New Officer Joins Band Family

Published Aug. 1, 2016
By Technical Sgt. Mandi Harper

Washington, D.C. -- I am pleased to introduce Captain Daniel Boothe--Maryland native, family man, cat lover. And, perhaps of slightly greater relevance, the new assistant director of operations for The United States Air Force Band, and associate conductor and flight commander of the Concert Band, Singing Sergeants, and the Airmen of Note premier ensembles. Prior to joining the Air Force, he received his Bachelor of Music in composition from Radford University and his Master of Music in conducting from George Mason University. An accomplished percussionist, he has played with Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke Opera, Roanoke Symphony and Chorus, Wintergreen Festival Orchestra, Alfred Music Publications and as a guest with the United States Army Field Band from Washington D.C.

Boothe originally hails from Salisbury, Md., but after many years away he now calls Northern Virginia home. Though there is far too much traffic and everything is too expensive, he assures me he still loves the Washington, D.C., area for its diversity and history. I had a chance recently to speak with Boothe and ask him questions on a variety of topics.

MH: What is your musical background? Why did you choose music as a career?

DB: It chose me, to be honest. When I was just a toddler, my brother, who is 5 years ahead of me, played the trumpet. He routinely listened to Wynton Marsalis, The Count Basie Band, and the Canadian Brass and eventually bought my first pad and sticks, teaching me how to read music a full year before the other kids in the school. I was kind of ahead of the game by the time I joined the school band and I suppose I've tried to keep it that way since!

MH: What prompted you to seek out a career in the Air Force?

DB: My father-in-law was 20 years retired Air Force working as a maintainer and crew chief for the C5's at Dover AFB. His stories inspired me! On the musical side, I have to say I always thought the Air Force bands were among the most musical - an imperative quality I am always seeking. The Air Force seemed like the right fit - maybe the only fit.

MH: Since joining the Air Force in 2009, what is your favorite moment?

DB: On my first summer tour with the Band of Flight [Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio] we were in a very small town in Kentucky performing an outdoor show in their mini city square. I was told nearly 400 people attended, meaning that it was "nearly everyone that lives here." After the concert, the mayor came up to me and said with a tearful eye, "I want you to know what a difference you made for all the people here. To be honest, this may have been the best thing that's ever happened in this town." I was a bit surprised by the broad claim he was making - but knew he was genuine. We embraced and I thanked him.

MH: What are your aspirations in music and in the Air Force?
DB: I want to help make a difference, particularly through the power of music. I believe music has transformative effects on our society. It can provide nourishment, inspiration, or healing and I believe it should be supported tenfold throughout our society. My aspiration is simply to achieve this at the highest possible levels, all the time, every time, and everywhere I am able. Here with The USAF Band, we are able to leverage music's power with world-class capability and unlimited potential. I consider it a great honor but also a great responsibility to succeed in this important mission.

A hearty thank you to Capt. Daniel Boothe for taking the time for an interview. Acclaimed conductor, lauded composer, skilled percussionist--we are delighted to welcome him to the Washington, D.C., premier band, and we look forward to all he has to offer!

Capt. Daniel W. Boothe is the new assistant director of operations for The U.S. Air Force Band, and associate conductor and flight commander of the Concert Band, Singing Sergeants, and the Airmen of Note premier ensembles. (U.S. Air Force photo/released)