Airmen of Note's 2011 Spring Tour comes to an end

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  The Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the Air Force, finished their 2011 Spring Tour through Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas March 30.

"Touring the U.S. gives the Airmen of Note the opportunity to influence communities by demonstrating the excellence and passion with which all Air Force members accomplish their jobs," said Senior Master Sgt. Joe Jackson, the director and lead trombonist with Airmen of Note.

The Airmen of Note successfully entertained more than 11,000 people during 16 tour performances. Additionally, their performance March 25 at the University of Mississippi,  in Oxford, was broadcast live on Mississippi Public Broadcast radio to approximately 10,000 listeners.

"Having the opportunity to represent the world's greatest Air Force gives us the opportunity to tell the Air Force story everywhere we go with powerful messages, impeccable appearance and exhilarating music," Sergeant Jackson said.

The ensemble brought home five proclamations to and they also had a special guest performance with legendary jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen.

"When I heard a rumor that Doc Severinsen was in Knoxville," Sergeant Jackson said, "I promptly contacted an Army band colleague, who put me in touch with an old friend of Doc's, who put me in touch with Cathy Leach, the University of Tennessee professor of trumpet. Dr. Leach put me in touch with Doc, and he agreed to perform the following night."

The audience was entertained March 19 with Mr. Severinsen's guest performance at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

"Mind you, this all took shape in less than 24 hours," Sergeant Jackson said. "Bringing this collaboration to fruition in such a short period of time would be impossible without having the flexibility of these amazingly talented musicians in the band."

Tech. Sgt. Paige Martin, an Airmen of Note vocalist, got to visit her "second home" at the Knoxville performance as well.

"I have numerous close friends in that area," Sergeant Martin said, "many of whom were in attendance at the UTK show. That's what made it special - seeing all those familiar faces and being able to give back to them even a little of the joy they have given me."

Along with Sergeant Martin, Senior Master Sgt. Kevin R. Burns, a lead trumpeter with the Airmen of Note, performed March 20 in his hometown of Cleveland, Tenn., at Cleveland State Community College.

"Performing in my hometown was truly great," Sergeant Burns said. "I don't get to go home enough, and it was fun to see many friends and family while I was there. I've had the opportunity to tour through Cleveland a few times. This was the first tour, however, where I got to tour through the entire state, which was really fun. Cleveland is a huge military supporter and always fills the venues we play for."

Following the Airmen of  Note tour, the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants departed for their 2011 Spring Tour. To catch one of their performances visit the Air Force Band's website at: www.usafband.af.mil/events/index.asp