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 and quality 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 62 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.