Airman 1st Class Dennis Lambert of the United States Air Force returned to his alma mater on February 3, to perform in Howard Payne University’s Department of Music Recital Hour. Lambert, who is a 2008 graduate of HPU and a Brownwood native, is currently a keyboardist in the Air Force Band of the West and stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

“Dennis is one of the most gifted jazz/classical pianists we have had the privilege of having as a student at Howard Payne University,” said Dr. Robert Tucker, dean of the School of Music, Fine Arts and Extended Education. “His career in the military continues to represent our university, not only in Texas as the pianist for Air Force Band of the West, but also throughout the world through his travels. In addition to his great talent on the piano and solid work ethic, Dennis has high integrity and moral character. We are honored to call him an alumnus of Howard Payne University.”

Lambert joined the Air Force in May 2008 and has performed with the Concert Band, Dimensions in Blue Jazz Ensemble and Top Flight. He earned the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the National Defense Medal. Also a freelance musician in San Antonio, he has played with Eddie Daniels, Memo Acevedo, Georgie Padilla, the Mambo Kings, Mike Vax and many others.

During the recital hour, he performed several jazz pieces from memory and then shared with the students and faculty in attendance about his experiences since graduation.

Lambert attributed much of his job preparation to his time at HPU and the faculty that trained him along the way. He encouraged current students to be involved in as many ensembles and performance bands as possible to develop a wide range of experience.

“You also have to listen,” Lambert said. “During my time at HPU, I tried to expand my musical knowledge to cover all styles.”

This vast knowledge of musical genres, Lambert said, was very pivotal when it came time to audition for the military band.

Having recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan, he shared that his mission was to play for the troops. While he was never in imminent danger, he did recall times when he could hear the sound of gunshots nearby. In addition to serving in the Middle East, Lambert has also traveled throughout the continental United States and abroad during his time in the service.