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| Ensembles > Band Ensemble Bio |
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| | THE CEREMONIAL BRASS |
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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 and have often chosen them to provide signals, alarms, and other ceremonial and concert music. Today, amidst the great monuments that celebrate our nation's history, The United States Air Force 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.
The origins of the Ceremonial Brass trace back to 1964 when The United States Air Force Headquarters Command Band was incorporated into The U. S. Air Force Band as a ceremonial unit. It became an all brass and percussion ensemble in 1985 and was renamed “The Ceremonial Brass.” Since those early years, it has evolved into a 38-member organization consisting of world-class brass players, percussionists and a drum major. This elite group is responsible for over 1,000 ceremonial performances each year, which includes large ensembles and buglers to perform in most outdoor ceremonial venues and The Ceremonial Brass Quintet for smaller indoor settings. The Ceremonial Brass percussion section, which has been featured during military Tattoo Ceremonies, has garnered the highest praise for precision from many of the world’s highest officials.
The Brass was part of the performing group that represented the United States Air Force at the 50th anniversary of the 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. Among these radio and nationally televised appearances include State Funeral Ceremonies for former Presidents Reagan and Ford, twelve Fourth of July performances on NBC’s Today Show, a featured performance on the National Memorial Day Concert as well as on the Emmy Award- winning Kennedy Center Honors telecast.
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