A musical legacy: Air Force's Airmen of Note set to perform jazz standards at Kiva Auditorium, Cleveland High School

Nov. 15—In 10 years, Master Sgt. Kevin Cerovich has been able to continue his musical journey.

As a trombonist for the United States Air Force Band's Airmen of Note, Cerovich has been able to see the world while performing.

He's also had an opportunity to continue the legacy of the jazz ensemble.

"All of us are trained musicians," he says. "Every one of us has a different story and to get to do this full time is amazing."

The Airmen of Note will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Kiva Auditorium and at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at V. Sue Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho. The events are free to attend, though tickets have to be reserved at ticketmaster.com for the Kiva Auditorium performance and at eventbrite.com for the Rio Rancho performance.

The Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force.

Stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., it is one of six musical ensembles that form The U.S. Air Force Band.

Created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller's Army Air Forces dance band, the current band consists of 18 active-duty musicians, including one vocalist.

Through the years, the Airmen of Note has presented its own brand of big band jazz as well as more contemporary forms of jazz to audiences via annual tours across the United States, deployments around the world, and local performances throughout metropolitan Washington D.C.

Their commitment to musical excellence has earned the foremost jazz artists' respect worldwide, leading to many collaborative performances and recordings with such luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan and Doc Severinsen.

In 1990, the Airmen of Note established the Jazz Heritage Series, featuring the "Note" in concert with legendary icons of jazz. The series broadcasts to millions over National Public Radio, independent jazz radio stations, satellite radio services, and the internet.

Cerovich was born in Overland Park, Kansas, and his career in the Air Force began in 2012, when he joined the United States Air Force Academy Band at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.

This is where he performed with the Falconaires, the Concert Band and Marching Band.

He and the ensemble get to travel about six weeks a year.

Cerovich began playing trombone at 10 years old and has also played professionally before enlisting in the Air Force.

"I don't get as nervous as I used to," he says of playing in the ensemble. "Today, when I play trombone, more than anything else, it brings me back to the childlike wonder I had when beginning to play. It's like a little vacation from life for me."

The ensemble will perform nine pieces, which includes the national anthem and the Air Force song.

"I often think about the opportunity I have to represent the Air Force," he says. "I get to bring joy through music to audiences. I'm from Kansas originally and traveling through West Texas and New Mexico, it really reminds me of being home. Connecting with people along the way is always really cool."