A Day in the Life... The Air Force Strings

Published Sept. 25, 2009
By Master Sgt. M. Bryce Bunner
The USAF Band

BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- The Air Force Strings, one of the premier and most-requested ensembles in the United States Air Force, continue to enjoy a diverse and varied mission serving our nation, the military community worldwide and the National Capital Region -- up close and over the airwaves. Our group consists of 22 of the finest conservatory-trained musicians, each of whom has chosen to represent their country as Airmen musicians. Whether performing on our own as the Air Force Strings or with winds and brass as the Air Force Symphony Orchestra, each week presents us with unique and rewarding musical challenges.

One of our best-known configurations is in the role of the Air Force Strolling Strings. The Strings are currently in our sixth decade performing these exceedingly popular shows for military and government audiences, foreign dignitaries and civilians across the globe.

A typical workday finds us rehearsing, reviewing, and memorizing any one of the hundreds of tunes in the strolling repertoire: patriotic, light classical, bluegrass, jazz, popular, and the traditional "gypsy" showpieces the Strings are famous for presenting.

In the past, the Strings have taken our Strolling shows to far-away cities including Honolulu, San Antonio, and Miami. We've traveled to Air Force installations across the continental United States, and have accomplished countless performances in the Washington, D.C. area for military events, including protocol performances for the highest levels of our government.

The Strings usually spend several weeks a year in the recording studio, most recently as performers on The Air Force Band's holiday compact disc recordings, and as guests of the Airmen of Note on two of their current recordings.

One of our most visible performances during the past year was at the "We Are One" concert celebrating the eve of the inauguration of President Barack Obama. That performance featured some of the biggest celebrities and musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, and Tiger Woods (just to name a few).

The Strings are also a frequent contributor to the television broadcast mission of The USAF Band career field. The group traveled to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 2007 to record "Holiday Notes from Home," broadcast worldwide across the Armed Forces Television Network during the holidays. Additionally, millions of viewers tuned in every November for the Symphony Orchestra broadcast on public television, paying tribute to America's veterans.

Despite the busy rehearsal and performance schedule, members of the Strings find the extra time to rehearse and put together frequent chamber concerts throughout the year. The group currently has two string quartets "in residence" that give concerts on a regular basis, as well as members who team up in various instrumental groupings for Air Force Chamber Players concerts throughout the year. The Strings' studio is invariably the busiest rehearsal space in the building most days, as chamber groups continually utilize the valuable rehearsal time and space.

Whether in a focused rehearsal, the recording studio, in front of the camera, or in performance at a local concert near you, the Air Force Strings truly appreciate our opportunities to present our distinctive military heritage to audiences across the globe. We are indeed proud of our unique position, representing the unparalleled excellence 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.

The United States Air Force Strings