The thought of the United States Air Force does not initially spark relation to music. However, United States Air Force Band of the West goal is to serve our country with music. USAF Band of the West will be putting on a free performance Sunday, January 24th, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Raymondville HS Auditorium. To receive your free tickets please call The Raymondville Chamber of Commerce 956-689-3171.

On October 1st, 1941 the jazz band was brought forth in Moffett Field, California. For many years the band moved from airbase to airbase until reaching a final stop to what is now known as Lackland Air Force Base. Through 1955 to 1959 the band became inactive but would soon start up once more. After years of the name “Band of the West” in May 1997 it became their official trademark. In 1991, USAF Band of the West received their fourth Colonel George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands. The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award was also received for the sixth time for exemplary contributions to Air Force recruitment and community relations programs.

States such as Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Louisiana, have all experienced the sounds of the USAF Band of the West. 300 performances are put on each year throughout Southwest events such as; Texas Jazz Festival, The International Associations of Jazz Educators Convention, and San Antonio’s “Fiesta in Blue”. USAF Band of the West can play a variety of music from jazz to classical to country. These skilled musicians have performed from high schools, communities, and presidents. There is no doubt that is why they remain an influence to the music and military world.