Commanders Jazz Ensemble of the USAF Band of the Golden West

The Commanders Jazz Ensemble, a newly-revived ensemble coming from the US Air Force Band of the Golden West, carries on the American musical tradition of the great big bands, yet offers a lot more than the big band sounds. This energetic group of highly-trained professional musicians, formed from about a dozen Airmen, delivers the full gamut of jazz music - traditional jazz, cool, bop, swing, Broadway favorites, popular tunes, Latino rhythms, and patriotic music.

A typical evening with The Commanders might include favorites from Duke Ellington, Woody Herman and Count Basie, to Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie--to the sounds of today's greatest salsa groups and modern jazz groups, plus American show tunes and pop songs delivered by the group's enchantingly talented vocalist. Their renditions of hot jazz standards of any style feature rousing improvised solos from every instrument in the group. This is an ensemble capable of delivering a truly unique combination of entertainment.

In addition to enjoyable community concerts, the group offers informative lecture and performance clinics and general assembly programs. They visit colleges and schools throughout the region, inspiring future generations of musicians and connecting with youth.