JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. - An Altoona native is slated to perform for more than 53 million estimated spectators today as part of the United States Air Force Band's appearance at the 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
The parade begins at 9 a.m. and will be broadcast locally on WJAC-TV, Johnstown.
Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Daniel Leahey joined the United States Air Force Band in November 1993, as a jazz trumpeter with the U.S. Air Force Band Airmen of Note after studying trumpet performance at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio.
Leahey is the Airmen of Note's noncommissioned officer in charge.
"Being part of events like this, representing the U.S. Air Force on a national stage, is one of the many perks of the incredible career I've had," Leahey said "There will be many different languages spoken by the viewers of the parade, but it is our honor in the Air Force Band to communicate the excellence of the men and women of the Air Force through the universal language of music."
Located at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C., the United States Air Force Band's mission is to honor those who have served, inspire American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and positively impact the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America.
Leahey earned a bachelor of music degree in trumpet performance from Youngstown State University in 1991. While at Youngstown State, he won the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition, and was named the All Ohio Collegiate Musician of the Year.
Leahey has worked professionally with jazz greats Rosemary Clooney, John Oddo, Cecil Payne, the Brecker Brothers, Ernie Watts and Nick Brignola. He has studied with Ray Detwiler, Ron Dekker, Esotto Pellegrini, Sue Sexton, Tony Leonardi and Sam D'Angelo.
Leahey's Air Force career highlights have included four inaugural parades, performing the first dance for President Barack Obama's first Inaugural Ball as a soloist with the Ceremonial Brass, and numerous performances at the White House for President Bill Clinton.
Additional information was provided from the Air Force Band website. Staff Sgt. Torey Griffith is a member of the 11th Wing Public Affairs.
