News>Airmen of Note's 2011 Spring Tour comes to an end
Photos
Tech. Sgt. Geoffrey Clay Reecer performs March 23, 2011, at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. Sergeant Reecer is a guitarist with the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of The U.S. Air Force Band. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes)
Tech. Sgt. Grant M. Langford performs a solo March 15, 2011, at Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton, Va. This performance was the first on the Air Force Band Airmen of Note's 2011 spring tour. Sergeant Langford is a tenor saxophonist with the Airmen of Note. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes)
Chief Master Sgt. Paul Henry performs a solo March 16, 2011, at Bassett High School in Bassett, Va., as part of the Airmen of Note 2011 Spring Tour through Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. Chief Henry is a bassist with the Air Force Band Airmen of Note.(U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes)
Tech. Sgt. Paige Martin entertains the audience March 18, 2011, at the Meadowview Convention Center in Kingsport, Tenn. The Airmen of Note traveled through Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas on it's 2011 Spring Tour. Sergeant Martin is an Airmen of Note vocalist. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes)
Legendary jazz trumpeter Doc Severinson and guest artist with the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force, performs March 19, 2011, at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn. Doc made a guest appearance for the show, surprising the audience with a performance. The ensemble traveled through Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas on its 2011 Spring Tour. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes)
by Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes
Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
4/15/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the Air Force, finished their 2011 Spring Tour through Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas March 30.
"Touring the U.S. gives the Airmen of Note the opportunity to influence communities by demonstrating the excellence and passion with which all Air Force members accomplish their jobs," said Senior Master Sgt. Joe Jackson, the director and lead trombonist with Airmen of Note.
The Airmen of Note successfully entertained more than 11,000 people during 16 tour performances. Additionally, their performance March 25 at the University of Mississippi, in Oxford, was broadcast live on Mississippi Public Broadcast radio to approximately 10,000 listeners.
"Having the opportunity to represent the world's greatest Air Force gives us the opportunity to tell the Air Force story everywhere we go with powerful messages, impeccable appearance and exhilarating music," Sergeant Jackson said.
The ensemble brought home five proclamations to and they also had a special guest performance with legendary jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen.
"When I heard a rumor that Doc Severinsen was in Knoxville," Sergeant Jackson said, "I promptly contacted an Army band colleague, who put me in touch with an old friend of Doc's, who put me in touch with Cathy Leach, the University of Tennessee professor of trumpet. Dr. Leach put me in touch with Doc, and he agreed to perform the following night."
The audience was entertained March 19 with Mr. Severinsen's guest performance at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
"Mind you, this all took shape in less than 24 hours," Sergeant Jackson said. "Bringing this collaboration to fruition in such a short period of time would be impossible without having the flexibility of these amazingly talented musicians in the band."
Tech. Sgt. Paige Martin, an Airmen of Note vocalist, got to visit her "second home" at the Knoxville performance as well.
"I have numerous close friends in that area," Sergeant Martin said, "many of whom were in attendance at the UTK show. That's what made it special - seeing all those familiar faces and being able to give back to them even a little of the joy they have given me."
Along with Sergeant Martin, Senior Master Sgt. Kevin R. Burns, a lead trumpeter with the Airmen of Note, performed March 20 in his hometown of Cleveland, Tenn., at Cleveland State Community College.
"Performing in my hometown was truly great," Sergeant Burns said. "I don't get to go home enough, and it was fun to see many friends and family while I was there. I've had the opportunity to tour through Cleveland a few times. This was the first tour, however, where I got to tour through the entire state, which was really fun. Cleveland is a huge military supporter and always fills the venues we play for."
Following the Airmen of Note tour, the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants departed for their 2011 Spring Tour. To catch one of their performances visit the Air Force Band's website at: www.usafband.af.mil/events/index.asp
Comments
4/22/2011 9:36:01 AM ET Each time I have seen the Airmen of Note, and that has been several over the years, I have been amazed by their enthusiasm/professionalism and commitment to excellence. These traits are the very things we look for in our military personel. The positive image and message they portray through the international language of music both home and abroad cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
john mills, bristolct
4/19/2011 12:13:54 PM ET Total waste of money. The only folks out there who have never heard of the Air Force are people living under rocks. We don't need this complete waste of resources for the small if any recruiting benefit it may provide. How many of these folks are taking up Air Force billets that could be put to better use in the real career fields that actually contribute to the mission each and every day? It is time to scrap this waste of time.
Retired, Ohio
4/19/2011 11:32:01 AM ET With a 14 Trillion national debt I want to know if this expense helps us put bombs on target or assure national security.
Analyst, Barksdale
4/19/2011 10:15:38 AM ET The Airmen of Note and all AF bands are worth the money. Many times band members are the only Air Force members people see in person and have an opportunity to interact with. The quality of the musical performance, sharp appearance and professional demeanor of the musicians reflect and present those qualities of the entire Air Force to the audience. The tiny part of the budget spent by AF bands garners multiple times that amount in free publicity provided by local newspapers and TV/radio stations. Every time an audience stands up and claps they are really giving a standing ovation to the whole Air Force.
Thomas, Joint Base Charleston SC
4/18/2011 12:54:54 PM ET What's the cost of entertaining 11000 people in person and 10000 via the radio, and what's the true effect on recruiting? With budget cuts hitting nearly every aspect of AF operations is Airmen of Note worth the money?
