The United States Air Force Band is a musical organization with an outstanding record of achievement of more than 60 years. Known as "America's International Musical Ambassadors," it has won the hearts of millions of music lovers throughout the world.

The Band's official military life began on September 24, 1941, with the formation of the Bolling Army Air Forces Band under the sponsorship of Lieutenant L.P. Holcomb, commanding officer of the Air Base Group at Bolling Field. 

Since that time, the Band has grown from relative obscurity to stardom under the leadership of ten diverse and talented conductors.

Over the years, The United States Air Force Band has performed live for over 100 million people of every race, color, creed and ideology. Additional millions have heard them through numerous radio and television appearances.

The United States Air Force Band conceived and pioneered the concept that a musical organization can be a nation's most effective goodwill ambassador. This concept has been proven decisively through more than 25 international concert tours, with performances in more than 50 countries and 42 world capitals. By providing first-hand insight into American culture, the musicians of The United States Air Force Band help create a better understanding among all people of the world.

The Air Force Strings is one of the most diverse and flexible units of The United States Air Force Band. This wide-ranging flexibility allows The Air Force Strings to musically respond to the requirements of almost any occasion and provide an enjoyable experience for everyone. A key element of its mission is to entertain audiences at high-level protocol events in a formation known as The United States Air Force Strolling Strings. On other occasions it performs as The United States Air Force String Orchestra, presenting the standard works of the classical repertoire for strings. The ensemble often joins forces with members of The United States Air Force Concert Band, Singing Sergeants and Airmen of Note, to form The United States Air Force Chamber, Symphony and Jazz Orchestras. Additionally, members of The Air Force Strings appear regularly as soloists, and in duo, trio and string quartet ensembles, to present chamber concert performances, and provide quality entertainment and ambient music for official protocol functions.

Appearing as The United States Air Force Strolling Strings since 1954, The Air Force Strings has had the honor of performing at the White House for every president from Eisenhower to Clinton. Traditionally, a Senior Non-Commissioned officer has guided The Strolling Strings' musical direction. The extraordinary talent of this unit is regularly displayed at official dinners hosted by the secretaries of state and defense, on Capitol Hill for members of Congress, and at official diplomatic events hosted by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Providing a multi-dimensional experience, these outstanding musicians surround the audience with music performed exclusively from memory and without the aid of a conductor. Their repertoire includes classical, popular, continental, Broadway, bluegrass and patriotic compositions.

Truly international ambassadors of music, the Strolling Strings has traveled to every continent, every state of the Union, and virtually every Air Force installation, delighting thousands of listeners. The musical virtuosity and sheer elegance demonstrated by the Strolling Strings has earned the recognition of world leaders.

The United States Air Force String Orchestra traces its roots to 1944 when Colonel George S. Howard, commander and conductor of The United States Army Air Forces Band, set out to build the best band in the world. With this grand vision in mind, he recruited the nation's top musicians of the day and created a word-class symphony orchestra-thereby distinguishing The Army Air Forces Band from all other military band organizations. Today, The United States Air Force String Orchestra is honored to continue Colonel Howard's vision of musical excellence.

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Whole New World		Hoe Down

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The Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force. Created in 1950 to carry on the tradition of Glenn Miller's Army Air Corps dance band, the Note adopted a more contemporary style under the direction of the legendary Sammy Nestico. Beginning in the '70s, Senior Master Sgt. Mike Crotty, the Note's chief arranger for more than 25 years, helped elevate the band to the forefront of modern big band jazz. Today, Technical Sgt. Alan Baylock, the Note's current chief arranger, maintains the band's commitment to driving innovation and respect for tradition. To augment its talented writing staff, the Airmen of Note has commissioned works by such celebrated arrangers as Bob Florence and Bob Mintzer. Sammy Nestico and fellow Note alumnus Tommy Newsom have each composed works for the group as well.

The Airmen of Note is one of today's few touring big bands. As a result, it has attracted 18 of the finest musicians in the country. In fact, twice yearly the Note ventures throughout the United States, spreading its big band sound to communities from coast to coast. The Airmen of Note also has an extensive record of international performing. Its appearances in five South American Countries, eight European countries and Japan have solidified its reputation as one of the best bands of its kind in the world. This reputation has led to the Note's regular and greatly anticipated feature performances at the world's most famous jazz festivals, including the Detroit/Montreux Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Festival, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Wichita Jazz Festival, Elkhart Jazz Festival and the Pensacola Jazz Festival.

