Music in the military: it's about influence

American Music Teacher, Dec, 2004 by Lowell E. Graham

USAF:

First Term: 61 percent

Second Term: 73 percent

Career: 95 percent

USAF Band Career Field:

First term: 67 percent

Second Term: 92 percent

Career: 94 percent

It is obvious these figures tell a very significant story. These are great jobs with qualified people (airmen) doing worthy work for our nation using their expertise as musicians. Again, they are military members first, using only cutting-edge technology, equipment and expertise to influence public perception by great performance.

Each year the USAF Band presents a Guest Artist Series in Washington, D.C. at Constitution Hall. This tradition is now in its fourth decade, featuring entertainers of national and international renown performing with various units of the organization. One very popular guest was Keiko Matsui, who returned for a record four consecutive appearances. Following each performance, a reception hosted by the Japanese. Embassy was held for her. It is at this event that something very special happened.

In attendance were many influential and important people. This event was co-sponsored by the Canon Corporation with all its associated leadership--CEO, CFO, VPs and so on. From Japan were the ambassador of Japan to the United States, plus embassy leaders and the military leadership of Japan assigned to the Embassy. From the USAF were the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff, the Vice Chief of Staff, the Assistant vice Chief of Staff, the Commander of the Chief's Own, plus many public affairs people. To say this was a high-level event would be an understatement

I made a few statements and presented Matsui the higher award available from the USAF Band in Washington, D.C. Then the ambassador came to the microphonne for his remarks. After making many pleasant comments, he asked, "I play clarinet; can play in your band?" I smiled, because this again brings home the point that many smart people have a background in music. If you want smart people who can think, educating them musically at a young age is a good way to do it. The, ambassador's comments solidified that concept perfectly. However, he was not done. The next question he asked was profound on so many levels: "lf the United States Air Force Band is this good, how good are your pilots?' Wow He got it! I looked at the Secretary of the USAF, the Chief of Staff and the others. They were beaming. The ambassador understood that when this level of quality, precision and performance was expected and demonstrated by the USAF Band, it had to be the same for the pilots--world-class professionals who do the job right the first time.

If one wants to perform at the highest level, serve the nation, do worthy work and be respected, this is a career to be considered. Yes, it is all about influence.

Lowell E. Graham serves as chair of the music department at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he holds the Abraham Chavez, Jr. Professorship in Music. He assumed this position on his retirement as the commander/conductor of the United States Air Force Band in Washington D.C. At his retirement, Graham was the senior ranking musician in not only the United States Air Force, but the entire Department of Defense.