The U.S. Army Field Band

Biography

Staff Sergeant Emily Perkins joined the Jazz Ambassadors in 2023. Originally from the Midwest, she grew up playing multiple instruments, but her formal piano studies led to professional accompanying by high school. She went on to earn her degree from Andrews University in piano performance and choral education. After college, she turned her focus to voice and performed in the jazz and commercial music scenes of Southwest Michigan, Chicago, El Paso, and New York as a solo, ensemble, and studio singer. Staff Sgt. Perkins enlisted in the Army in 2015 where she has served as a pianist, vocalist, clarinetist, and percussionist. Prior to joining The U.S. Army Field Band, she was a member of the 1st Armored Division Band, the 42nd Infantry Division Band, and the 144th Army Band. Her career, both in and out of uniform, has taken her around the world with performances across the United States, Mexico, Iraq, Kuwait, Switzerland, the Maldives, and Finland.

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