Biography
A Minneapolis native, Sergeant First Class Preston Haining joined the U.S. Army Field Band in 2019. He received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, where he had the privilege of performing with the One and Two o’clock Lab Bands. He can be heard on “Lab 2013,” as well as recordings by the Two o’clock Lab Band “Under The Radar” and “Two Twos”. After graduating UNT, he spent time in Minneapolis before landing in Los Angeles, CA where he enjoyed an active freelance career, which included a year and a half on the road with Roundabout Theater Company’s production of Cabaret The Musical. Sgt. 1st Class Haining has had the privilege of studying trumpet with many great teachers throughout the years including Brad Shermock, Jay Saunders, Rodney Booth, Keith Johnson, Chuck Lazarus, and Manny Laureano. In addition to the trumpet, Sgt. 1st Class Haining also enjoys playing the bass, both upright and electric.
Member of the Jazz Ambassadors
The Jazz Ambassadors, the U.S. Army’s premier big band, was formed in 1969 and is celebrated both nationally and internationally for performing America’s original art form—jazz. Known as “America’s Big Band,” this 19-member ensemble showcases versatile programming, including classic big band standards, solos, patriotic tunes, contemporary jazz, and original compositions by its members. Many of these works are available through their jazz education initiative, Perspectives.
The Jazz Ambassadors have performed across all 50 states and in Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan, and India, joining prestigious orchestras like the Boston Pops and National Symphony and appearing at major jazz festivals in Montreux, Newport, and Toronto. Their performances reflect a rich legacy, met with acclaim for celebrating jazz’s unique spirit worldwide.