About this Unit
The United States Air Force Band was established on September 24, 1941, at Bolling Field in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission has been to provide musical support for official military, diplomatic, and community events, serving as a key element in Air Force public relations and morale. Over the decades, the Band has performed at presidential inaugurations, state funerals, and international events, earning a reputation for excellence and versatility. The USAF Band continues to represent the professionalism and heritage of the Air Force through its worldwide performances and outreach programs.
Historical Facts
• Origins in WWII: The United States Air Force Band was established in 1941, originally as part of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, and became the official band of the newly independent Air Force in 1947.
• Presidential Performances: The USAF Band has performed at every presidential inauguration since President Harry S. Truman in 1949.
• Global Ambassadors: The band has toured in over 70 countries, acting as musical ambassadors and promoting goodwill for the United States around the globe.
• John Philip Sousa Connection: The first commander of the band, Alf Heiberg, was a protégé of the legendary "March King" John Philip Sousa.
• Musical Diversity: The band consists of multiple ensembles, including the Concert Band, Singing Sergeants (chorus), Airmen of Note (jazz), Ceremonial Brass, and rock/pop group Max Impact.
• First Female Conductor: In 2012, Major Michelle Rakers became the first female conductor of the USAF Band, breaking a longstanding gender barrier.
• Unique Holiday Flash Mobs: The band's flash mob performances, especially their 2013 holiday flash mob at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, have gone viral with millions of views worldwide.
• 9/11 Response: In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the band played at numerous memorials and ceremonies, offering comfort and solidarity through music.
• White House Regulars: Members of the USAF Band regularly perform at official White House functions, state dinners, and arrival ceremonies for foreign dignitaries.
• Highly Selective: Band members are recruited through a rigorous audition process, with only a handful being selected out of hundreds of applicants each year, making it one of the most prestigious military ensembles in the world.
