Technical Sergeant Charlene Mayes is a horn player with the United Sates Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA.  Originally from Greeley, CO, her Air Force career began in 2001 at Lackland, AFB as a member of the Band of the West. 

TSgt Mayes is a 2000 graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in performance, with graduate work toward her Master's Degree in Music from the University of North Texas, Denton, TX.  Her primary instructors include Jack Herrick and William Scharnberg. Technical Sergeant Mayes was first assigned to the USAF Band of the West, San Antonio, where she was principal horn in the concert band and a member of the Southwest Winds Woodwind Quintet. In 2003, she was selected to join the USAF Band Ceremonial Brass in Washington DC, where she performed regularly at Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and the White House. In 2006, TSgt Mayes made the decision to "palace chase" into the guard and became a member of the 561st ANG Band of the West Coast until its deactivation. TSgt Mayes returned to active duty with the USAF Band of the Golden West in 2012. In addition to her Air Force musical duties, TSgt Mayes has served as principal horn of the North State Symphony, and has performed with several other orchestras and bands to include National Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony, Marin Symphony,  and the Dallas Wind Symphony.

EDUCATION:
2000 - Bachelor of Music, Horn Performance, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado
2014 - Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Keesler AFB, MS

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS DEVICES
1.  Air Force Achievement Medal   0
2.  AF Outstanding Unit Award   3
3.  AF Organizational Excellence Award   1
4.  AF Good Conduct Medal   1
5.  National Defense Service Medal   0
6.  Global War on Terrorism Service Medal   0
7.  AF Longevity Service   2
8.  USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon   0
9.  AF Training Ribbon   0

ASSIGNMENTS:
Oct 2001-Sep 2003: Regional Band Apprentice, Horn, Lackland AFB, TX
Sep 2003-Jul 2006: Premier Band Craftsman, Horn, Bolling AFB, DC
Jul 2006-Jul 2012: ANG Band Craftsman, Horn, Moffett FAF, Mountain View CA
Nov 2012-present: Regional Band Craftsman, Horn, Travis AFB, CA


EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Technical Sergeant: Sep 2006
Airman First Class: Oct 2001

(Current as of August 2016)