Overview
Must be an expert baritone saxophone player with the ability to perform in diverse music performance teams including professional jazz groups, popular music groups, chamber/concert ensembles, and ceremonial/marching band units. Must possess outstanding stylistic command over diverse musical genres, including as a big-band section player and jazz soloist. Strong improvisatory skills and doubling skills on flute and clarinet are a must. The ability to move between different sizes of saxophone (soprano through bari) and sound authentic is also a highly-valued skill. Must produce outstanding characteristic tone and control of the instrument’s sound to enhance musicality at the highest level. Must have outstanding sight-reading (which also includes reading and soloing on unfamiliar chord changes), performance technique, and the ability to master advanced literature quickly. Must perform with very accurate pitch, and the ability to move seamlessly through different tempi, meters, and rhythmic subdivisions. Must demonstrate effortless and creative phrasing and dynamics, both written and implied in diverse musical styles.
Audition InformationExcerpts
About United States Air Force Academy Band
The United States Air Force Academy Band uses the power of music to honor our nation’s heroes, inspire Air Force personnel and the nation they serve, and communicate Air Force excellence to millions around the world. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Willen, the Academy Band provides year-round support to the United States Air Force Academy and the 4,000 students in the cadet wing, helping build and motivate leaders of character to serve our country as officers in the United States Air Force. Moreover, performance teams travel throughout the United States assisting the Air Force Academy in recruiting students excited to pursue a world-class education and rewarding career.
Beyond supporting the Air Force Academy, the band travels throughout the states of Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North and South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming showcasing the excellence and professionalism of the United States Air Force and the Air Force Academy. These community relations concerts seek to inspire patriotism and service, and connect our nation’s citizens to their armed forces. Performing groups and individuals also regularly offer clinics to junior high, high school, and university students. Furthermore, band members are honored to deploy in support of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command mission, promoting troop morale, diplomacy, and outreach to international communities. Typically, the Academy Band shares information about the Air Force and Air Force Academy missions with 1.5 million live audience members, 75 million television viewers, and over 400,000 radio listeners each year.
The 60 professional Airman-musicians of the Academy Band come together to create nine professional ensembles that have been featured in Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, on Fox & Friends and SiriusXM radio. Whatever the event, the men and women of the United States Air Force Academy Band are prepared and proud to serve the Air Force and Air Force Academy missions around the world.
