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SMSgt Steve Kindermann Retires from the USAFA Band: An Interview with SMSgt Kindermann

  • Published
  • By A1C Craig Larimer
  • USAFA Band
7 Feb 2014 --  After 26 years of service, SMSgt Steve Kindermann will be retiring tomorrow, spending 20 of his years here at the USAFA band. Alongside his pivotal part in Stellar Brass on trumpet, Kinderman is a proven leader in the unit, dedicated father and husband. While at the USAFA band SMSgt has participated in 787 formations on the Terrazzo, marched 313 miles, marched 3,148,000 cadets to chow and played 3,935 marches. SMSgt Kindermann will truly be missed here at the USAFA band as a friend and SNCO.


CL >How have you changed as a musician throughout your career in the Air Force?
SK > Simply, I have grown in confidence and broadened my ability to play convincingly in various styles.



CL> How has your job as a Senior NCO prepared you for life as a professional in the civilian world?
SK> Serving as an SNCO has impacted me in many ways. I think one of the most significant growth areas has been in the area of confidence...supervising experience, Also, I would say that another area I saw growth in was my ability to listen, not hear--the hearing part got worse! Even so, I learned to ask more questions and listen more actively.



CL> What will your musical outlets be after you get out of the Air Force?
SK> I plan to continue performing on trumpet in a number of ways. First, I plan to schedule at least two recitals per year for the next few years. In addition, I plan to combine a recital with words of encouragement to help increase interest in prayer in folk's lives--these recitals would be at churches. Also, I am a member of the Colorado Brass Arts Ensemble--we exist to support non-profit organizations, educate and inspire younger musicians toward excellence in brass playing, and provide inspiring music to encourage all age groups and express appreciation for veterans. I will continue to play as a substitute player with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Denver Brass, and hopefully the Colorado Symphony. Please come out and hear Dr. Joe Galema and myself play a free recital of trumpet and organ music at the USAF Academy Protestant Chapel on Mar 16th, at 2:30.



CL> What are some of your favorite moments in your career here at the USAFA band?
SK> I remember a time as a new TSgt in the USAFA band after a Holiday concert in Greeley. An older woman in a wheel chair shook my hand and pulled me closer to whisper to me, "Thank you for your music, you made me forget my pain." Her facial expression emphasized her sincerity. I never forgot that moment. I will never forget playing on stage in Warsaw Poland with Poland's most prestigious military band. We could not communicate verbally, but we sat next to each other and performed together as one--an amazing moment. In addition, I loved the opportunities to perform Taps for fallen comrades and the increasing difficulty in setting my own emotions aside. I will never forget playing God Bless America on September 11, 2012 for the Colorado Rockies' game. I will always remember Stellar Brass' performance at the USAFA Protestant Chapel. This was Chief Gohl's and SMSgt Gary Stephens last performance with the group. We played a piece we commissioned for brass and organ with timpani entitled, Prelude and Exultation" by Craig Phillips. We experienced "goose bumps" as we played together for the last time in that beautiful venue. To me, it was a moment to thank God for the privilege of working and living together with those particular brass players for 15 years--a blessing!



CL> Do you have any words of advice for those early in their careers in the Air Force?
SK> Yes, keep your passion for your craft alive--maintain it. Don't let the daily load of additional duties "distract" you from your primary passion. Take care of yourself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Also, "Hang in there!" You will always see force-shaping. It is part of life. For example, shortly after I joined the AF in the early 1990's, we saw cuts--close to 40%. I remember wondering. "What did I get myself into?" My advice is to be prepared. Have your resume ready, and hang in there. If you love serving in the AF, then pour yourself into it, hone your craft, and enjoy life along the way.