Lieutenant Colonel Michael D. Hoerber 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.
Prior to his arrival at the USAF Academy Band, Colonel Hoerber served as the Director of Operations for The United States Air Force Band in Washington D.C. where he planned and oversaw more than 1,600 annual missions in the National Capitol Region, across the United States and around the world. In 2024 he led the first-ever deployment of a Department of War music performance team as part of a RESOLUTE SENTINEL, a USSOUTHCOM multi-lateral & joint-service training exercise in Peru.
Lieutenant Colonel Hoerber joined the United States Air Force in July 2006. Upon graduation as a Distinguished Graduate from Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, Colonel Hoerber was assigned as Deputy Commander/Assistant Conductor of the USAF Heartland of America Band at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. He has since served as the Commander/Conductor of four USAF Regional Bands: The USAF Heartland of America Band (2009-2011), the USAF Band of the West at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas (2011-2013), the USAF Heritage of America Band at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia (2013-2018) and [as mentioned above], The USAF Band of the Pacific (2018-2021). The Lieutenant Colonel Hoerber is currently the only band officer in the Air Force to have deployed three times to the U.S. Central Command region as Officer in Charge of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) Band in 2011, 2016-17 & 2022. During his most recent deployment, he led all aspects of creating the first-ever bilateral ceremonial band comprised of members of the Qatari Armed Forces Band and the AFCENT Band for the 2022 AFCENT Change of Command.
Lieutenant Colonel Hoerber recently appeared with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops for their 2024 Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular and has guest conducted both the Virginia Symphony and Omaha Symphony orchestras.
Units under his leadership have been recognized with several Headquarters Air Force level awards to include the Air Force Public Affairs Communication Excellence Award for “Most Innovative Program.” Additionally, Airmen under his leadership have been featured with several nominated and Grammy winning artists to include Joe Bonamassa, Kris Allen, Chris Daughtry, Jimmy Bruno and Harry Connick Jr.
Before joining the Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Hoerber attended Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, where he studied clarinet with Dr. Robert Spring and instrumental conducting with Dr. Timothy Russell, Dr. Richard Strange, Dr. William Reber and Prof. Gary W. Hill. After completing both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he became the Music Director of the North Valley Chamber Orchestra.
As Director of Bands at Paradise Valley High School in Phoenix, Arizona (2002-2006) he was nationally recognized by the Nobel Foundation as an Outstanding High School Educator for 2006.
EDUCATION
1998 Bachelor’s Music Education – Instrumental Music, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
2000 Master’s Music Education – Instrumental Conducting, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
2006 Distinguished Graduate, Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
2007 Air and Space Basic Course, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
2012 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
2013 Public Affairs Qualification Course, Defense Information School, Ft. George G. Meade, MD
2019 Air Command and Staff College (by correspondence), Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
2023 Air War College (by correspondence), Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Meritorious Unit Award
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
National Medal of the Arts
National Defense Service Medal
Global War or Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal with two bronze star devices
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border with two oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with three oak leaf clusters
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Air and Space Basic Course (ASBC), Class 07B – “Top Flight” Member
ASBC, 2007 – Col (Ret.) "Bud" Day “Bone-Crusher” Award (Most Athletic Flight) Member
2007 Company Grade Officer of the 2nd Quarter, Air Combat Command (ACC) Public Affairs
2009 Company Grade Officer of the 3rd Quarter, ACC Public Affairs
2009 Outstanding Band Company Grade Officer, ACC Public Affairs Communication Excellence
2009 Company Grade Officer of the Year, ACC Public Affairs
2017 Field Grade Officer of the Year, ACC Public Affairs
2019 Field Grade Officer of the Year, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Public Affairs
2022 Field Grade Officer of the Year, 11th Operations Group
2024 Field Grade Officer of the Year, 11th Operations Group
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant: 29 Sep 2006
First Lieutenant: 29 Sep 2008
Captain: 29 Sep 2010
Major: 1 Nov 2016
Lieutenant Colonel: 1 Feb 2021
Current as of: 7 Oct 2025