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Operating as usual
STAZNIK SIGHTING | We spotted Master Sgt. Gabe Staznik performing with members of the Singing Sergeants earlier this week as part of the 11th Wing's Unity Day. Can anyone name the instrument he is playing?
Join the collaborative virtual event performed by our deployed musicians as well as the Music Affairs Center of the Ministry of Culture and Sports at Qatar National Library مكتبة قطر الوطنية!
The United States Air Force Band Max Impact Singing Sergeants U.S. Embassy Qatar Years of Culture
LIFTING SPIRITS | This weekend, nine members of The United States Air Force Band's Singing Sergeants, Max Impact, and Concert Band supported Task Force Liberty/Operation Allies Welcome at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst performing for U.S. troops and Afghan visitors. Tenor vocalist Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Haughton performed a song in Pashto, cementing a positive relationship and building a bridge of friendship between American and Afghan cultures. After hearing the musicians perform, one visitor commented, “On behalf of my people, we were feeling very alone being in a new place until you brought a little piece of home to us. Thank you!”
#OperationAlliesWelcome #TaskForceLiberty #USAFBand #USAF #MusicConnects #BandTogether
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) | Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
(Photos by Technical Sgt. J.D. Strong and Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
A BROADWAY HIT | In honor of Broadway Musicals Day, The United States Air Force Band presents "Come Alive" from the hit cinematic phenomena, “The Greatest Showman”!
This video production was a joint force musical collaboration of three performing flights, The United States Air Force Band’s Singing Sergeants , Concert Band, and Air Force Strings. A wildly successful album, "The Greatest Showman" soundtrack was only the second album in thirty years to be #1 on the charts for eleven weeks straight!
We hope you enjoy this performance of "Come Alive" from “The Greatest Showman” by members of The World’s Greatest Air Force!
#USAF #USAFBand #Broadway #Musicals #TheGreatestShowman
Featuring members of:
The United States Air Force Band's Concert Band
The United States Air Force Band's Singing Sergeants
The United States Air Force Band's Air Force Strings
The United States Air Force Band's Max Impact
Credits
Colonel Don Schofield - Executive Producer
Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann - Producer
Senior Master Sgt. Chad Randolph - Production Manager
Control Video
Hugo Creative
Justin Lang Design - Lighting
Master Sgt. Mike Brest - Editor
Senior Master Sgt. Jim DeVaughn - Senior Recording/Mixing Engineer
Master Sgt. Josh Voyles - Monitor Engineer
Technical Sgt. Pedro Rodríguez-Ramírez - Monitor Engineer
Master Sgt. (ret.) Mark Hannah - RF Engineer
Check out what our Max Impact and Singing Sergeants musicians are doing in Qatar! What a great way to inspire and connect through the universal language of music.
Follow the AFCENT Band as they near the end of their deployment and follow their overseas missions!
379th Air Expeditionary Wing The United States Air Force Band #militaryband
GONNA FLY NOW | In honor of the U.S. Air Force’s 74th birthday, we present an inspirational hit song from the 1976 cinematic classic, “Rocky”!
The United States Air Force Band is proud to serve alongside over 680,000 Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Airmen who embody the Air Force's mission "To fly, fight, and win...airpower anytime, anywhere." Always innovating, the U.S. Air Force will continue to build on the success of our first 74 years as we accelerate change to meet the war-fighting demands of tomorrow.
We hope you enjoy this musical collaboration from The United States Air Force Band's Concert Band, Max Impact, Singing Sergeants and the Air Force Strings, as they celebrate this special birthday with Bill Conti’s “Gonna Fly Now”!
#HappyBirthdayAirForce #AimHigh #FlyFightWin #USAF74 #USAFBand
"Gonna Fly Now"
Bill Conti, Carol Connors, Ayn E Robbins
arranger, Master Sgt. Tadd Russo
The Concert Band, Air Force Strings, Singing Sergeants, and members of Max Impact from The United States Air Force Band
Credits
Colonel Don Schofield - Executive Producer
Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann - Producer/Editor
Senior Master Sgt. Chad Randolph - Production Manager
Control Video
Hugo Creative
Justin Lang Design - Lighting
Senior Master Sgt. Jim DeVaughn - Senior Recording/Mixing Engineer
Technical Sgt. Pedro Rodríguez-Ramírez - Monitor/Mixing Engineer
Technical Sgt. Jim Woolf - Mixing Engineer
Master Sgt. Josh Voyles - Monitor Engineer
Master Sgt. (ret.) Mark Hannah - RF Engineer
BEHIND THE SCENES - Check out this great black and white photo series by the Airmen of Note's own Senior Master Sgt. (sel.) Grant Langford, AFCENT Band's Director of Operations.
