Band performs on 'Today' show

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marleah Miller
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
NEW YORK (AFNS) --  Members of the Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass performed in New York City July 4 on NBC's "Today" show.

The band has performed on every Independence Day since 1998 on the "Today" show, which reaches an estimated 5.38 million viewers each morning and more than 17 million on the Fourth of July.

When not performing on national television, the Ceremonial Brass performs its primary mission at Arlington National Cemetery, rendering final honors to fallen comrades-in-arms.

The Ceremonial Brass is one of eight performing units assigned to the Air Force Band in Washington, under the direction of Lt. Col. Alan Sierichs.

"After 13 years in the Band and six or seven 'Today' show appearances, it is easy to dismiss the gig as another job," said Master Sgt. Christopher Quade, an Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass tubist. "But when I look at the people who are there to see the show live, and for some, it may be their once-in-a-life-time trip to the 'Today' show, I play for them, so their experience is the best it can be."

The tubist said he would do it all over again.

"We love playing for the live crowds," he said, "It's a thrill for us to hear them react with such enthusiasm to our performance."

"It was such an honor to be able to represent the men and women of the Air Force and U.S. military on NBC 'Today' on the Fourth of July," said Chief Master Sgt. Ed Teleky, the Air Force Band drum major. "It was truly an exciting experience. The United States Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass members did an absolutely spectacular job representing the Department of Defense in the most positive and professional manner."