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Airmen of Note tour in full swing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes
  • The USAF Band
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. --  The U.S. Air Force Band's Airmen of Note performed with guest artist and legendary jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen March 19 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

The performance was the fifth on the Note's 2011 Spring Tour across Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.

"It simply meant having a visit from a very dear friend. It doesn't get any better than that," said Tech. Sgt. Paige Martin, vocalist with the Airmen of Note. "Doc Severinsen is both a long-time friend and a staunch supporter of the Airmen of Note."

There are a couple things that the Air Force and the jazz world have in common: both are a family-like community of people who truly enjoy what they do for their profession.

That enjoyment was felt by the crowd as an explosion of excitement from the audience of over 800 people erupted with the announcement that Mr. Severinsen would be performing with the Note that evening.

The significance of having a jazz band like the Note in the military humanizes what enlistment can be, according to Mr. Severinsen. "They really make a great image for the services," said the famous trumpeter. "It awakens a lot of young people to the possibilities."

A benefit of joining the service for young people is that it will qualify them to do a lot of things in their future, said Mr. Severinsen.

However, this performance was special for more than just the audience. Sergeant Martin had the opportunity to visit a place that she calls her "second home." She moved to the Knoxville area in her mid-twenties and lived there for more than seven years.

"I have often said I spent my childhood in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, but I did my 'growing up' in the foothills of the Smokies," said Sergeant Martin.

Seeing the familiar faces from that period of her life and giving back to them even a little of the joy they have given her made the night very special, said Sergeant Martin.

"I happen to be her number-one fan," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Ray Stone, a former member of the Airmen of Note. The chief said his title is official because he arm-wrestled for it.

Chief Stone was a member of the Note when the group was only five years old. He was there when the Note performed on the "Tonight Show" with Mr. Severinsen.

"We had it good," said Chief Stone while reminiscing about all of his travels with the group. "The band has always been great."

"Singing with the Airmen of Note is my dream job," said Sergeant Martin. "I waited ten years as a civilian for this opening in this band. I love my job, and I am blessed to work with not only the most amazing musicians in the industry, but some of the most 'stand-up' guys you'll ever meet."

Joining the service was an interest of Mr. Severinsen as well. He started his performance with a story for the audience about his friend, former USAF Band commander and conductor, retired Col. Arnald Gabriel. The colonel asked him to join the reserves to perform with the military bands, specifically the Note when they would request his services. However, his age at the time disqualified him.

Although performing with the Note is her "dream job," Sergeant Martin finds it difficult being away from her daughter, Natalie.

"I keep reminding myself that many of my fellow Airmen are deployed for upwards of a year at a time," said Sergeant Martin. "It doesn't make me miss my girl any less, but that little reminder certainly puts everything in its proper perspective. It also makes me infinitely thankful for every person who has ever volunteered to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces."

The Note, along with Mr. Severinsen, entertained every individual who attended. At the show's conclusion, the audience would not leave without a few additional songs after the closer from the Note.

To follow the Note on their 2011 Spring Tour please visit their website for the calendar of performance dates at: http://www.usafband.af.mil/events/index.asp.