Air Force drum major switched from biochemistry at Purdue to music

LAFAYETTE, Ind. − Purdue may be her surname and biochemistry her original degree field, but Master Sgt. Christine Purdue Jones, a Lafayette native, started dancing to the beat of a different major after starting as a Boilermaker.

As Women's History Month wrapped up, the Journal & Courier sat down with Jones, assistant drum major for the U.S. Air Force Band.

Her military career

Jones began her Air Force career in 2013 playing the trombone in the Ceremonial Brass ensemble. In 2022, she assumed her current role as assistant drum major.

"In that role, I oversee our ceremonies and protocol events," Jones said. "Most of that falls under military funerals where we're honoring veterans who served, at Arlington National Cemetery. We also perform for the arrivals of foreign dignitaries (and) heads of state."

Jones has earned degrees from Stetson University, The Julliard School and the University of Miami. She also has a doctorate in music performance. Before this, she briefly studied biochemistry at Purdue University.

Jones elaborated on why she decided to pursue a professional music career, and a military music career at that, as opposed to sticking with her initial field of study.

"Of course, I really enjoy playing the instrument," Jones said, "but, something about being a drum major really intrigued me. So I started training to be a drum major and I would have the opportunity to lead the band in maybe 15 funerals a year...I really loved it and took to that responsibility.

"...My freshman year, I was at Purdue as a biochemistry major. But I found myself...most evenings just practicing my instrument in Elliot Hall of Music...I just felt myself pulled to that more than I felt myself being pulled towards biochemistry or any career path that that degree would offer."

Following that calling, Jones transferred to Stetson University to pursue a formal education in music, leading all the way up to her doctorate.

In 2021, Jones served as an artist at the International Trombone Festival, and she has been featured multiple times at the American Trombone Workshop. In 2019, there, she performed the U.S. premiere of Elgar Howarth’s Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra with the United States Army Orchestra, according to her bio.

Other career highlights also include playing for the departure ceremonies of former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump as well a performing at the Air Force's "75th Birthday Tattoo" with musical guest Andy Grammer.

Outnumbered but supported by men in the military

The Journal & Courier asked Jones if she had experienced any difficulties advancing her career or any other adversities as a woman and as a leader in the military.

"Not at all. I feel that my voice is very valued in the Air Force and in the United States Air Force Band," she said, during the end of Women's History Month. "There is a wonderful culture of respect. And even though I might be outnumbered by the men, I feel that my voice carries as much weight as any of theirs.

"And I'm really grateful to be part of such a wonderful organization."

Advice to those considering joining

Jones provided some advice to anyone who may be considering joining the military or pursuing a military-based career.

"I think the military offers an incredible career path," Jones said. "It's wonderful because you can do almost anything in the military. I didn't realize how many different career options there were available until I joined the military myself, and I've met people from all walks.

"It's been fascinating to learn that, if you want to be a dental hygienist, you can do that in the Air Force. So it's honestly a path that I wish I had pursued sooner because I love it so much."

Shoutout

Being originally from Lafayette, Jones wanted to make note of a few people along the way who helped her get to her current point in life and her career.

"I could do a shoutout to the influential music teachers I had including Steve Cotton, Tom Barker and Lynn Colwell," Jones said. "Those were high school teachers. Tom Barker and Steve Cotton were both band directors and Lynn Colwell I studied privately, actually for five years."

Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette's Christine Jones serves as the USAFB's assistant drum major