Technical Sgt. Tadd Russo

This month, Technical Sgt. Tadd Russo chronicles a day in the life of The USAF Band's Music Production Staff. Sergeant Russo is a 1999 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he earned both a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Education, and was the recipient of The OSU College of the Arts Grant for work in Theater Music. He earned his Master of Music Degree in 2001, also from Ohio State. While at OSU, he was the composer-in-residence for The Ohio State University Symphony Orchestra, and studied with Thomas Wells, Donald Harris and Jan Radzynski. Sergeant Russo is a member of the Society of Composers, Inc. and ASCAP. (AF Photo)

A Day in the Life... Music Production Staff

Published Dec. 17, 2009
By Technical Sgt. Tadd Russo
The USAF Band

BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- The public face of The Air Force Band consists of several performing components, with world-class musicians skilled at playing a diverse repertoire of music. Yet one important unit of the Band works quietly but diligently behind the scenes, crafting the tunes and arrangements that give the Band its signature sound. These creative minds belong to the Music Production Staff.

From swinging big band charts to stately chamber music, from original compositions for orchestra to beloved Broadway medleys for concert band, the work of the Music Production Staff plays an integral role in entertaining American audiences far and wide. We have had opportunities to write and create music for spectacular guest artists including Wynonna Judd, Kool and the Gang, Clint Black, and Patti LaBelle.

A typical workday sees us meeting with officers or enlisted conductors to get a feel for an ensemble's needs. We often attend rehearsals of one of our newest works in order to hear that all of our ideas have been accurately translated to and from the music on the page. We spend long hours at the keyboard or in front of a computer screen, often using the latest music technology to assist in composing the perfect trombone part or ideal vocal harmony.

Our arrangers are skilled performers in their own rights. On occasion, we have been called upon to fill in for members of the Concert Band, the Airmen of Note, or the Ceremonial Brass. We also proudly take part in inaugural parades or in state funeral ceremonies when asked to do so. It's a unique experience in our world, to have an opportunity to perform among the talented musicians for whom we write.

When any of The Air Force Band ensembles head to the recording studios, our arrangers are there in the booth to provide technical assistance during the engineering and mastering processes. We also provide support in to the audio engineers and video directors during the many band performances broadcast to a worldwide audience, from the annual Holiday Concert Series to the Veterans Day broadcast.

Whether in a focused rehearsal, in a recording studio, or in a composing studio, or a performance at a concert near you, we in the Music Production Staff take great pride in our unique contributions to The Air Force Band's mission. We help tell the Air Force story through symphony and song, representing the unparalleled professionalism of all Airmen, past and present, serving worldwide in our United States Air Force.

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