An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
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






Travis Airmen Support Music Education through YouTube

  • Published
  • USAF Band of the Golden West
TRAVIS AFB, CA --  In August 2014, the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West began creating instructional videos on YouTube to support music education and to reach student musicians.  The videos are roughly two to three minutes long and contain demonstrations of a particular skill. 

"The videos are a unique way for students to have access to high quality and well educated instruction from any place with internet access," said Staff Sgt Caleb Brinkley, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the video project.  "They also present a positive image of the Air Force to the American public."

In addition to playing community relations concerts, the Band of the Golden West provides educational clinics to inspire and ignite passion and patriotism in musical programs throughout the West Coast.  Some of the same tips and tricks used in the clinics are included in the videos.  These tips include anything from guitar riffs to saxophone techniques and sound production. 

"A large group of people can relate to the videos. Students of all skill levels and ages can gain some insight into skills we possess in the Air Force," said Master Sgt. Heather Kirschner, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Productions at the Band of the Golden West.  

Currently the band has six videos uploaded to their YouTube page, some of which are also shared on the unit Facebook page.  One is even on the Travis Air Force Base page entitled "Practicing with recordings," by Airman First Class Brian Wilmer.   In this video Wilmer demonstrates the technique of playing along with recordings, mimicking and listening to professional players.  It is performed on clarinet but can be applied to any instrument and or vocals. 

So far, the videos have over 500 views, and many people have benefited from watching.

"Awesome tip for my new 11 year old, 5th grade trombone player," said Deb Scott-Rowe, a fan of the Band of Golden West, upon viewing a video about sound production on the trombone. 

Using the popularity of social media, the Band of the Golden West is educating young musicians and strengthening partnerships in a new way.

Educational videos are available on the Band of the Golden West's YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/USAFGoldenWestBand. 

For more information about the band's mission and upcoming performances, visit their website at http://www.bandofthegoldenwest.af.mil/ or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bandofthegoldenwest.