Episode 1 – Brian MacDonald: Life in the Airmen of Note 

In our very first episode of The Modern Trumpeter Podcast, we sit down with Brian MacDonald, trumpet player with the United States Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble, the Airmen of Note. Brian shares his journey from college trumpet studies to winning a spot in one of the top military jazz bands in the world. We talk about the audition process, what day-to-day life looks like as a professional military musician, and the unique opportunities and challenges that come with serving as both an artist and an airman. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to land a career in a military ensemble—or what the gig really looks like beyond the stage—this conversation offers valuable insights for students, educators, and aspiring professionals alike.