. Ian Gindes of Urbana, Illinois, plays a Salute to Veterans performance, a series of patriotic works in honor of members of the armed services at the University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, Nov. 2. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier and pianist Capt. Ian Gindes of Urbana, Illinois, plays a Salute to Veterans performance, a series of patriotic works in honor of members of the armed services at the University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, Nov. 2. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)