Susie Anderson
Staff Writer
America’s Big Band will return to Chautauqua when the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band take to the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Amphitheater. In a performance titled “This Will Defend,” the 19-member ensemble will celebrate a central American artform: jazz.
Formed in 1969, the Jazz Ambassadors constitute one-fifth of the Army Field Band’s touring components. Other sections include Concert Band, the Soldiers’ Chorus, the Six-String Soldiers and the Commercial Music Group, which includes the Army Rappers. The performances combine patriotism and music in an effort to connect audiences to the American soldier.
“As they look at active duty soldiers in uniform, we want the audience to take away a broader sense of what the U.S. Army is,” said Master Sergeant James Old, touring coordinator for the United States Army Field Band. “And that’s professionalism, teamwork, excellence and trust. Because, more than anything, we need the trust of the American people if we are to remain an all-volunteer army.”
America’s Big Band attracts talent from universities, conservatories and professional ranks across the country. Applicants to the United States Army Field Band must undergo a preliminary screening, blind audition and side-by-side ensemble audition. Successful applicants then complete basic combat training before joining the stage.
“Civilians can audition, but they’re not civilians when they get to the band,” Old said. “They’re U.S. Army soldiers.”
While Old said “mornings are for music” with a full-ensemble rehearsal, members commit their afternoons to regimented practice and training as active duty military personnel.
The Jazz Ambassadors have toured all 50 states, in addition to Mexico, Canada, Japan, India and throughout Europe, receiving national and international acclaim.
The ensemble kicked off their 16-day summer 2025 tour at the Rochester International Jazz Festival at the beginning of June and will continue to Ohio, Indiana and Michigan after its stop at Chautauqua.
The tour will conclude with a Fourth of July celebration in West Virginia with a joint performance of the Jazz Ambassadors and the Commercial Band component of the United States Army Field Band.
In honor of the recent 250th anniversary of the United States Army on June 14, Old said, “Our programs this summer will be celebrating that legacy of service and sacrifice that has endured since before the birth of our country.”
On Sunday, the presentation of “This Will Defend” will combine musical performance with pre-produced video clips, interviews, soldier spotlights and historical footage to chronicle the story of the United States Army.
“The audience will see the Army through different eras with different eras of big band music,” Old said.
The performance will serve as a tribute to past and present service members, whether they are in the ensemble or the audience.
