A Day in the Life of the Singing Sergeants

Published June 23, 2010
By Technical Sgt. Joseph Haughton
The USAF Band

BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- Over the past six years, the most common and yet difficult question I've been asked as a member of The Singing Sergeants is, "What is a typical day like for you?"

The problem with answering this inquiry is there are 18 members in the ensemble, and every individual contributes in a very unique way. Each one of us also has our own personal endeavors during our off-duty time. The job itself is very seasonal, meaning that each part of the year brings different and exciting challenges. Since I don't have the space to write a novel, here are some of the highlights of the job, as well as some of the other things a member of the Singing Sergeants might be seen doing around town.

First and foremost, our Commander-in-Chief referred to us as "The Mighty Singing Sergeants" when we performed at The White House. Other high-level performances include State Funerals (such as those for former U.S. Presidents,) the 4th of July, Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery and the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Dedication. These shows range from grandiose patriotic settings to small, intimate gatherings. We also sing for the highest levels of military and government leadership at private functions, and entertain heads of state from around the world.

Locally, we perform in many venues across the National Capital Region. Some of these programs include holiday concerts at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall (D.A.R.), a televised program at the Strathmore Music Center for Veterans Day, the Guest Artist Series in the winter at D.A.R., and the Summer Concert Series at the Capitol and the Air Force Memorial. These are just a few examples of the diverse programs we present to our local audience.

We also take to the road on community relations tours twice each year for two to three weeks at a time. Performing a show in a different city every night is a great chance to reach military families and recruit for the Air Force, as well as seeing many parts of our beautiful country. The music we perform for these tours covers just about everything from opera to Billy Joel!

When we are not performing, we are usually involved with various recording projects. Since I joined the Air Force six years ago, The Singing Sergeants have recorded about two CDs per year. With group rehearsals and personal practice time, there is an enormous expectation placed on us as professional musicians and Airmen. There are many details necessary to keep an organization of this magnitude running, and we all proudly pitch in to make that happen.

In our free time, members of The Singing Sergeants can be seen and heard all over town. We sing in churches, musical theatre productions, operas, restaurants, festivals, coffee houses, etc. We are music ministers, volunteer EMS, marathon runners and parents.

What does a typical day look like? I'm not sure yet, but I'll let you know when I have one!

Click to read a short biography of Technical Sgt. Joseph Haughton.

For biographical information about other members of The U.S. Air Force Band, please see the Ensembles section of our website.