Our musicians are working toward a busy September, so Sgt. Langford hung out during the band's rehearsal to catch the team in action.
Show them your support and cheer them on in the comments below! Don't forget to follow their page for more content!
Here’s a quick example of what our musicians are up to overseas!
AFCENT Band 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Singing Sergeants
This guitar solo is 🔥
Our newest member, Technical Sgt. Andy Mowatt, is currently overseas doing what he does best! We are very proud of our musicians for the work they do to bring diverse people and cultures together with music.
Follow the AFCENT Band's journey by giving their page a like and supporting our deployed troops.
Our musicians had a memorable night performing for soldiers at Camp As Sayliyah this past weekend. It was a well deserved break for these troops to enjoy a special concert just for them! Read the full post below!
Be sure to follow the AFCENT Band page to follow their overseas missions!
(Photos by Senior Master Sgt. (sel.) Grant Langford)
Why audition for Max Impact? Why the Air Force?
We sat down with members of Max Impact and vocalists from the Singing Sergeants to discuss their “why” for joining The United States Air Force Band and how they became part of this unique career field. You can catch the full interview here: 👉 https://youtu.be/3ag4X1rY128
To find out what it takes to be the next lead singer of this new generation of Max Impact, check the audition requirements here: 👉 https://www.music.af.mil/Bands/The-United-States-Air-Force-Band/About-Us/Careers-in-The-United-States-Air-Force-Band/
#vocalauditions #musiccareer #singerswanted #vocalist
MISSION SUCCESS | Our deployed musicians in both Max Impact and Singing Sergeants spent a week at the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, providing live music, morale and welfare for our troops overseas. Follow the AFCENT Band page as they share their memorable experiences at Prince Sultan Air Base.
#TeamPSAB #378AEW #deployment
PROMOTION PROUD | Join us in congratulating the newly promoted Master Sgt. Gabe Staznik!
Not only is Sgt. Staznik the rhythmic backbone of our band, he is our non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), leading all day-to-day operations and special operations.
During his Air Force career, Sgt. Staznik has performed at various major sporting events such as MLB, NFL, and NASCAR, various televised performances, and had opportunities to collaborate with award winning artists including Chris Janson, Kellie Pickler, Drake White, Mike Ryan, and Jessie James Decker. A graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Sgt. Staznik received a Bachelor's degree in Music Education with an emphasis on percussion.
Before joining the Air Force, Sgt. Staznik performed and recorded with Grammy, Emmy, and Tony award-winning artists, toured nationally and abroad with the legendary Chubby Checker and was the house drummer at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He recorded with Def Jam Records’ Platinum and Grammy artist LL Cool J, NFL Films, Sports Music Emmy-Awarded Hedden Music, and select American Music Theatre's Cast Albums. Additionally, he has worked as a music director and arranger for Windish Music & Productions, where his music has been performed by theme parks and scholastic percussion ensembles nationwide. He co-authored "The Total Percussionist: A Quick Access Guide to Performance Techniques” to present fundamental percussion technique information in a clear, concise way for both students and teachers.
Lastly, longtime friend and fellow Max Impact bassist Master Sgt. (sel.) Mike Wittrien wrote, "A well earned congratulations to my buddy, the freshly promoted Master Sgt. Gabe Staznik! Eleven years of awesome memories as civilian freelance musicians and now brothers in arms. Keep on leading like you always have! Looking forward to many more years of positive energy and music making shenanigans!"
GUITAR SOLO! 🎸 When the AFCENT Band goes full electric, you can expect Technical Sgt. Andy Mowatt to unleash some awesome solos!
While we would love to hold concerts for you in the states, our brave and hardworking troops overseas deserve a few nights to kick back and enjoy some shows. You can still show your support by giving Sgt. Mowatt’s solo a “like” and leave a few words for our deployed team below!
