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Airmen of Note Tour California for the first time in 10 years

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Mike Cemprola
Washington, D.C. --  While the U.S. Air Force Band's Summer Concert Series impresses audiences around Washington, D.C. several evenings a week, the Airmen of Note are staying busy during the day, preparing for a two-week community relations tour of California this fall. This trip will be the first time in a decade that the "Note" has visited for an extended period, making their way from San Diego through Los Angeles and north into the San Francisco area.  There will be a total of 9 concerts; and, students in certain areas will be able to get up close and personal at clinics in schools and at local arts organizations. 

After a busy spring that included a southern U.S. tour, three Jazz Heritage guest artist concerts and a new studio recording honoring jazz legends that have served in the U.S. military, the Note isn't letting up. Several members contributed arrangements to the new album, providing a wealth of new material for the band. That, along with celebrations of both the Air Force's 70th birthday and the centennials of jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie and Buddy Rich, makes for an exciting year of tributes! Concerts on the upcoming tour will include music from these iconic figures as well as new compositions and arrangements from within the group.

The public concerts on our fall tour are given in support of our three-fold mission: to honor those who have served, inspire American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and positively impact the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America.

Excited about the impact of the new studio recording's material, Technical Sgt. Luke Brandon notes, "It's rewarding to pay tribute to these legendary artists, but also tip our hats to their service to our country."

While the Note performs extensively for communities around the Washington, D.C. area, Brandon also mentioned, "Performing out west will also allow us to broaden our reach, inspiring audiences that might not normally get to see and hear a full big band playing live in their hometown."

For the Note's lead alto saxophonist and superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Tyler Kuebler, this trip is a special one. Born and raised in Agoura Hills just outside of Los Angeles, Kuebler said, "I'm excited for the opportunity to perform with the Airmen of Note in the great state of California. It's been almost 20 years since the last time I
performed there with the band, and I'm honored to once again have the chance
to represent the Air Force in front of my family and friends."

Still swinging through the busy summer, this high-octane big band is getting their concert programs polished and ready for the whirlwind trip up through the Golden State. The Airmen of Note and the entire Air Force Band are proud to use the awesome power of music to inspire audiences worldwide and represent the excellence of the whole Air Force.

For more information on tour dates, visit:

http://www.usafband.af.mil/event/nationaltours/airmenofnote.asp