Technical Sgt. Michael Cemprola bio photo

Technical Sgt. Michael Cemprola is an alto saxophonist with the Airmen of Note, The United States Air Force Band, Washington, D.C. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his Air Force career began in 2016 when he was assigned to The United States Air Force Band as second alto saxophonist with the Airmen of Note.

The Airmen of Note's Newest Arrival

Published March 31, 2017
By Technical Sgt. Kevin Cerovich

Washington, D.C. -- The Airmen of Note have begun rehearsing with their new second alto saxophonist, Technical Sgt. Michael Cemprola.

As the premier jazz ensemble of The United States Air Force, The Airmen of Note doesn't change personnel very often. Most members spend their entire careers in the flight. That was the case with the group's previous second alto saxophonist, Master Sgt. Andy Axelrad. He recently retired after 24 years of distinguished service.

Axelrad's vacancy was filled by a Philadelphia native, Michael Cemprola. Prior to his winning the Airmen of Note audition, Cemprola was both an adjunct professor at University of the Arts and Camden County College in Philadelphia and freelance musician.

"It is truly wonderful being in the Airmen of Note," Cemprola says. "I began playing saxophone the year that Master Sgt. Axelrad's Air Force career began. It is as if I have been preparing for this opportunity my whole life."

The role of the second alto saxophonist in a big band is multifaceted and challenging. "There's a lot of responsibility to my chair: playing solos, performing on various woodwind instruments, and switching gears from the Glenn Miller songbook to brand new music that's coming in on a weekly basis," explains Cemprola.

Cemprola could not have come at a more dynamic and pivotal time. The Airmen of Note is currently in the midst of its famed Jazz Heritage Series, rehearsing for a tour of the southern United States in May and preparing for a new album; all while he is still adjusting to life in this fantastic organization.

Like all airmen, Cemprola is up to the rigorous challenges and demands put on those who don the blue uniform of the world's greatest Air Force.

"I'm very grateful to be able to serve my country and use my craft to do it" says Cemprola.
The future looks bright for the Airmen of Note as their acquisition of young talent like Cemprola and others to come helps to ensure the band will continue to lead the way in honoring, inspiring and impacting the American people for generations to come.