May 15, 2024

Chronicles of Valor: The Musical Journey of the USAF Band of Mid-America

Senior Master Sergeant Ryan Leatherman, superintendent and saxophone player for the United States Air Force Band of Mid America discusses the band's mission, upcoming concerts, and hear fascinating insights about performing for distinguished personalities and international tours.

Show Notes
Guest Profile

Hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston highlight the upcoming performances of the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America in St. Louis. Joined by Senior Master Sergeant Ryan Leatherman, Superintendent and saxophonist, they delve into the various ensembles and roles within the band. The discussion also touches on Ryan’s career path, the significance of military bands, and the power of music in honoring veterans, connecting communities, and inspiring service. Concert information listed below.

[00:00] Introduction to St. Louis in Tune and Upcoming Air Force Band Event

[00:38] Civility Tips

[02:16] Special Guest: Senior Master Sergeant Ryan Leatherman

[04:34] Exploring the US Air Force Band of Mid America's Mission and Impact

[07:14] Details on the Chronicles of Valor Concerts

[09:29] Audition Opportunities and Life in the Air Force Band

[15:01] The Superintendent Role and Musical Teams within the Band

[16:57] The Power of Music and Upcoming Performances

[20:51] Transition to Technical Sergeant Quincy Garner's Jazz History Project

[24:09] Dred Scott Heritage Foundation Announcement

[30:15] A Musical Journey: Band Performances and National Anthems

[30:42] Exploring Free Military Band Performances

[31:45]The Challenge of Military Music

[32:08] Discovering the Space Force Song

[33:49] The Thrill of Military Precision: Thunderbirds and Blue Angels

[35:32] A Whirlwind of Unique Celebrations: From Hummus to Top Gun Day

[35:58] The Curious World of Cough Drops and National Days

[43:44] Sibling Dynamics and the Pecking Order

[44:23] Humor and Life's Little Quirks

[46:58] Closing Thoughts and Podcast Information

Concerts-Chronicles of Valor

Monday, May 20 at 7:00pm Concert Band - Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University, 701 College Rd, Lebanon, IL 62254, Get tickets at: https://mckendree.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2099
Tuesday, May 21 at 7:00pm Concert Band - Skip Viragh Center, St. Louis, MO 63131, Get tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usaf-band-of-mid-america-chronicles-of-valor-tickets-872866646637?aff=oddtdtcreator
Wednesday, May 22 at 7:00pm -Concert Band - Purser Center at Logan University, 1851 Schoettler Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017, Get tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usaf-band-of-mid-america-chronicles-of-valor-tickets-872872283497?aff=oddtdtcreator
Friday, May 24 at 7:00pm Concert Band - Kirkwood Performing Arts Center (KPAC), 210 E Monroe Ave, Kirkwood, MO 63122, Get tickets at: https://www.metrotix.com/events/detail/air-force-concert-band

This is Season 7! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#usaf #usafbandofmidamerica #bandmusic #military #militaryband #saxophone #scottairforcebase #chroniclesofvalor

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Senior Master Sergeant Ryan Leatherman

Senior Master Sergeant, Superintendent USAF Band of Mid-America

Senior Master Sergeant Ryan Leatherman serves as a Superintendent and saxophone player for the Band of Mid-America. Joining the Air Force in 2009, Sergeant Leatherman was assigned to the USAF Band of the West, Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, TX and served as a saxophone player. In 2014 he was assigned to the USAF Band of the Pacific at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, HI where he serves as a saxophone player, section chief of operations and non-commissioned officer in charge of our largest ensemble, Hana Hou. While assigned to the Band of the Pacific he has participated in multiple international tours to locations such as Japan, Australia and Singapore.

Originally from Des Moines, IA, Sergeant Leatherman pursued a bachelor’s degree from Drake University and a dual master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining the Air Force his career took him throughout the United States and Europe, where he performed with renowned artists in a variety of musical styles, including Dick Oatts, Bobby Shew, Sinfonia da Camera, and The Temptations. His teachers include Debra Richtmeyer, "Chip" McNeill, Ron Bridgewater, Glenn Wilson, and Bob Long.

EDUCATION

2002 Bachelor of Music, Saxophone Performance with Jazz Concentration, Drake University
2008 Master of Music, Saxophone, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2008 Master of Music, Jazz Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2012 Airman Leadership School
2013 Associate’s in Applied Science, Music, Community College of the Air Force… Read More