An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMultimediaNewsArticle Display

Members to perform at Super Bowl events

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eric Sullivan and Technical Sgt. Matthew Geist
Washington, D.C. --  NFL football is nearly done for the year, and that means just one thing to its legions of rabid fans:  Super Bowl. The United States Air Force Band is gearing up for the big game with a series of performances beginning in late January, starting with the annual Pro Bowl and culminating at the Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 1.  If you watched last year's Super Bowl, you may have seen members of the Singing Sergeants proudly representing the Air Force to the world during the national anthem ceremony, which featured international opera star Renee Fleming.  This year, we are proud to report that once again the Band has been asked to participate in the party and pageantry that is Super Bowl Week that will be held in sunny Glendale, Arizona from Jan. 25 to Feb. 1, 2015.

On Jan. 25, the NFL Pro Bowl takes a hiatus from Hawaii and makes a first-ever appearance in Arizona at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, the regular home of the Arizona Cardinals and the site of Super Bowl XLIX the following week. Just before the game, two percussionists from the Ceremonial Brass will play for the presentation of the national colors by a joint color guard prior to the singing of the national anthem.  Senior Master Sgt. Chris Martin has a unique perspective on the event, having participated in Super Bowls XLIV and XLV. "This is an incredible opportunity for us. Watching it on television doesn't give you any idea of how huge the operation is--from the different countries reporting, the celebrities in the stands and backstage--it's truly a global event and not just a football game."

As the week rolls on, so do the Band's performances. On Jan. 29, the Air Force Strings, led by Chief Master Sgt. Deborah Volker, will provide a touch of class and sophistication as they provide a strolling show for the NFL Owner's dinner.

The following day sees a 180 degree musical turn as the premier rock band of the U.S. Air Force, Max Impact, takes the stage. They will be performing a mix of original tunes and contemporary and classic favorites during a high-energy show at the VH1 "Salute to the Troops" concert on Luke Air Force Base.

Finally, on Sunday, Feb. 1, a week of celebrating America's greatest sports spectacle reaches its climax with the forty-ninth Super Bowl.  The Band will once again have a presence within the national anthem ceremony, with two rope drummers from the Ceremonial Brass playing for a joint service color guard during the presentation of the national colors.

The Unites States Air Force Band is honored and excited to represent the Air Force core values of "Integrity, Excellence and Service" to the world at Super Bowl XLIX. If you're lucky enough to have tickets, please say hello when you see us. (And save us a seat!) Otherwise, check your local listings for game and event times, and enjoy the show!