The Airmen of Note is a leading force in music education. Many of its members are accomplished clinicians with extensive backgrounds in music education. They routinely lead clinics at high schools and colleges across the country, and are frequently invited to perform at national music conventions, including the International Association of Jazz Educators, Music Educators National Conference, and The Midwest Clinic.

The Airmen of Note's steadfast commitment to musical excellence and reputation for setting the highest standards has earned the respect of the world's foremost jazz artists. This has led to many collaborative efforts, recordings and performances with such luminaries as Joe Williams, Sara Vaughan and Cleo Lane. In 1990, the Airmen of Note established its highly acclaimed Jazz Heritage Series. Since then, legendary jazz icons like Clark Terry and Louis Bellson, as well as today's top artists like Arturo Sandoval and Randy Brecker have considered it a great honor to share the stage with the Airmen of Note as it presents this Series to Washington D.C. audiences.

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American Patrol		Danny Boy

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Brass music has played an important role in public gatherings and ceremonies for hundreds of years. Military leaders have always been keenly aware of the strength and carrying power of brass and percussion instruments. They have often chosen them to perform signals, alarms, and other outdoor ceremonial and concert music. Today, amidst the great monuments that celebrate our nation's history, The United States Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass continues this ancient tradition by providing the finest musical support for state arrivals at the White House, full honor arrivals for foreign dignitaries at the Pentagon, retirements, changes of command, awards ceremonies, patriotic programs and funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to its ceremonial duties, the Ceremonial Brass performs in concert several times each year. Because of the wide variety of its musical commitments, the ensemble's repertoire ranges from traditional music to original commissioned works.

The origins of the Ceremonial Brass trace back to 1964, when The United States Air Force Headquarters Command Band was incorporated into The United States Air Force Band as a separate ceremonial unit. Since its creation, it has evolved into an elite ensemble consisting of world-class brass players, percussionists and drum major. The group is responsible for more than 300 ensemble and 300 solo performances per year. The Ceremonial Brass represented the United States Air Force at the 50th anniversary of V.E. Day celebration in Moscow, as well as in military tattoo ceremonies in the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. Additionally, the Ceremonial Brass has made numerous appearances on radio and national television, including five Fourth of July performances on NBC's Today Show.

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Patriotic Medley		Armed Forces Medley

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The flagship musical ensemble of The United States Air Force Band is the Concert Band. This 65-piece, world-class symphonic wind ensemble presents over 100 concerts annually and performs a wide variety of repertoire from light classics, popular favorites and instrumental features, to classical transcriptions and original works for the band idiom. Its members represent the best-of-the-best in musical talent and education within the Air Force. Remaining true to the Air Force's pioneering spirit, the Concert Band has established an international reputation as a champion of new works for band, with dozens of world premieres to its credit. In fact, the Band sponsors a biennial competition to ensure that new compositions will continue to be produced.

Although it performs regularly for the general public in the greater Washington, D.C., area and on biannual community relations tours throughout the United States, The Air Force Concert Band is in constant demand by many of the world's most highly respected professional musical organizations. Included among these are the American Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, College Band Directors National Association, Music Educators National Conference and The Midwest Clinic.



People of every race, color, creed, walk of life and ideology have enjoyed performances by The United States Air Force Band. The Concert Band is proud to represent the United States as a component of The United States Air Force Band, "America's International Musical Ambassadors."

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Warrior Bold		Battle Royale

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The Diplomats is The United States Air Force Band's jazz and popular music combo and provides musical support for military protocol and social functions throughout the national capital region. The Diplomats create a magical ambience specifically tailored to enhance any occasion. Delivering a wide range of musical options is the Diplomats signature. Whether performing understated background music that sets just the right mood for an official dinner, or appearing with the Singing Sergeants to present an entertaining floorshow, flexibility is the hallmark of the Diplomats performance.

