By Meg Gosser
March 10, 2011
ARKADELPHIA, Ark.—Ouachita Baptist University will host Airmen of Note, the premier big band jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force, for a free concert at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 27, in Jones Performance Arts Center.
Stationed in Washington, D.C., the Airmen of Note have performed for millions of people through live concerts and numerous radio and television appearances, as well as on world-class recordings since their inception in 1941 as the Bolling Army Air Forces Band. As one of eight performing units of the United States Air Force Band and one of today’s few touring big bands, it has earned an international reputation as one of the finest and most versatile big bands of its kind in the world.
“The Airmen of Note is one of the most outstanding jazz bands in the world,” said Dr. Craig Hamilton, Lena Goodwin Trimble Professor of Music at Ouachita and director of bands. “Anyone who loves big band music or jazz will not want to miss this concert.”
The band’s remarkable success in community outreach has been forged by six decades of world-class jazz musicians, composers and arrangements and boasts a strong history of guest artist collaborations with such artists as Patti LaBelle, Michael Feinstein and Louis Gossett, Jr. It supports the global Air Force mission by providing professional musical products and services for official military, troop morale, recruiting and community relations events and is also a leading force in music education.
The Airmen of Note’s commitment to musical excellence and reputation for setting the highest standards has earned the respect of the world’s foremost jazz artists. Count Basie, the popular American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader and composer has said, “It doesn’t matter what kind of bag you put them in, jazz or dance, the Airmen of Note always come out swinging. This is one band you won’t want to miss.”
Late comedian and actor Bob Hope agreed, saying, “No one swings harder than the Airmen of Note, except for me trying to hit a golf ball.”
“It is a wonderful opportunity to hear a live concert by one of the best bands in the world,” Hamilton concluded.
Free tickets are available by contacting the OBU Box Office at wheata@obu.edu or by calling (870) 245-5563 weekdays from 2-5 p.m. For more information about the band, visit www.USAFBand.af.mil.
