Colonel Michael James Willen is Commander of the United States Air Force Academy Band, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. He is responsible for organizing, training, equipping and deploying 60 Airmen in 10 different musical configurations throughout a nine-state region of more than 869,000 square miles in addition to supporting the U.S. Air Force Academy’s recruiting mission throughout the 48 contiguous states. The band performs over 400 missions annually that support U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Force Academy outreach and engagement priorities to increase public understanding of the importance of airpower, the dedication and sacrifice of Airmen, and to build relationships that enhance the reputation of the Air Force as a respected, professional organization charged with an integral role in maintaining U.S. national security.

A native of Marion, Ind., Colonel Willen was raised in Yuma, Ariz. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Arizona in 1991. During that same year, he was selected by audition for the graduate program in Wind Conducting at Northwestern University. After completing his Master of Music degree at Northwestern in 1992, Colonel Willen became the Director of Band Organizations at Canyon del Oro High School in Tucson, Ariz. In 1999, he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music.  Prior to joining Air Force, Colonel Willen served as the Director of Bands at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and was principal conductor of the NewEar Contemporary Music Ensemble. He earned his commission from Officer Training School in March 2001. Prior to his current position, Colonel Willen was the Commander, U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Originally established in 1955 at Lowry Air Force Base near Denver, Colorado, the United States Air Force Academy Band, located in Colorado Springs, uses the power of music to honor our nation's flag, leaders and veterans; inspire Airmen and Guardians and the next generation to serve; and connect the Department of the Air Force to the American public and audiences around the world. One of only two Air Force premier bands and the only Department of Defense premier band located west of the Appalachian Mountains, the United States Air Force Academy Band provides year-round support to the United States Air Force Academy and the more than 4,000 cadets in the cadet wing, helping develop outstanding leaders of character who will serve our country as officers in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. Moreover, performance teams travel throughout the United States assisting the Air Force Academy in recruiting students excited to pursue a world-class education and rewarding career.

Beyond supporting the United States Air Force Academy, the band travels throughout the states of Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North and South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming showcasing the excellence and professionalism of the United States Air Force and the Air Force Academy. These community relations concerts seek to inspire patriotism and service, and connect our nation’s citizens to their armed forces.  Performing groups and individuals also regularly offer clinics to junior high, high school, and university students. Furthermore, band members are honored to deploy in support of the United States Air Forces Central Command mission, promoting troop morale, diplomacy, and outreach to international communities. Typically, the United States Air Force Academy Band shares information about the Air Force and Air Force Academy missions with 1.5 million live audience members, 75 million television viewers, and over 400,000 radio listeners each year.

Under the command of Colonel Michael J. Willen, the 60 professional Airman-musicians of the United States Air Force Academy Band come together to create nine professional ensembles that have been featured in Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, on Fox & Friends and SiriusXM radio. Whatever the event, the men and women of the United States Air Force Academy Band are prepared and proud to serve the Air Force and Air Force Academy missions around the world.

Founded in 1956, the Colorado Springs Chorale is the oldest continuously performing community organization for vocal artists in the state of Colorado. The Chorale contributes to the cultural richness of the Pikes Peak Region through its concerts of the world's great choral masterworks while providing an artistically rewarding singing experience each week for talented singers as the Chorale prepares for its upcoming appearances. 

The Chorale is a 120-voice auditioned adult ensemble that functions as the premier symphonic chorus for the Pikes Peak region. Each season, the Chorale performs at its independently-produced concerts, and it also collaborates with ensembles in the region, including the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, the Air Force Academy Band, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, and others.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale’s mission is to positively represent the Academy at military functions, public concerts, and mainstream media events. The chorale strives to honor those who have gone before them, using the power of live music performance to convey the message of honor, respect, and dignity. Members of the Cadet Chorale are cadets ranging from four degrees to firsties. These cadets meet weekly, united in their love of music and singing.

The chorale is the longest-standing club at the Academy, formed in 1958. Since its inception, the chorale has performed in nearly every state as well as internationally. Members are the Academy’s official ambassadors of choral music. In addition to public concerts, they perform for visiting dignitaries and special events.