United States Air Force
The US Air Force is a great place for musicians to work, so long as they can adjust to their surroundings.
It's one of the few steady paychecks with great benefits available to musicians, especially those who prefer
playing over teaching. I worked primarily as a composer/arranger, but everyone had multiple "duties." As
soon as I achieved NCO status, I was placed in charge of the Jazz West big band at March AFB, California, and
remained as NCOIC of that group for most of the rest of my Air Force career. We played many tours throughout
the western states and Mexico.
These shots of Jazz West are about the only evidence of my nod to 80s style with permed hair.
What was I thinking?