An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Retired band members reunite for performance

  • Published
  • By Steve Berry
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Retired Senior Master Sgt. Mark Hansen and a small group of fellow retired Band of Mid-America/Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble members are reuniting Sunday at Scott for a concert at the parade field. The musicians will be playing with the regular active duty band. 

Mr. Hansen was a member of Shades of Blue for 21 years before retiring last year. He was the NCOIC during his last seven years in the band. 

The saxophone player said reuniting with the band Sunday is an opportunity he wouldn't miss. 

"(The band) is an amazing group of enlisted professional musicians," Mr. Hansen said. "It's always a great show." 

Although he was stationed at Scott for his entire military career, Mr. Hansen traveled the globe playing jazz with Shades of Blue. 

"I saw the world," Mr. Hansen said. "Played all over Europe, South America, Central America, all over the United States--you name it and I've probably been there and rode there in the back of a C-141." 

Mr. Hansen said the time he spent on the road or in the air with Shades of Blue totaled seven years of TDY. He said band members are away from Scott for 100-120 days per year. 

"To have a chance for these guys to play so close to home is really neat for the band because you'd be surprised--you just don't get that many opportunities to play for family and friends," Mr. Hansen said. 

Tech. Sgt. James Gilley said Mr. Hansen "left a legacy here. He was a fantastic musician. He was the leader of the jazz band for quite a few years, so we miss that leadership too." 

Sergeant Gilley helps produce and manage the band. He said Sunday's show is a good opportunity to join past and present Band of Mid-America/Shades of Blue musicians.
"This is one of those rare times where we can pull those guys back and still tap into their performances, and they love coming back," Sergeant Gilley said. "It's a great way to stay in touch. It's almost like an alumni so to speak." 

The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is an 18-piece big band with styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. The band has backed many jazz greats and plays the National Anthem at national sporting events. 

Mr. Hansen said when he enlisted there were 26 Air Force bands. When he retired last year there were 13. He currently lives in O'Fallon and is employed as a financial advisor with Edward Jones. 

The Shades of Blue concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Scott's parade field.