The United States Air Force Band

Air Force Bands

Air Force Bands

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One of our nation’s most beloved patriotic American songs, “America the Beautiful” is a staple in the USAF Band performance repertoire.

This version, brought to you today by an inter-service saxophone quartet, is a modern arrangement by one of the USAF Band’s own, Senior Master Sgt. (ret.) Bob Thurston.

The lyrics to “America the Beautiful” were written in 1893 by college professor and scholar, Katharine Lee Bates. She wrote, "One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired. But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse."

Inspired by the beauty of Pikes Peak, Bates wrote the now iconic lyrics to Samuel Ward’s tune, “America the Beautiful”.
Today, on what would have been Katharine Lee Bates 161st birthday, we pay tribute to her artistry and this great nation in which we live.

Video Credits:
Col Don Schofield - Executive Producer
Master Sgt. Ricky Parrell - Producer
Master Sgt. Emily Wellington - Video Editor
Master Sgt. Mike Hampf - Audio Editor

Musicians:
Soprano sax - Master Sergeant Steve Temme - “The President's Own” Marine Band, Washington D.C.
Alto sax - Chief Musician Jonathan Yanik - The United States Navy Band, Washington D.C.
Tenor sax - Staff Sergeant Doug O’Connor - The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Washington D.C.
Baritone sax - Master Sergeant Ricky Parrell - The United States Air Force Band, Washington D.C.

America the Beautiful

Calendar of Events

The saxophone section of the Airmen of Note during a recent performance (U.S. Air Force Photo by CMSgt Bob Kamholz/released).

Ensembles

Max Imapct

National Tours

The U.S. Air Force Concert Band performed at the Kearney High School Concert Hall in Kearney, Nebraska, on Monday, March 11, 2019. The concert was part of the ensemble's four-state community relations tour. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Brandon Chaney)

Leadership

Two people, a woman on the left and a man on the right, in dark blue Air Force service dress uniforms are both holding a guidon flag. Another man in the dark blue Air Force service dress uniform is standing at the position of attention on the right side of the picture. There are numerous, multicolored flags in the background.

History

The AAF Band, at 54 members, led by Lt. Alf Heiberg, on the US Capital Grounds, Washington D.C., 1942

News

Woman in dark blue Air Force ceremonial uniform singing the national anthem from behind home plate in Yankee Stadium. Four people are standing and kneeling a few feet in front of her with cameras in their hands, and the words "Yankee Stadium" is visible in the distance with several multicolored advertisements below, and a large screen can be seen projecting the image of the vocalists face.

Auditions

The United States Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass and United States Air Force Honor Guard perform a full honors funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Master Sgt Kevin Burns/released)

Educational Outreach

For the entire school year our Advancing Innovation through Music (AIM) program supported local educational outreach program Bridges: Harmony Through Music. We were honored to be presented the Community Partner of the Year award by founding director Bonny Tynch. Pictured is Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Burns working with a young trumpet student at a Bridges event. (U.S. Air Force Photo/released)

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Members of the Singing Sergeants, conducted by Capt. Dustin Doyle perform the National Anthem prior to a Washington Redskins game at FedEx Field in 2017 (U.S. Air Force Photo by CMSgt Bob Kamholz/Released)

News

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