Four uniformed Air Force band members walk in front of a naval ship carrying instruments.

U.S. Air Force Band of Flight Road Tour

Members of the United States Air Force Band of Flight take a tour of the Buffalo Naval Park, Buffalo, New York, Nov. 16, 2024. The Band of Flight, stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, The Band of Flight presents more than 250 performances annually, supporting official military functions, ceremonies, civic events, and public concerts. (U.S Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
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Six brass band members perform a concert on a football field.

U.S. Air Force Band of Flight Road Tour

The United States Air Force Band of Flight performs “God Bless America” pregame for the Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs football game Nov. 17, 2024, at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York. The Band of Flight presents more than 250 performances annually, supporting official military functions, ceremonies, civic events, and public concerts. (U.S Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
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Audience members dance as a brass ensemble performs at a Naval Park.

U.S. Air Force Band of Flight Road Tour

Audience members dance as the United States Air Force Band of Flight Spirit of Freedom brass ensemble performs at the Buffalo Naval Park, Buffalo, New York, Nov. 16, 2024. The Band of Flight presents more than 250 performances annually, supporting official military functions, ceremonies, civic events, and public concerts. (U.S Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • Four uniformed Air Force band members walk in front of a naval ship carrying instruments.

    U.S. Air Force Band of Flight Road Tour

    Members of the United States Air Force Band of Flight take a tour of the Buffalo Naval Park, Buffalo, New York, Nov. 16, 2024. The Band of Flight, stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, The Band of Flight presents more than 250 performances annually, supporting official military functions, ceremonies, civic events, and public concerts. (U.S Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • Six brass band members perform a concert on a football field.

    U.S. Air Force Band of Flight Road Tour

    The United States Air Force Band of Flight performs “God Bless America” pregame for the Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs football game Nov. 17, 2024, at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York. The Band of Flight presents more than 250 performances annually, supporting official military functions, ceremonies, civic events, and public concerts. (U.S Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • Audience members dance as a brass ensemble performs at a Naval Park.

    U.S. Air Force Band of Flight Road Tour

    Audience members dance as the United States Air Force Band of Flight Spirit of Freedom brass ensemble performs at the Buffalo Naval Park, Buffalo, New York, Nov. 16, 2024. The Band of Flight presents more than 250 performances annually, supporting official military functions, ceremonies, civic events, and public concerts. (U.S Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Spirit of Freedom completes tour with NFL performance

  • Published
  • By Jack Gardner
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  

The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight’s Spirit of Freedom concluded a three-concert tour with a performance in front of more than 70,000 fans at a National Football League game, marking the culmination of their mission to bring music and military pride to diverse audiences. 

The Spirit of Freedom, a versatile brass ensemble based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, honors veterans, inspires the next generation, and connects with audiences of all ages through its energetic performances. 

Uniformed band members perform on stage to an audience of students

The United States Air Force Band of Flight Spirit of Freedom brass ensemble performs at Jefferson High School in Jefferson, Ohio, Nov. 15, 2024. The Band of Flight, stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is a 17-member organization and features 2 musical component groups. Flight One is the popular-music group and Spirit of Freedom is a brass ensemble with a percussionist and vocalist. (U.S Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
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The tour began at Jackson High School in Jackson, Ohio, where the ensemble performed for more than 600 students. 

“Those students made it so much fun out there,” said Master Sgt. James Hubbard, music director and trombonist with the Spirit of Freedom. “When you get to perform music for people as your job, and they give you that kind of energy and excitement, it makes you proud and you feed into that passion.” 

Next, the band then traveled to Buffalo, New York, for a performance at the Buffalo Naval and Military Park, the largest inland naval and military park in the country, opened to the public in 1979. Families gathered at the park, singing and dancing to familiar tunes like “America the Beautiful” and the service songs of each Department of Defense branch. 

“We may be an Air Force band, but when we perform, it’s important for everyone who served to have their branches recognized,” said Master Sgt. Will McCrary, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Spirit of Freedom.  “We are so thankful we get to bring the power of music out here and share it with the people and veterans of Buffalo.” 

Uniformed members perform in a brass ensemble at the Buffalo Naval Park

The United States Air Force Band of Flight Spirit of Freedom brass ensemble performs at the Buffalo Naval Park, Buffalo, New York, Nov. 16, 2024.The Band of Flight presents more than 250 performances annually, supporting official military functions, ceremonies, civic events, and public concerts. (U.S Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
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On Sunday, Nov. 17, the band took the field at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, ahead of the Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs game in Week 11 of the NFL season. They performed “America the Beautiful” during pregame, captivating the crowd and building excitement for the matchup. 

During halftime, the band performed a dynamic set blending popular military songs with recent pop hits, energizing the crowd and showcasing their musical versatility. 

“We never take these moments for granted,” said Senior Airman Hayden Johnson, a percussionist with the Spirit of Freedom. “You don’t get many opportunities to perform in front of 70,000 people in a game where the pressure and excitement are so high.”  

A female uniformed member signs into a microphone on a football field.

Tech. Sgt. Melissa Lackore, United States Air Force Heritage of America Band vocalist, performs the National Anthem for the Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs football game, Nov. 17, 2024, at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York. Lacklore sang with the United States Air Force Band of Flight Spirit of Freedom brass ensemble during their recent performances in Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, New York. (U.S Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
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The band collaborated with Tech. Sgt. Melissa Lackore, a vocalist with the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band, who sang the national anthem and joined the Spirit of Freedom for the halftime show. 

“It’s an amazing honor to perform on this large of a scale with the Wright-Patterson band,” said Lackore. “I’ve known many of them for a long time, and getting to share this moment, performing music we are passionate about at an NFL game, is going to be unforgettable.” 

From small-town schools to national stadiums, the Spirit of Freedom ensemble’s tour showcased the unifying power of music, leaving a lasting impression on audiences across Ohio and New York while fulfilling its mission to inspire, honor and connect.