The U.S. Army Field Band

Biography

Staff Sergeant Eric Williams was born in Edenton, North Carolina and moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina at 11 years old. Growing up in the Outer Banks, he fostered a love of jazz and began playing the trumpet in middle school. While in high school he collaborated with Eastern Carolina University professor Gabriel DiMartino to start his own jazz band, The Eastern NC Jazz Orchestra, with whom he performed at jazz festivals and universities across North Carolina and performed with international trumpet soloist Rex Richardson. After graduating from Manteo High School in 2018, Staff Sgt. Williams studied in the Miles Davis Jazz Program at UNC Greensboro for one year. He has studied under Thomas Heflin, Gabriel DiMartino, Ashlin Parker, and Sean Jones. In his free time, Staff Sgt. Williams enjoys fishing, driving, and photography.

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