The United States Army Blues Jazz Ensemble is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over four decades. The ensemble was founded in 1972 as part of the United States Army Band, which is the premier musical organization of the United States Army. The Army Blues Jazz Ensemble is made up of some of the most talented musicians in the country, and they have performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world. The ensemble's founding can be traced back to the early 1970s when the United States Army Band was looking to expand its musical offerings. At the time, the band was primarily focused on traditional military music, but there was a growing interest in jazz and other forms of popular music. To meet this demand, the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble was formed. The ensemble's early years were marked by a series of personnel changes as the band worked to find the right mix of musicians. However, by the mid-1970s, the ensemble had settled into a stable lineup that included some of the most talented jazz musicians in the country. Some of the early members of the ensemble included saxophonist Steve Wilson, trumpeter Scott Wendholt, and pianist Bill Mays. Over the years, the ensemble has continued to evolve and grow, adding new members and expanding its repertoire. Today, the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble is made up of 18 musicians, including saxophonists, trumpeters, trombonists, and a rhythm section. The ensemble's current director is Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gordon K. Kippola. One of the highlights of the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble's career was their performance at the 1980 Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. The festival is one of the most prestigious jazz events in the world, and the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble was one of only a handful of military bands to ever perform at the festival. The ensemble's performance was a huge success, and they received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to their performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. They have also performed for numerous high-profile events, including presidential inaugurations and state dinners. The Army Blues Jazz Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1997, they were awarded the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Trophy, which is considered to be the highest honor that a military band can receive. The ensemble has also been recognized by the International Association for Jazz Education and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition to their performances, the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble is also committed to music education. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and clinics for students and aspiring musicians, and they have worked with some of the most talented young musicians in the country. Overall, the United States Army Blues Jazz Ensemble is a world-class classical music ensemble that has entertained audiences around the world for over four decades. With their incredible talent and dedication to their craft, they have become one of the most respected and admired jazz ensembles in the world.

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