Back to Main Page		The United States Air Force Band The United States Air Force Band is a musical organization with an outstanding record of achievement of over 55 years. Known as "America's Band," it has won the hearts of millions of music lovers throughout the world. The Band's official military life began on September 24, 1941, with the formation of the Bolling Army Air Corps Band under the sponsorship of Lieutenant L.P. Holcomb, commanding officer of the Air Base Group at Bolling Field. Since that time, the Band has struggled from relative obscurity to stardom under the leadership of nine diverse and talented conductors, Lieutenant Colonel Alf Heiberg, Colonel George S. Howard, Captain Harry H. Meuser, Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel, Lieutenant Colonel James M. Bankhead, Captain Amy R. Mills, Lieutenant Colonel Alan L. Bonner, Major Mark R. Peterson and currently, Colonel Lowell E. Graham. By maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism the Band has won worldwide acclaim. For example, immediately following the Band's first tour in the 1940s, they were congratulated and recognized by music critics across the nation. The Chicago Herald American stated that they were "the nation's finest band," and during the same tour the San Antonio Express exclaimed, "It is the best band we have ever heard." The United States Air Force Band and its components-Concert Band, Singing Sergeants, Air Force Strings, Airmen of Note, Ceremonial Brass, High Flight, Silver Wings and Chamber Players-have performed live for over 100,000,000 people of every race, color, creed, walk of life and ideology. Additional millions have heard them through numerous radio and television appearances. The Band's acclaimed Guest Artist Series concerts, held on Sunday afternoons in February and March, are presented at the 3,700-seat DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Since 1966, the series has featured guests and celebrities of national and international prominence-attracting capacity crowds at each concert. The United States Air Force Band conceived and pioneered the concept that a musical organization can be a nation's most effective goodwill ambassador. This concept has been proven decisively by 20 international concert tours, with performances in 50 countries and 42 world capitals. By providing first-hand insight into American culture, the musicians of The United States Air Force Band help create a better understanding among all peoples of the world. In 1987, the Band completed an historic and unprecedented tour of the People's Republic of China. This tour, the first of its kind by a military group since the Cultural Revolution, introduced millions of Chinese nationals to the American way of life through music. In 1995, the Band traveled to Moscow to participate in the parade through Red Square commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. The band has performed regularly in international military tattoo ceremonies, including events in The Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. Most recently the band brought the sights and sounds of the Major Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra to European shores, traveling through England, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Turkey and Portugal. The United States Air Force Band is a musical organization that certainly merits its reputation as "America's Band," for it is truly one of the most potent instruments of good will at the command of the American people. (back to top)