Question for folks in the D.C. bands

[poomshanka]

I'm curious about something...

As administrations, leadership and ideologies shift, creak and groan inside the beltway, how has that translated to the premier band gigs? Perhaps the responses might include anything from anecdotal observations and individual run-ins/experiences to over-arching policy changes that affect the very foundation of the career field.

Of course, as leadership within the organizations themselves changes, maybe this has a greater effect than any external forces?

Just wondering...

...Dave

[WoodSheddin]

Of course, as leadership within the organizations themselves changes, maybe this has a greater effect than any external forces?

That is what makes the biggest difference IMO. Different leadership styles and differing levels of abilities in the officers and senior NCO's has the most direct and varied affect on the individual bandsman.

[runelk]

As the administration changes (ie President) life in a band readly doesn't change at all. Some presidents like certain types of music more than others so they my request certain groups to play at the WH (chamber music, jazz combo, etc)

But, really will affect a band is the change in leadership at the band commanders level. This person may have a certain idea he believes what a DC band should be and he will start changing things. Others think the band is doing just fine and will keep it like it is.

99% of the time the commander will change something within the band.

[windshieldbug]

At least you get to be in really cool pictures!

http://gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=1 ... width=1115

[JHardisk]

Is there still a hiring freeze in the Air Force Bands? Poor guy has to be getting lonely all by himself with no other toobers to pal around with...

The AF bands have slightly lifted the hiring freeze. In critically manned positions, bands may hire as long as they are not over their authorizations. When the AF was looking to cut down numbers drastically, the DC band got hit hard and all 8 of the field bands went from 60 slots to 45. Most bands are making due with some product other than concert bands. Included in those 45 slots are vocalists, guitarists, bassists, and pianists (usually rock oriented), so the remaining "band" players are more like 35 or so. Right now, we have 1 trombone player (and another in the desert), so we were able to hire a new trombonist. My stand partner is almost exclusively a bass trombonist now, to somewhat fill the void. We are the only field band that is authorized 2 tubists. All other bands consider them "overages". I would not expect to see another AF band tuba hire for a very long time. It'll take a bunch of retirements/seperations to create a "vacancy".

On top of that, the AF bands believe it is a good idea to play military and show how "into" the fight we are and deploy parts of the band. right now, we have 11 members deployed for 60 days in a rock band w/horns configuration. I believe this is an attempt to show that we're "necessary", and should avoid a complete wipeout of bands. I won't comment further on the deployment thing...

The DC band has a plethora of tubists. Unfortunately, most of them are exclusively in the Ceremonial Band. It's my understanding that they've been kept pretty busy w/funerals. The other tubists (besides Brian Sands) are in the rank of Chief Master Sergeant E-9 (the highest enlisted grade), and now sit mostly behind a desk.

It is certainly an interesting time to be an AF bandsman...

[runelk]

There are four tuba players in the USAF ceremonial brass they are MSgt Chris Quade, TSgt Roy WImbush, TSgt Jess Lightner and TSgt Willie Clark. The concert band his MSgt Brian Sands and CMSgt Jan Duga. There also is CMSgt Albert Islas that was moved out of ceremonial brass due to promotion and will soon be the Director of Operations for the USAF Band. Lastly there is SMSgt Gil Corella who has/had vocal dsytonia and no longer plays he is the deputy director of Marketing & Outreach (Public Affairs).
There will probably not be any DC Air Force tuba auditions any time in the near future. Ceremonial brass is indeed busy with Full Honors Funerals, Arrivals, Change of commands and brass quintet jobs. The concert band is also busy with tours, recordings and local concerts within the DC metro area.

Air Force enlisted rank within the DC band is as follows (meaning that I'm only giving the ranks that the AF Band is authorized) TSgt-E-6=Technical Sergeant, MSgt-E-7= Master Sergeant, SMSgt-E-8=Senior Master Sergeant and CMSgt-E9=Chief Master Sergeant.

[eupher61]

Is Ann Highnote (spelling? nee' Baldwin) still in the AF Ceremonial band?? Playing trombone?

[runelk]

Ann Hinote transfered back into the concert band and is playing Euph again

[runelk]

Euph players in the DC Air Force band are as follows.
In the ceremonial brass there are 4 Euph players they are MSgt Dave Bandman, MSgt Will Jones , TSgt Joe Bello and MSgt Jen Cox. In the concert band there are 2 players TSgt John Cox and CMSgt Ann Hinote (Baldwin).