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Airmen of Note Primed for Fall Lift-off

  • Published
  • By MSgt Brian McCurdy
  • USAF Band Concert Band
BOLLING AFB, DC --  Autumn in Washington, D.C. brings beautiful colors to the trees, and we receive a welcome reprieve from the sultry heat of summer. For the United States Air Force Band's Airmen of Note, the cool air also brings the anticipation of getting out on the road to share our music with our fellow Americans. On November 12 - 20, "the Note" will head out to the great states of Texas and Oklahoma.

For a few members of the band this will be a homecoming. For several others this will be a return to their college roots - the place where they honed their craft and made their passion into their profession. Seven of the Note's eighteen-member ensemble attended the world-renowned University of North Texas in Denton. This will be one of our stops midway through the tour.

Senior Master Sgt. Joe Jackson, music director of the Airmen of Note, is a graduate of North Texas. The Dallas native said, "We're just thrilled to bring the band to the great state of Texas. It's a chance for me to see my parents -- both of whom are former professional musicians -- as well as the rest of my family and friends. It's such an honor to represent the Air Force and play this incredible music. We're really looking forward to it!"

As we pass into Oklahoma, we will get into the childhood "stomping grounds" of another Note trombonist, Technical Sgt. Ben Patterson. "I love to get back to Oklahoma, and it's a rare treat to get to play there with the Airmen of Note. Most of my family is there, and it will be great to see everyone and show the folks back home what I've been doing," said Sgt. Patterson, a Sapulpa native.

Trumpeter Kevin Burns spent six years in Tulsa. "From 1987 to 1993 I went to school in Tulsa and was very involved in their thriving arts community. I also got married there. It really was my transition into adulthood, so Tulsa holds a very special place for me," he said.

Texas and Oklahoma are known for their great music education programs at the high school and collegiate levels. The Airmen of Note receives tremendous support from the great folks of these states, so it promises to be a memorable tour. The tour will begin in Houston, and work its way through Austin, Waco, Dallas and Denton. Then we will cross in to Oklahoma where the band will perform in Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Tulsa, and Bartlesville.

To get all the concert details--including specific venues, dates and performance times--click go to our calendar on the website.