The U.S. Army Field Band

Biography

Sergeant Major Andrew Layton was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, but raised in the great state of Washington. He is the Element Leader of the Jazz Ambassadors. After attending Kentridge High School in Kent, Washington, a school nationally recognized for its excellence in music, he attended the Berklee School of Music. After two years, he transferred to the University of North Texas. While there, he played lead alto saxophone with the prestigious Two O’Clock and One O’Clock Lab Bands. Sgt. Maj. Layton graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1999, and shortly thereafter became the lead alto saxophonist with the Jazz Ambassadors. Sgt. Maj. Layton and his wife Debbie have been married since 2001 and welcomed their first child, Sidney, in the summer of 2009.

Member of the Jazz Ambassadors

Official Photo of The U.S. Army Field Band 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.

About the Jazz Ambassadors