378th Air Expeditionary Wing | Singing Sergeants | U.S. Central Command #TeamPSAB | #guitarsolo | #militaryband
Our musicians made it to Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!
Thank you Brigadier General Robert Davis and our 378th Air Expeditionary Wing leadership, for welcoming the AFCENT Band!
379th Air Expeditionary Wing | U.S. Central Command | Singing Sergeants | The United States Air Force Band | #remembereveryonedeployed | #378AEW | #379AEW
Onward and upward!
Brigadier General Robert Davis, Commander, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, made special arrangements to bring the AFCENT Band to Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In an expressed effort to boost the spirits of his troops, flying the band out was a necessity. However, upon arrival, we couldn't believe the hospitality, kindness, and uplifting culture that has been cultivated at this base. It was, in fact, OUR spirits that were lifted, and we are ecstatic to share in the many unique experiences here at PSAB. Gen. Davis also told stories about the first time he saw a live performance from Max Impact from the U.S. Air Force Band, as well as expressing his own musical talents!
Thank you General Davis, as well as Vice Commander Colonel Kevin Davidson (third from right), Command Chief Master Sgt. Jackson Helzer (far right), and Captain Rachel Buitrago (not shown) for your incredible welcome. We look forward to providing morale and welfare during our stay!
(Photo by Captain Rachel Buitrago)
379th Air Expeditionary Wing | U.S. Central Command | Max Impact | Singing Sergeants | The United States Air Force Band | #remembereveryonedeployed | #378AEW | #militarybands | #CENTCOM | #USAFBand
Members of Max Impact and Singing Sergeants are keeping busy overseas as the official AFCENT Band. We're here to keep you updated! With one full month in the books, the band carried out many exciting and unique missions, using the power of music to reach across the world. Make sure to give their page a like and follow their deployment!
Curious about what we have been up to recently? 👀
Follow the exciting new missions from across the world and the monumental impact created by the AFCENT Band, including members of our own Max Impact and Singing Sergeants!
379th Air Expeditionary Wing | U.S. Central Command | United States Air Force Bands
"I felt human for the first time in 12 months." - Red Dog Marine
For some, this weekend was just a concert. For us, it was a mission to remember.
Several hundred gathered this past Saturday to celebrate a night of relaxation many haven't had in months. As active duty airmen, it is part of our mission to make sure our troops have opportunities to boost morale and forge diverse relationships through the universal language of music. Thanks to all who made this night special and best wishes to our brothers and sisters returning home after a long and enduring time away.
(Photo by Senior Master Sgt. (sel.) Grant Langford)
379th Air Expeditionary Wing | U.S. Central Command | Max Impact | Singing Sergeants | The United States Air Force Band
HAVE YOU HEARD? | Eight members of The United States Air Force Band are headed overseas to take over the next rotation of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Band, otherwise known as the AFCENT Band. The AFCENT Band is based out of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Senior Master Sgt. (sel) Grant Langford, who will serve as the AFCENT Band’s superintendent of operations for the deployment, states, “I firmly believe in the power of music and the transcendent nature of musical performances. I have seen firsthand the effect music can have on anyone from children to WWII veterans. I am looking forward to seeing this important connection in this arena.”
The mission of the AFCENT Band is to provide support of morale and welfare of American and Coalition forces through concerts, and to use music as a tool to build bridges and connect people and governments of foreign nations in the Middle East and Southwest Asia, leaving a lasting, positive impression of The United States of America, and those who serve in its name.
Due to the AFCENT Band’s rotation of active-duty musicians, there is always a wide variety of genres and styles of music played by the band. On this particular deployment, the band will focus on performing hits from the Top 40 genre.
Click below to read more about this important mission!
#deployment #military #MusicConnectsUs
Despite COVID-19, deployments for members of the United States Air Force Bands continue, as it is an essential and crucial mission for the career field. This summer, eight members of The U. S. Air
EXCELLENCE | Max Impact had the privilege of performing with the Drill Team from the United States Air Force Honor Guard on our recent mission to the Hyundai Air and Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team proudly embodies the Air Force core value of “excellence in all we do.” Their precision and professionalism never fail to dazzle audiences. We are proud to call them our teammates!
