• Source: United States Air Forces in Europe Band

      • The 686th Air Force Band, known also as the United States Air Forces in Europe Band (USAFE Band) is composed of 45 active duty Air Force musicians who serve under the United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Command and work as musical ambassadors to European nations in NATO and the European Union. Through numerous radio and television broadcasts, and performances, the USAFE Band provides American music to the troops of USAFE.


      History


      It was first activated on 1 February 1943, as the 386th Army Band of the United States Army Air Forces, the predecessor of the USAF. Starting as a unit of just five members, the band quickly grew to an ensemble of 45. The unit's primary mission was to develop a way to entertain U.S. troops and boost their morale on the frontlines. In addition to performing traditional military ceremonial and parade music, members formed a dance band which performed for evening events on Post, playing the popular swing music of the era, as composed by the Army Air Corps' own Major Glenn Miller, among others. In 1944, amidst some of the fiercest battles of World War II, The band was selected for relocation to Europe; first, briefly, in a suburb of Paris, France, and then in Wiesbaden Germany, where they remained stationed until 1977. Since then, the band has moved among various locations in Germany, ultimately settling at their current home of Ramstein Air Base.


      Functions



      The functions of the band rests in the band's different ensembles. The USAFE Ceremonial Band is mainly provides full musical honors, such as Ruffles and Flourishes. Their presence is centered around traditional military ceremonies such as state visits and funerals. It also takes part in military tattoos and marching festivals all over the continent, earning it the nickname of "America's Musical Ambassador". "The Ambassadors" ensemble is a jazz band with characteristics of big band ensembles. The "Touch & Go" ensemble is a dynamic pop/rock band that covers music of today as well as music of the 70's, 80's and 90's.


      Leadership



      Band Commander: Lt Col Rafael F. Toro-Quiñones
      Flight Commander : Captain Brian O'Donnell
      Senior Enlisted Leader : Chief Master Sergeant Vladimir Tchekan
      Superintendent : Senior Master Sergeant Benjamin Kadow
      First Sergeant: Technical Sergeant Elizabeth Barnette
      Director of Operations: Technical Sergeant Jared M. Andrews


      Structure


      Ceremonial Band
      The Ambassadors
      Concert Band
      Touch & Go
      Winds Aloft
      Five Star Brass
      Wings of Dixie
      Clarinet Quartet


      See also


      List of United States Air Force bands
      United States Air Force Band
      United States Air Force Academy Band
      United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa
      United States Army Europe Band and Chorus
      United States Naval Forces Europe Band


      References




      External links


      Official Website
      Official Twitter Account
      Official Youtube Channel

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