Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force. Stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., it is one of six musical ensembles that form The U.S. Air Force Band. Created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller's Army Air Forces dance band, the current band consists of 18 active-duty musicians, including one vocalist. Through the years, the Airmen of Note has presented its own brand of big band jazz as well as more contemporary forms of jazz to audiences via annual tours across the United States, deployments around the world, and local performances throughout metropolitan Washington D.C. For smaller, more intimate venues, the Airmen of Note Combo and various individual musicians perform apart from the full band to support military and civilian ceremonial and diplomatic events.
Their commitment to musical excellence has earned the foremost jazz artists’ respect worldwide, leading to many collaborative performances and recordings with such luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, and Doc Severinsen. In 1990, the Airmen of Note established the Jazz Heritage Series, featuring the “Note” in concert with legendary icons of jazz. The series broadcasts to millions over National Public Radio, independent jazz radio stations, satellite radio services, and the internet. Additionally, the “Note” produces and delivers recorded music to millions of fans worldwide through hundreds of media outlets. One of the group's holiday recordings, "Cool Yule," reached #2 on the JazzWeek jazz chart.
As part of The U.S. Air Force Band, the Airmen of Note’s mission is to HONOR those who have served, INSPIRE American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and CONNECT with the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States. The excellence demonstrated by the Airmen of Note reflects the excellence displayed by all Airmen stationed worldwide, whose selfless service and sacrifices ensure the freedoms enjoyed by citizens of the United States of America.
The USAF Band Airmen of Note
Conductor's Bio
Master Sgt. Lucas Brandon is the music director and trumpeter for the Airmen of Note, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his Air Force career began in 2013.
Brandon completed his Bachelor of Music degree in jazz trumpet performance from Temple University in 2010. While there, he studied privately with jazz trumpeter and bandleader Terell Stafford -- a mentorship to which he attributes much of his interest in big band repertoire and band leadership. In 2012, Brandon was awarded top honors at the National Trumpet Competition, Jazz Division.
Brandon has collaborated with luminaries Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Nicholas Payton, Slide Hampton, Phil Woods, Bob Dorough, Orrin Evans, Dick Oatts, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, as well as pop icons Molly Ringwald, Bobby Rydell, and The Temptations.
Brandon's Air Force career highlights include the Jazz Heritage Series concerts with Terell Stafford, Branford Marsalis, Christian McBride, Chris Potter, Kenny Barron, Peter Bernstein, and Peter Erskine, as well as numerous appearances at some of the country's top jazz festivals, including Detroit, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Lionel Hampton and Hartford jazz festivals. Brandon marched in the 45th Presidential Inauguration and the 2017 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He also performed on several Airmen of Note recordings including “Veterans of Jazz," “AIR Power!," and “Global Reach."
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