National Salute to America's Heroes
#honorguard #drillteam #military
(Photos by Senior Master Sgt. (sel) Grant Langford)
THANK YOU | Performing on Miami Beach as part of the #HyundaiAirAndSeaShow was an incredible experience, but our favorite part was meeting so many amazing people! We had a blast and can't wait to return to the Magic City!
National Salute to America's Heroes
(Photos by Senior Master Sgt. (sel) Grant Langford)
🇺🇸 Let us never forget the true meaning of today! 🇺🇸 #HonorThem
Today we honor our brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation.
May their legacy inspire us all to be better.
#MemorialDay #honor #service #sacrifice
HELLO, MIAMI ☀️ | We are having a great time performing at the #HyundaiAirandSeaShow ✈️, and we're looking forward to another great day today! Be sure to stop by and see us in the Display Village. We'll be performing sets at 10am, 11am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, and 4pm!
National Salute to America's Heroes
(Photos by Senior Master Sgt. (sel) Grant Langford)
ON BEHALF OF A GRATEFUL NATION | Since its inception, the United States Air Force has championed the value of service before self, charging Airmen to place professional duty above personal desires. While adherence to this call is expected of Airmen every day, on Memorial Day we are given the opportunity to commemorate the loss of those who have embodied this core value by giving their lives for their country.
“Each Memorial Day, we honor the sacrifices, courage, and valor of those service members who have given the last full measure of devotion in service to our great nation. On this most solemn of days, we turn our hearts to our fallen heroes and honor their bravery. As we march onward, with aspirations of greatness, let us never forget on whose shoulders we stand...These fallen patriots who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.” - General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Every day, these men and women, true American patriots, continue to inspire future generations to raise their right hand and serve their country. Today, we honor these fallen warriors with the remembrance anthem, “Goin’ Home”. To those who have given the last full measure of devotion in service to their country, we thank you.
#MemorialDay #USAFBand #ChiefsOwn #HonorThem #ServiceBeforeSelf
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass United States Air Force Air Force District of Washington National Cemetery Administration (NCA) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Special thanks to Culpeper National Cemetery
Goin' Home
by Antonín Dvořák
arr. by Master Sgt. (ret) Jari Villanueva
trans. by Master Sgt. Tadd Russo
The United States Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass
Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Valadie - Drum Major
Credits
Colonel Don Schofield - Executive Producer
Master Sgt. Christine Jones and Master Sgt. (sel) Mike Brest - Producers
Master Sgt. (sel) Tim Hilgert - Production Assistant
Master Sgt. (sel) Mike Brest - Editor
Master Sgt. Brooke Emery and Mr. George Bolden - Videography
Senior Master Sgt. Jim DeVaughn - Audio Editor/Mixing Engineer
Technical Sgts. Jim Woolf and Pedro Rodríguez Ramírez - Audio Engineers
Master Sgt. Tadd Russo - Audio Producer
Air Force TV - Narration Audio
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NOTES FROM HOME | While our rehearsal hall in Hangar 2 might have been silent for the past few months, the musicians of The United States Air Force Band have been hard at work at home continuing to hone their skills to prepare for future performances. To showcase our musicians' hard work, we are releasing a new video series entitled "Notes from Home." For the first time, members of the The United States Air Force Band are sharing performances from their homes and connecting with you through the power of social media. Today's video features members of the percussion section from four of the band's six performing flights - the Ceremonial Brass, the Singing Sergeants, Max Impact, and the Concert Band. Project organizer, Senior Master Sgt. Randy Gorman, explains, "I wanted to do this video for a couple of reasons. First, the composer of the piece John S. Pratt, an Army veteran, recently passed away on 6 April, 2020, and we wanted to do something as a tribute to him. In addition to being a writer of music for drummers in the rudimental style, he was also the instructor of drumming at West Point for their group "The Hellcats". Additionally, as we are all separated and not able to drum together, I thought this was a good way for drummers from across the AF Band to collaborate, albeit virtually. Percussionists in the AF Band specialize in various areas of percussion- concert percussion, marching percussion, jazz drumset, rock drumset, etc. However, all members must be able to play together in a rudimental style for ceremonies and parades. The piece "Gladstone Cadets" is one of 14 solos written by Pratt for his book, 14 Modern Contest Solos." Please enjoy the USAF Band Percussionists' performance of "Gladstone Cadets" by John S. Pratt! Percussionists Chief Master Sgt. Chris Martin Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Valadie Senior Master Sgt. Randy Gorman Senior Master Sgt. Nathan Lavy Senior Master Sgt. Brian Mann Master Sgt. Adam Green Master Sgt. Thomas Rarick Technical Sgt. Da
