United States Air Force Band’s ‘Airmen of Note’ Coming to Montana

I'm a grown-up band kid.

I started playing the clarinet in the fourth grade and continued until my senior year in college, so I have years worth of wonderful memories playing music in small, medium, and large groups.

Among all of the band memories I have, I can say with great confidence that I distinctly remember when the United States Air Force Band visited my high school.

It was just a quartet and they came during our band period. It was almost like a private concert. They were dressed in uniform and I remember their instruments looked pristine. Then they played, and I couldn't believe how perfect their tone was, or how precise their rhythms were. It was pure excellence.

After they played, they answered our questions and invited us to attend their evening concert for free. I thought that was so cool.

Flash forward, and much to my delight and the delight of many, the United States Air Force Band "Airmen of Note" will be performing in Montana this May.

The United States Air Force Band has six performing groups and the "Airmen of Note" is the jazz ensemble. Listen below to the impeccable articulation in this performance of "Hunting Wabbits," a piece by Gordon Goodwin.

Part of the mission of the United States Air Force Band is to honor those who have served, past and present but also to inspire.

"Performing live and meeting communities around the country is a regular highlight of our mission," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian MacDonald, Flight Chief and split lead trumpet of the Airmen of Note in a press release. "We look forward to sharing America's unique music with the local community in each city!"

Here's a schedule of the band's tour in Montana. Concerts are free but tickets are required.

Wednesday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Sentinel High School 901 South Ave W #7910 Missoula, MT 59801

Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Butte Civic Center 1340 Harrison Ave Butte, MT 59701

Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Willson Auditorium 404 W Main St Bozeman, MT 59715

Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Billings West High School 2201 St Johns Ave Billings, MT 59102

For full details visit the United States Air Force Bands website.