Colonel Layendecker Announces His Retirement
Colonel Dennis M. Layendecker, the Commander and Music Director of The United States Air Force Band, recently announced his decision to retire from the Air Force after 26 years of distinguished service. The retirement ceremony is set to take place on June 30.
Since taking command of The Air Force Band seven years ago in 2002, Colonel Layendecker has led "America's International Musical Ambassadors" to new heights with Air Force message-oriented programming, broadcasting and visionary leadership. Colonel Layendecker will remain in the Washington, D.C. area returning to his academic roots in the fall of 2009. He moves into a full professorship holding the Heritage Chair in Music as Director of Orchestras at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.
Succeeding Colonel Layendecker will be Lieutenant Colonel Alan C. Sierichs. Currently serving as the Deputy Commander of The United States Air Force Band, Lieutenant Colonel Sierichs will bring a great wealth of experience to our organization.
It is with great respect and admiration that the men and women of The United States Air Force Band offer Colonel Layendecker and his family best wishes in the next chapter of his life, and welcome Lieutenant Colonel Sierichs into his new role as our commander.
Read more and see photos of Col Layendecker's career with The USAF Band...
From the Commander
Dear Colleagues and Friends of The United States Air Force Band,
| How quickly seven years have flown! Retiring from active duty effective 1 September 2009 to return to public education, I am tempted to reflect and reminisce over these past 26 years. It has truly been my privilege to serve this Nation as a member of our Air Force, particularly doing what I love most to do ... make great music with great people. I am both inspired and humbled by the overwhelming professionalism of all of my colleagues in uniform, across all services. However, I well up with emotion as I ponder and remember my fellow Airmen-Musicians who I have been honored to command and conduct across the globe. I owe all of them a debt of gratitude that I admittedly can never adequately repay. Over the past quarter of a century they have put their minds, hearts, and souls into the music they have played. In the process they have consistently lifted me up ... along with millions upon millions of grateful listeners! Words cannot possibly capture my profound respect, admiration, and sincere gratitude for what they have accomplished. Read more... |
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Band's Director of Marketing and Outreach to Retire Chief Master Sgt. Elizabeth Campeau, Director of Marketing and Outreach for The USAF Band, will retire this summer, after 21 years of service in the Air Force. A native of Pinckney, Michigan and a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Chief Campeau began her career as a clarinetist in the Concert Band in 1988. One of many highlights of her career came on September 11, 2008, at the dedication of the Pentagon 9-11 Memorial. "My role in the ceremony was to read the names of 98 of the 184 Pentagon attack victims. The ceremony marked the first time all the names would be read in public, and it was a great honor to be able to pay tribute to these heroes, in front of the live audience as well as for the international television audience. Only in a military band would I have been afforded a unique opportunity like this," she said. "I joined the organization as a clarinet player, and never imagined that I would serve in such a wide variety of roles." Read more... |
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Master Sgt. Stacy Newbrough Ascione Principal Flutist, The USAF Concert Band One of the most fun and challenging things musicians get to do is to be a featured soloist with a large ensemble, such as a band or an orchestra. When it's your turn to be in the spotlight, remember that are many things to consider when asked to be a soloist. Read more... |
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Summer Concert Series (every Wednesday & Friday night--June, July & August)
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On March 20, 2009, the Band was proud to host children and their parents from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The children were given a tour of Bolling Air Force Base that culminated in a luncheon concert presented by chamber groups from the various units of the Band. Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has been enriching the lives of children with threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. It was with great pride that the men and women of The United States Air Force Band could spend some time with these amazing children!
Read more...
The U.S. Air Force Band Soars Into Summer  With summer just around the corner, The United States Air Force Band is gearing up for concerts at venues throughout the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area during the months of June, July and August. Read more... |
Hails and Farewells The United States Air Force Band wishes to say thank you and farewell to the following members: Colonel Dennis M. Layendecker, Commander and Music Director of The USAF Band--Retirement Chief Master Sgt. Elizabeth K. Campeau, Director of Marketing & Outreach--Retirement Technical Sgt. Christopher W. Wilson, Concert Band--Separation And we would like to welcome our newest members: Technical Sgt. Matthew P. Nudell, Concert Band--Trombone Mrs. Chyane Mojica, Commander's Support Staff |
Recollections
The United States Air Force Band is continually working to expand our archives and capture details of the historic music made throughout the years. "Recollections" was designed to enlist your help in this process. Each month we include a photo, or collection of photos, where we welcome your memories and recollections. Please take a moment to reflect on the photographs shown here. If you have any insight as to who is in them, when or where they were taken, or any stories you can share about the event, please email Band Historian Technical Sgt. Tracey MacDonald at USAFBandHistorian@afncr.af.mil. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you!
Please click either of the images below to see them on our website. When there, select "Download Full Image" to view a larger, more detailed picture.
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Recollections Revealed
To read newly-discovered background information pertaining to the photos we included in last month's Cadenza, please click here.
Cadenza
Colonel Dennis M. Layendecker, Commander & Music Director
Chief Master Sergeant Elizabeth Campeau, Director of Marketing & Outreach
Senior Master Sergeant Robin A. McConnell, Managing Editor
Master Sergeant Brian McCurdy, Editor in Chief
Technical Sergeant Matthew Smith, Graphic Layout, Online Distribution, & Web Publishing
Master Sergeant Matthew J. Irish, Contributing Editor
Technical Sergeants Brooke Emery and Josh Kowalsky, Contributing Editors
Technical Sergeant Tracey MacDonald, Band Historian
Master Sergeant Linda C. Waring, Director of Photo Services
BAFB Photo Lab, Photography
