Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The Jazz Ambassadors—America's Big Band is the official touring big band of the United States Army. This 19-member ensemble, formed in 1969, has received great acclaim both at home and abroad performing America's original art form, jazz.
Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are designed to entertain all types of audiences. Custom compositions and arrangements highlight the group's creative talent and gifted soloists. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals, and patriotic selections.
The band has appeared in all fifty states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and throughout Europe. Notable performances include concerts at international jazz festivals in Montreux, Switzerland; Newport, Rhode Island; Toronto, Canada; Brussels, Belgium; and the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. In 1995, the Jazz Ambassadors performed in England, Wales, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the end of World War II. The band has also been featured in unique joint concerts with major orchestras, including the Detroit and Baltimore symphonies.
The United States Army Field Band - Jazz Ambassadors
Conductor's Bio
Chief Warrant Officer Two Daniel Wood joined The United States Army Field Band in December 2014 as
the Officer-in-Charge of America’s Big Band, The Jazz Ambassadors, and the Army’s premier touring rock band,
The Volunteers. Prior to this assignment, he served as Commander of the 10th Mountain Division Band at Fort
Drum, New York, with whom he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, providing music throughout
the theater of operations for service members and civilians. He has also served as Commander of the I Corps Band at
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. As an enlisted Soldier-Musician, CW2 Wood was assigned as a French
horn player to the Infantry Center Band at Fort Benning, Georgia and the Intelligence Center of Excellence Band at
Fort Huachuca, Arizona. While in Arizona, he also performed as Music Director and principal conductor of the
Sierra Vista Community Band.
CW2 Wood holds a Master of Music degree and Bachelor of Music Education degree from New Mexico
State University. While earning his Master’s degree, he served as Director of the Basketball Band, Co-Director for
the NMSU Symphonic Band, and Assistant for the NMSU Pride Marching Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Although raised in an Air Force family involving multiple moves, CW2 Wood considers Las Cruces, New Mexico
his home.
Joining him in his Army life are his beautiful wife, Dyana, and their four sons.
Back