Airman Musician Profile: Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann

Published Oct. 21, 2014
By Senior Master Sgt. Bob Kamholz

Washington, D.C. -- There's an old saying in the Air Force that flexibility is the key to airpower. It is also one of the most important traits of a successful, professional musician. While on the tour with The United States Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann about his 14-year career in the Band. Hoffmann is one of the few people I know, who has had the opportunity to perform with every musical flight in the Band.

Question: How long have you been in the Air Force?

Answer: I auditioned for The U.S. Air Force Band in October 2000. After graduating from Duquesne University with a degree in Percussion Performance in 1998, I spent two years as a private teacher and freelance musician in the Pittsburgh area. I went through basic training from November to December 2000 and reported to the Band in January 2001. My 14-year Air Force anniversary is next month.

Q: With which group did you start performing and what was the audition like?

A: I auditioned to be the drummer in the Diplomats, a three-piece combo designed to augment the Singing Sergeants and Concert Band and to play at protocol functions around the national capital region. Because I was expected to be able to cover jobs with the combo, Concert Band and Ceremonial Brass, the audition was an all-day affair. I remember arriving in the early morning and starting the process by strapping on a snare drum and marching and playing around the Ceremonial Brass studio. The Concert Band portion was next, where I had to play excerpts on bass drum, cymbals, snare drum, timpani, xylophone, bells, etc. There was also some sight-reading in that part of the audition. Finally, in the late afternoon, I sat down behind the drum kit and played about 30 minutes with the combo. We did some Singers' medleys (the Disney medley was one of them) and some jazz standards in all different styles. Around 8 p.m., they announced the winner, candidate "C." That was me.

Q: How many groups have you been assigned to?

A: Officially, I've been assigned to the Diplomats, the Concert Band, High Flight, Silver Wings, Max Impact and the Singing Sergeants, to include Celtic Aire. I've also spent a significant amount of time with the Airmen of Note as a long-term substitute between their assigned drummers.

Q: How has the experience of working with so many different ensembles influenced your playing?

A: Being able to play with so many different groups has helped me grow as a musician. Playing with a jazz combo is very different than playing in a big band like the Airmen of Note.   Neither of those experiences is anything like playing a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery or performing with the Concert Band percussion section. I like to learn from all of those situations and figure out ways to apply concepts as I move into different groups. Being versatile has always served me well, and I appreciate the opportunities I've been afforded to grow as a musician in this organization.

Q: What has been the most challenging musical experience for you while serving in the Air Force and why?

A: There have been two experiences that stick out in my mind that have challenged me significantly in my Air Force career. The first was being asked to join the Airmen of Note for an extended period, to include three national tours and two recordings. I didn't have a lot of big band experience, and I was a bit intimidated by the idea of sitting in the drum chair with one of the greatest bands on the planet. I took a few lessons from guys like John Riley and Mark Walker. Both of them simplified some things for me. Of course, the Note guys (and girl) were also very supportive and helped me find my way, and eventually I felt like I was truly part of the group.

More recently, I was asked to augment Celtic Aire while one of the members was away for training. I had been a fan of the group for a long time, but I had never played traditional Celtic music, let alone some of the instruments involved. Again, I did some studying--this time learning a traditional Irish drum called a bodhran. With the help of the band, I was able to once again feel like part of the group very quickly. Eventually, I was given the opportunity to join the ensemble full time and jumped at the chance. I've enjoyed performing with such a small group (5 members), and I've even picked up yet another instrument along the way: accordion.

Q: Who are some of your biggest musical influences and why?

A: As for drummers, my biggest influences have been determined partly by which group I was playing with. During my time with the Diplomats, I would listen to guys like Elvin Jones, Bill Stewart and Tony Williams. When I was with the Note, I spent a lot of time listening to Mel Lewis and Buddy Rich. With Max Impact it was Steve Gadd, John Bonham, Steve Jordan and Vinnie Colaiuta. Now that I'm with Celtic Aire, I listen to a lot of traditional Celtic music, as well as more contemporary stuff like the Punch Brothers and other folk-based ensembles.

Q: How is playing drum set with the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants different from some of the other ensembles with which you've toured?

A: There's a conductor. In the Note or any of the pop bands I've played with, the drummer is the conductor. With the Concert Band, I have to work with the conductor to make sure we're both working together to move this massive ensemble in the same direction. There's a balance to leading and following that I've had to learn. Luckily, I've had the opportunity to work with some great commanders and other officers who also understand this balance.

Q: Besides performing, do you serve in an administrative role in the band?

A: I am currently the superintendent of Production. I work with Chief Master Sgt. Jebodiah Eaton, chief of Production, and oversee everything from the arranging staff and the library, to video production and the recording projects.

Q: How has the experience of managing a performing group or being responsible for the administrative tasks for an ensemble shaped your point of view as a performer?

A: It's helped me understand the importance of separating the two jobs when we get on stage. If it's been a particularly trying day on the administrative side, often times a rehearsal or performance can help me refocus and helps remind me why we're here and what our mission is all about. We're all on the same team when we're on stage; rank doesn't matter in a rock band, jazz band or concert band. Our job is to make music together and inspire the American public and foster goodwill.

Q: What sort of career advice would you like to pass along to music students preparing for auditions and entering the workforce as professional musicians?

A: Use your time in high school and college to PRACTICE. Never again in your life will you have the opportunity, resources or time that you do in college. Also, take advantage of "out-of-the-box" opportunities. You never know who you'll meet or what you'll be asked to do that may lead to the next gig, or what you may need to have in your toolbox five years down the road. Be versatile. It's what got me this incredible job and what's allowed me to succeed to this point. And, when asked to do something that may not have been in your personal plan of life, try to see it from the bigger perspective. Accept these moments as challenges with grace and humility, and it will pay great dividends down the road.

All of the ensembles mentioned in this article have free recordings available to stream or download. Please visit the following links to hear examples of Hoffmann's excellent work.

Celtic Aire
- As I Roved Out
Airmen of Note
- Keep Em Flying
- Holiday Note from Home
Max Impact / Silver Wings
- Connected

For a list of available online Band recordings, click here.

Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann performs on drum set

Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann performs on drum set

Airman Musician Profile: Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann