Brass celebrates Fourth of July with millions

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman R. Michael Longoria
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  The United States Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass played its 10th performance in New York on NBC's "Today" show as part of this year's a Fourth of July celebration.

"The U.S. Air Force Band is honored to represent the excellence found in every Air Force career field," said Col. Dennis M. Layendecker, commander and music director. "Our 'Today' show appearance, which reaches an estimated 5.38 million viewers each morning and more than 17 million on the Fourth of July, is a wonderful opportunity to deliver critical Air Force messages through music."

The Ceremonial Brass' drum major said they have a close working relationship with the show producers.

"We have had an absolutely fabulous onsite working relationship with NBC Producers," said Chief Master Sgt. Ed Teleky, drum major and NCO in charge. "The fact that the group is use to performing in all weather conditions and does not require electricity makes it easy for them to get us on the air quickly."

The Ceremonial Brass performed patriotic music and marches throughout the telecast, before and after commercial breaks. At 8:52 a.m., they received a nationwide feature segment highlighted by the Ceremonial Brass performing a selection of "America the Beautiful" arranged by Master Sgt. Kent Baker, U.S. Air Force Band.

The drum major said the tradition is an honor.

"It is pretty amazing and exciting to perform on NBC's Today Show," Chief Teleky said. "After performing on the show now for 10 years, it's still as exciting as the first time we ever aired." 

The chief said this performance is quite different from their usual performances.

"Performing for a live audience that often spends all night so they can get a coveted spot along the rail is night and day from ceremonial performances," Chief Teleky said.

The Ceremonial Brass is one of eight performing units assigned to the U.S. Air Force Band in Washington, under the direction of Colonel Layendecker. When they're not performing on national television, the Ceremonial Brass performs its primary mission at Arlington National Cemetery, rendering final honors to fallen comrades-in-arms.

"Because of our extremely high ceremonial mission demands within the [National Capitol Region] the Ceremonial Brass rarely goes on TDY," Chief Teleky said. "So having the opportunity to travel and perform before a very appreciative audience on our nation's birthday on the most watched morning show in the world is quite thrilling. For me, it is extra special because I am a New York native."

The Chief was born in the Bronx and studied music at The Juilliard School.

For more information about the Air Force Bands, log on to www.usafband.af.mil. For more pictures of the Brass on the "Today" show, log on to http://gallery.mac.com/robmesite#100164.