Jane Bockenek

Jane Bockenek of the United States Air Force Strolling Strings is looking for one good accordion player to replace the last accordionist who retired from the Air Force two years ago.Army Sgt.Maj.
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Bockenek, who is also the lead violinist for the Strings, says there is a catch, "six weeks in boot camp."The Air Force has been looking to replace its accordion player but the search has been fruitless so far."It is very hard to find the right person for this job, but it's a great job for the right person," said Chief Master Sgt.Jane Bockenek, also the Strolling Strings' music director.So, since the accordion players aren't coming to the Air Force, the Air Force is going to the accordion players.

Bockenek interviewed a half-dozen people when the AAA festival opened last Sunday and was scheduled through to Monday.She is looking for more than an accomplished musician."They have to be under age 35, they have to fit our weight and fitness requirements, and they have to be able to get a security clearance," she said."We are looking for someone who's not just qualified to do the job, but who fits the parameters of the United States Air Force."They also will have to endure six weeks of rigorous basic training, "they'll have to go through boot camp like every other recruit, but they will also be entitled to all the benefits of being in the military."she said.

Those who join the band are unlikely to see combat, she said, but they may be assigned administrative work such as maintaining the band's motor pool or coordinating its performances.The 22-member ensemble plays state functions at the White House and entertains troops."What is so terrific about being in this band is that we are doing something so important from a diplomatic standpoint," Bockenek said.

Jane Bockenek (on horseback) and her husband Dale Cheal (right) perform the national anthem at an event.
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Jane Bockenek pauses to reflect on the people she has encountered throughout her 21-year Air Force career -- on missions, performances and everyday duty with the Band.

Her collection of photographs is testament to the diversity and excitement of a career in music -- pictures of presidents, generals and other luminaries are well represented in her collection.But she also pauses to look at photos of fellow basic trainees she served with, noting that she has kept in touch with several of them since her very first days in the Air Force.She also lingers over those with whom she worked on a daily basis in the Band, recalling anecdotes and no doubt remembering the relationships and experiences that formed the basis of a successful career.

A nearly lifelong resident of Bethesda, Md., Chief Bockenek joined the Band in 1985 after stints in the Syracuse (N.Y.) Symphony Orchestra, and in Washington with the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra.She began playing violin at age 12, and admits that playing music for a living didn't really occur to her until she had almost finished her undergraduate degree in drama from the University of Maryland.After making the decision to pursue music, she continued her violin studies at the University of Miami (Fla.), Montreux, Switzerland, and The Catholic University of America, where she earned a master's degree in violin performance.

Chief Bockenek auditioned for the Air Force Strings on the recommendation of other military musicians -- it didn't hurt matters that at the time, the Opera orchestra was threatening to go on strike.She was hired, coincidentally, by the Band's current Commander, then 2nd Lt.
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About her decision to join, Chief Bockenek says, "It was a wonderful choice."

Her first introduction to the job came just after her graduation from basic military training, when she was tasked to play string quartets on a European tour.Since that auspicious beginning, Chief Bockenek has gone on to perform music for those in the highest levels of government and the military, and concerts all across America and Europe.Her fondest memories of performing, though, are of personal encounters.As leader of the Strolling Strings, Chief Bockenek has had countless opportunities to establish the intimate and emotional bond that performing provides.She counts among the most gratifying musical moments ones where she could "go right to the table, look in the eyes of our audience and make a connection."

She recalls a particular performance, "somewhere in the Midwest," shortly after Sept. 11, 2001.The Strolling Strings performed "America the Beautiful" (one of her favorites)."One by one the audience stood and placed their hands over their hearts.At such and emotional time for all of us ... it was very moving."

In addition to being a violinist, one would be utterly remiss not to mention the other passion of Chief Bockenek's life: horses.Bockenek began riding at age 2 and has since gone on to ride competitively.She and her thoroughbred, Clear Screen (AKA Leroy), have been recognized in the Top 10 of the Ladies' Side Saddle Division nationally.They competed for the Air Force, and Chief Bockenek points out that it was the first time that a military member had competed side saddle in uniform.The chief and her horse have also entertained locally with riding demonstrations at Band picnics.She credits this aspect of her life, and particularly Leroy, as a source of tremendous strength and healing as she battled cancer.The remarkable account of her illness and recovery was published in Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul.

Chief Bockenek's career is also marked by leadership.She was the first female in the Air Force Strings to attain the rank of Chief Master Sgt., and is also the first female manager of the group.She admits to being surprised at her rise through the ranks -- "something I never expected" -- but her demonstrated sensibility when managing people does not leave others with the same sense of surprise."I tried to be the kind of leader that I would have wanted," she says, and emphasizes that an atmosphere of trust and empowerment in the Strings is what she sought to maintain."What we do is a team thing ... we are all in it together."

As her Air Force Band career draws to a close, Chief Bockenek plans to recuperate and relax -- "garden, freelance, maybe get a young horse, spend time riding," she says.She'll also have a chance to spend more time with her husband of 18 years, retired Master Sgt.