United States Air Force Academy Band

10/22/2026

10/14/2026

Inside the USAFA Drum & Bugle Corps!

Technical Sergeant Ryan Spencer of the United States Air Force Academy Band served as Director of the USAFA Drum & Bugle Corps, leading the ensemble with precision, passion, and pride!

In this special behind-the-scenes interview, TSgt Spencer and members of the Corps share their experiences, the incredible opportunities to travel and perform, and what makes being part of this unique organization so rewarding.

From unforgettable performances to lifelong friendships, the Drum & Bugle Corps offers cadets an opportunity to develop leadership, build camaraderie, and represent the United States Air Force Academy through music.

Hear their stories and discover what makes the USAFA Drum & Bugle Corps so special!

🎥- Producer: SMSgt Jeff Valentine
Videographers: SMSgt Jeff Valentine, TSgt Gabe Petkaitis
Audio Engineers: SMSgt John Marsh, TSgt Gabe Petkaitis
Assistants: MSgt Nicholas Palensky, TSgt Nicole Frankel

10/09/2026

From the concert stage to the classroom 📚

Alongside his role as a clarinetist with the United States Air Force Academy Band, TSgt Ivan Hernandez also teaches Spanish 131 in USAFA’s Department of Languages and Cultures within the Academic Wing.

Each morning, he works with cadets as they build practical Spanish skills through conversation, cultural study, and real-world communication. The goal goes beyond learning vocabulary. It is about helping prepare future officers to communicate effectively, understand different cultures, and lead in an increasingly global environment.

📸 - SMSgt Jeff Valentine, TSgt Nicole Frankel

10/06/2026

Music. Connection. Possibility. 🇺🇸🎶

Wild Blue brought the sounds of the U.S. Air Force Academy Band to Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows, New York, connecting with students alongside an Academy graduate who helped bring the Academy experience to life.

From the performance to conversations with students, the visit offered an opportunity to share the people, experiences, and possibilities behind an Academy education. Music opened the door for students to ask questions and connect with those who serve.

As full-time active-duty Airmen and professional musicians, we’re proud to represent the Academy and help introduce the next generation to opportunities in leadership and service.

Thank you, Francis Lewis High School, for welcoming us!

📸 - Patrick Brush, SrA Tyler Oravits

10/05/2026

A major league moment. 🇺🇸⚾️

MSgt Denver Murphy, vocalist with the United States Air Force Academy Band, performed the national anthem before a crowd of more than 38,000 fans at Yankee Stadium.

Representing the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Academy through music, our musicians connect with communities across the country, sharing the pride and professionalism of our Airmen and highlighting the Academy’s mission to develop leaders of character.

Thank you to the Yankees for welcoming us to the Bronx!

📸 - SMSgt Jeff Valentine

10/02/2026

🎺 This Falconaires Friday, we’re spotlighting a special collaboration with trumpeter and composer Shane Endsley at Acacia Park!

A founding member of the Grammy-nominated group Kneebody, Shane brings an inventive voice to contemporary jazz, blending jazz, rock, and adventurous improvisation. The Falconaires performed arrangements of his original tunes—with Shane himself joining the ensemble on trumpet! Having the composer on stage made this an especially memorable opportunity to explore his music together.

The performance was part of the Downtown Summer Music Series, presented by Dizzy Charlie’s in partnership with the Downtown Creative District. We were proud to join this celebration of live music in the heart of Colorado Springs, connecting with our neighbors and sharing the musicianship of the Airmen who call this community home.

Thank you to Shane for sharing his artistry, to the series organizers for bringing our community together, and to everyone who joined us for an evening of jazz at Acacia Park! 🇺🇸

📸 - SMSgt Jeff Valentine, MSgt Nick Palensky

09/29/2026

A performance can open the door to a conversation about the future. 🎶✈️

Wild Blue Country and U.S. Air Force Academy Admissions visited Aviation High School together, giving students a chance to experience the music of the USAFA Band and hear directly from Admissions representatives about opportunities at the Academy.

After the performance, students came forward with questions and spent time talking with both teams. That’s what makes this partnership special: music brings students together, and the conversations that follow help them picture where their own paths could lead.

Thank you, Aviation High School, for welcoming us!

📸 - Patrick Brush, SMSgt Jeff Valentine, SrA Tyler Oravits

Band

09/28/2026

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 and the 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 team joined forces in 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞 to connect with New Yorkers through music and conversations about life at the Academy.

While Wild Blue performed in the heart of the city, Admissions representatives met with prospective cadets and families, sharing the opportunities that await the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders.

Thank you to our Admissions teammates for making this mission such a memorable one!

📸 - Patrick Brush
📸 - SrA Tyler Oravits