The Diplomats traces its history to the early days of The Air Force Band and was created to provide music to enhance social functions Washington's top military and civilian leaders. Following a 10-year absence as one of the Band's full-time performing ensembles, the trio was reactivated in February 2001. Since then, the Diplomats have provided music for events sponsored by high-level customers such as the Secretary of Defense and the chief of staff of the Air Force. In addition to these protocol functions, the Diplomats have performed for numerous military retirement ceremonies, reunions and awards presentations.

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Joy to the World		Jingle Bells  Feliz Navidad

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High Flight, The United States Air Force Band's premier show group, is one of the most sought after performing ensembles in today's Air Force. This self-contained entertainment package is fronted by five talented vocalists and backed by four of the hottest contemporary instrumentalists around. High Flight lights up the stage with dynamic performances of pop, rock, jazz, Broadway, and country music - this group does it all! From exciting floorshows featuring elaborate medleys, to oldies, contemporary dance music and emotional patriotic songs, High Flight delivers an impressive entertainment experience that's sure to be remembered by all.

Each High Flight show features sophisticated vocal arrangements, stylish costumes, intricate choreography and a high-energy instrumental accompaniment. Audience participation often takes place during the performance, and is even encouraged! This leads to humorous, impromptu moments that become a highlight of the total High Flight experience.

High Flight focuses on the evolution of contemporary popular music in an effort to reflect the best that live entertainment has to offer. Each member is dedicated to providing unique and energetic performances that are both entertaining and true to the highest ideals of the United States Air Force.

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Ain't No Mountain High Enough		I Believe I Can Fly

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Since its formation in 1993,The United States Air Force Band Silver Wings has been presenting the finest in country music, firmly establishing itself in the Washington-area music scene and beyond.

From country's classics to the hot new sounds of today's artists, Silver Wings has excited audiences from The Nashville Network's "Prime Time Country" show, Opryland Themepark and the Grand Palace and Remington Theatres in Branson, Missouri. At home, Silver Wings is regularly featured at the U.S. Capitol, Pentagon and The White House.

In a protocol setting, Silver Wings is the band of choice for many of Washington's senior military and civilian leaders. The band's special brand of American music is the highlight of the evening as dignitaries host their counterparts from countries such as China, Austria, France, Kuwait and Lebanon.

Silver Wings also provides world-class support for The USAF Band's highly acclaimed Guest Artist Series where they have performed as a featured act, opened for Ricky Skaggs, and backed-up stars like Roy Clark, Jennifer Wilson and Tom Wopat. Silver Wings plays the music that America wants to hear.

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Freedom		Livin' the Air Force Life

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The Singing Sergeants, the 24-voice official chorus of the United States Air Force, is one of the world's most versatile and traveled choral organizations. It is also one of a select few singing groups internationally recognized for its commitment to excellence in vocal performance. Originally formed in 1945 from within the ranks of The United States Air Force Band, the chorus is now composed entirely of professional vocalists who have come from leading colleges, universities and music conservatories throughout the world; and who are all sergeants in the United States Air Force. Available positions are filled by audition only and are reserved for those singers who demonstrate the finest qualities of musicianship and vocal production.

The Singing Sergeants have appeared before every chief executive of the United States since President Truman, as well as with the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia, Cleveland, Houston and National Symphony Orchestras, and both the Boston and Cincinnati Pops. The group has performed at White House, State Department, Supreme Court, Congressional, Department of Defense and high-level civilian functions. The Singing Sergeants have performed at the New York World's Fair, in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The Singing Sergeants have been featured at divisional and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference and Chorus America. Additionally, an important part of the chorus' performing schedule is supporting the president and vice president of the United States, as well as top government and military officials. Through these varied venues the Singing Sergeants reach a broad audience with the beauty and language of music.

Presenting the music of America to the people of the world, the chorus has appeared before millions of people in live performances and countless more on radio and television programs. The Singing Sergeants have performed in all 50 states and 49 countries, including an historic trip to the Peoples Republic of China, where it was acclaimed as one of today's leading choral groups. It is through these goodwill tours that The Singing Sergeants bring the people of America and the world together.

Singing Sergeants Links
Concert Schedule | Photo Gallery |Members | Publicity Kit

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Bless The USA		America The Beautiful

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