FLAG DAY 🇺🇸 A symbol of freedom and liberty, the American flag is one of the most cherished iconic images of our nation. Please enjoy our performance of Senior Master Sgt. Matt Ascione's orignal song, "This Flag." CREDITS: Colonel (ret.) Larry Lang - Executive Producer Senior Master Sgt. Matt Ascione - composer Video editor - Master Sgt. (ret.) Jonathan McPherson
ON THIS DAY 🇺🇸 On June 6th, 1944, the codenamed battle "Operation Overlord," also known as D-Day, began as American, Canadian and British military forces stormed the coast of Normandy Beach. Today, we would like to honor those brave soldiers who risked life and limb to put an end to the war in Europe and World War II. On June 6th, 2015, we commemorated the 71st Anniversary of D-Day as Technical Sgt. Nalani Quintello performed the national anthem during the Philadelphia Phillies game versus the 2014 World Series champs, the San Francisco Giants. Join us in honoring our veterans today as we observe the 76th anniversary of this heroic mission!
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 🇺🇸 Our original song "Stand", written by Master Sgt. Matt Geist, honors our military heroes and showcases the dedication of the United States Air Force Honor Guard. For this Memorial Day, we'd like to reflect on our mission and how important it is to honor those who served before us. Let us not forget everything they sacrificed to protect our great country. "No matter what it takes We will serve Do all we can To honor those who've sacrificed We vow to stand." Joint Base Andrews | Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling | #MemorialDay
HONOR | As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, let us reflect on the tremendous price that was paid by the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Through the sounding of Taps, members of The United States Air Force Band solemnly render honor to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. A long-held musical tradition at military funerals, the music of Taps originated from a Civil War bugle call entitled, “Extinguish Lights”. A plaintive call, the sounding of Taps signals the end of the fallen serviceman’s duty and is the final tribute from a grateful nation. To those who have given the last full measure of devotion, we honor your service, pay tribute to your lives, and thank you for your selfless sacrifice. We'd like to thank Mr. Matthew Priest, Director of Culpeper National Cemetery, all of the staff at Culpeper National Cemetery, as well as Ms. Richelle Taylor, Public Affairs Specialist with the Department of Veteran Affair’s National Cemetery Administration, for their help making this tribute possible. National Cemetery Administration (NCA) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs #honorthem #honorthefallen Credits: Executive Producer - Colonel Don Schofield Producer - Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann Director/Editor - Technical Sgt. Tim Hilgert Assistant Director - Technical Sgt. Mike Brest Aerial Videographer - Senior Master Sgt. Brian MacDonald Audio Engineer - Master Sgt. Michael Hampf Bugler - Technical Sgt. Jason Covey
DUET INITIATIVE | It is such a treat for us to hear great young talent from around the nation. We couldn't wait to collaborate with bassist Austin, 8th grader from York, Pennsylvania, who submitted "Sir Duke" from the legendary Stevie Wonder, who just recently celebrated his 70th birthday! Austin picked one of our favorite tracks off "Songs In The Key of Life", and our keyboardist Technical Sgt. Aaron Trasatt teamed with the rest of the Max Impact rhythm section to pay homage to one of the greats! Austin is a true believer in the power of music, and his interpretation of "Sir Duke" truly inspires us. "This song is just an upbeat positive song and with this tough time in the world right now we could all use some positivity in our lives. Whenever I play or listen to music I feel energetic, excited, and positive! Stevie Wonder sings in this song, 'Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand...' In this world, we are going through tough times but music is a great escape to a different world which we can all understand. I hope you enjoy!" (Video produced by TSgt Aaron Trasatt) York Suburban School District | York Daily Record/Sunday News
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