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The Airmen of Note prepares for 2012 Spring Tour

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Tyler Kuebler
  • The USAF Band
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C. --  Spring is about to blossom in Washington, D.C., and that can only mean two things here in our nation's capital - the Cherry Blossom Festival is only days away and the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note is deep in preparation for their upcoming Spring Tour. This year, the Note will depart Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling on April 11 and perform free concerts in communities throughout the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia as part of a three-week community relations tour.

Large amounts of preparation happen, both musically and logistically, before the first note of any concert fills the air of the performance venues. Going out on tour is a team effort, and every member of the USAF Band has a part to play. Three members of the Airmen of Note have particularly key roles to play as the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force readies for their upcoming trip. Chief Master Sgt. Dudley Hinote is the flight's noncommissioned officer in charge; Master Sgt. Rich Sigler serves as music director; and Master Sgt. Benjamin Patterson is the group's tour manager.

All three key players have a specific job to do as tour preparation gets underway. As tour manager, Sergeant Patterson has the unique distinction of being the only member of the flight that gets to travel the length of the tour two times: first, as a member of the advance team, and second, as a member of the ensemble. "I lead a team that travels to all the venues in advance of the band's tour. We try to anticipate any issues that may arise related to the performance venue, travel or accommodations. We do directions, inspect all of the venues, coordinate concert details with sponsors, and make sure the band has good accommodations," said Sergeant Patterson.

As the departure date nears, Sergeant Sigler selects and rehearses the music as the band strives to perfect the arrangements and improve the flow of the program. "The goal," he explained, "is to incorporate new material that will challenge the band while meeting and exceeding our audience's expectations on a broad level. A variety of styles is an effective way to reach a larger number of people, and the challenge is to cover many different styles while staying true to both the innovative course and the heritage of the Airmen of Note as an internationally respected premier jazz ensemble."

The critical job of coordinating the myriad of moving parts that make up tour preparation falls to the noncommissioned officer in charge, Chief Hinote. "My primary concern is to ensure the flight has the necessary mission preparation time leading up to the tour. That time is absolutely critical in allowing us to deliver the world-class product that our audiences have come to expect of the premier Air Force musical organization," described Chief Hinote. He continued, "This awesome responsibility and privilege in being the noncommissioned officer in charge of this dedicated team of Airman musicians motivates me to strive to do my best, both as their flight leader and as a musician in the band. I have to set my priorities and practice time management principles. It's about focusing my time and energy on the important things, prioritizing my responsibilities and delegating those tasks that can develop the leaders in the flight. It is also about making the time to practice efficiently, not just putting in time on the horn, but practicing with the purpose of developing my skills, preparing the music and improving as a musician."

The level of commitment and excellence displayed by these three key members of the Airmen of Note is indicative of the passion and dedication shared by every member of this extraordinary group of musicians and Air Force professionals. Getting the chance to travel throughout the nation, and the world, representing the United States Air Force to the general public is one of the most exciting parts of being a premier Airman musician. Chief Hinote summed up the experience for the entire flight, "I am truly gratified to know that I am a part of something bigger than me, something that inspires and communicates with citizens of all ages on a level that words cannot. As we tour around the country, we regularly perform for people to whom we embody the Air Force; they experience our performance, shake our hands, many with tears in their eyes, and they say 'thank you' to us. Having that kind of interaction and impact on people while being a part of this amazing team of professionals is my greatest satisfaction."

Please click here to view the Airmen of Note's complete spring tour itinerary.  We'll see you on the road!