USAF Falconaires bring world-class jazz and Air Force tradition to the stage

The sound of big band jazz has long been associated with American military tradition, and few ensembles embody that legacy as completely as the United States Air Force Academy Falconaires, the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force Academy. The group will perform on the Western Colorado University (WCU) campus in Gunnison on August 9 and is sponsored by the Pioneer Museum and the WCU music department.

Based at the academy in Colorado Springs, the 18-member professional ensemble performs throughout Colorado and across the United States, entertaining audiences while serving as musical ambassadors for the Air Force. Their performances blend the timeless sounds of swing with contemporary jazz, showcasing a repertoire that spans more than eight decades of uniquely American music.

The Falconaires are one of several ensembles within the United States Air Force Academy Band, whose mission is to inspire patriotism, support Air Force recruiting and community relations, and represent the professionalism of the U.S. Air Force.

Music is an Air Force tradition; the first band was activated on October 1, 1941. Today, there are several bands, including the Falconaires, and the Air Force considers them to be “America’s International Musical Ambassadors.”

The Falconaires are made up of active-duty Air Force airmen selected through highly competitive auditions.

Their concerts feature music from legendary composers and bandleaders such as Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Count Basie, Glenn Miller and Stan Kenton, alongside arrangements from modern composers and original works written specifically for the ensemble. Audiences can expect everything from classic swing standards and bebop to Latin jazz, funk and contemporary big band compositions.

In a statement to the Gunnison Country Times, Jaime Parker, MSgt, USAF said, "Audiences in Gunnison can expect a high-energy show featuring a wide variety of big band music—spanning from the timeless classics of Glenn Miller and Count Basie to cutting-edge modern jazz.

"We are especially excited to perform tracks from our newly released album, Watershed, which features entirely original music and arrangements written by the talented members of The Falconaires. Every performance we give is directly tied to the Air Force Academy's mission to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service. Through the discipline of our music, we seek to inspire the Cadet Wing and the American public alike, showcasing the precision, adaptability, and excellence required of our nation’s future Air Force and Space Force officers.”

 The new album, Watershed, is available on a variety of music platforms including Spotify and Tidal. A quick listen by this reporter to the track Summertime, from the 1935 folk-opera Porgy and Bess, by George Gershwin, is stellar; the lyrics begin with the famous, "Summertime and the livin' is easy..."

Summertime is the iconic opening lullaby from Porgy and Bess, known for its soothing melody, evocative imagery, and enduring influence on American music. At the time, audiences did not know what to make of the work: was it jazz or opera? The Falconaires answer that with a powerful, jazzy rendition featuring vocals by MSgt Kayla Richardson.

Military bands have played an important role in American history since the nation's founding, providing ceremonial music, boosting troop morale and strengthening ties between the armed forces and the public. During World War II, big band music became synonymous with military life as service bands entertained troops at home and overseas.

In addition to public concerts, the ensemble performs at official military ceremonies, civic celebrations, educational clinics and community outreach events. They frequently collaborate with schools and local music programs, offering master classes and workshops that encourage students to pursue music while learning about military service opportunities.

As one of the band's featured performing groups, the Falconaires have earned a national reputation for musical excellence, technical precision, and engaging live performances. Their concerts combine the energy of a professional jazz orchestra with the discipline expected of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

For many communities, a Falconaires performance offers a rare opportunity to hear one of the nation's premier military jazz ensembles without traveling to a major concert hall. Whether performing at a civic festival, community celebration or performing arts venue, the ensemble aims to make jazz accessible while strengthening the connection between the military and the public.

As the Falconaires continue their performance schedule throughout the region, audiences can expect an evening that blends outstanding musicianship, patriotic tradition and the enduring appeal of America's original art form. From swinging classics to contemporary arrangements, the ensemble demonstrates why military bands remain an important part of the nation's cultural and civic life, proving that service and artistry can perform in perfect harmony.

The concert promises to showcase the American musical invention of jazz in all of its groove and vibe. When asked for a list of what the ensemble might play, Parker responded, "Because we are a jazz ensemble, we typically don't announce our programs in advance. We love to keep our audiences on their toes, but more importantly, improvisation is at the heart of what we do. We often finalize our exact music selection on the day of the show to match the energy of the crowd and the event."

According to the Air Force, the musicians have “Proudly represented the people of the United States of America, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Air Force to foreign countries and audience members on a grand scale.”

The Falconaires will continue that tradition and perform on a grand scale at the bandshell next to Quigley Hall on the campus of Western Colorado University on Sunday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m. The concert is free.