The U.S. Army Field Band

Biography

A saxophonist and composer from Dallas, Texas, Staff Sergeant Gilliam-West joined The Jazz Ambassadors in 2025. SSG Gilliam-West began his musical studies on cello, but transitioned to saxophone at age 15. He holds degrees from The Juilliard School (2024) and Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University (2022), where he studied with Tim Green, Ron Blake, Sean Jones, Warren Wolf, Billy Drummond, Donald Vega, and Bruce Williams. His work spans jazz, hip hop, and contemporary styles while remaining rooted in Black American Music traditions. As a performer, Staff Sgt. West participated in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Ambassadors program, and received the Richard Franko Goldman Prize in Performance. He has also composed for dance and performed with Bobby Watson, Bobby Broom, Igmar Thomas and the Revive Big Band, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Sean Jones, Brandon Woody, the Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra, Summer Camargo, Tyreek McDole, and the Chineke! Orchestra, among others.

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