- : - My Time In The Air Force - : -

————————————

With almost 12 years of Air Force Service behind me, there's a lot I could say, both good and bad, but the core of it is: joining the Air Force Band would have to be the best thing I ever did. (...Since I learned how to play the piano.)

Before entering, there was a lot of uncertainty and confusion in working with the recruiter, many details and requirements that had to be satisfied, and a lot of waiting. Once officially in the Air Force, the welcome mat at Basic Training was an experience I could write a book about. Basic Training is kind of a cross between prison and summer camp. It's really not all that hard to get through, but there are some very unpleasant moments along the way.

Once I was at my first station, the Heartland of America Band in Omaha, Nebraska, life seemed to suddenly be almost like heaven. I was being paid, not an exorbitant amount (especially my first year in), but it was a dependable, secure source of income I could live off of and support a family with, and all for simply doing what I loved to do: play the piano. We rehearsed for concerts, played concerts, and worked the office to support concerts, and that was pretty much all there was to do. Stress was just about non-existent, and job satisfaction was high.

Of course I was new, and even with the best jobs in the world, after a while it can get old. Then a little complaining can start to happen. Leadership changes and assignment adjustments can cause a little less pleasure than ideal. By the time I had been in the band 2 years I was ready for something new. Amazingly, it came!

Just as I became eligible for a new assignment, an announcement appeared on the hall bulletin board. It told of an upcoming vacancy in the Air Force's premier jazz ensemble: The Airmen of Note.

I've been with the Note now for almost ten years, and have occasionally supplemented other ensembles, such as the Singing Sergeants, Air Force Strings, Concert Band, and have been privileged to serve as chamber performer and concerto soloist.

<Previous