Piccolo

Sergeant First Class Natalie Boyd Klima

SFC Klima is flutist with the Pentagon Winds quintet. She has placed third in the National Flute Association Piccolo Artist Competition. SFC Klima received a M.M. at the University of North Texas and a B.S. in Music Education at the University of South Florida.

Flute

Sergeant First Class Sarah Eckman McIver

SFC Sarah Eckman McIver is currently pursuing a D.M.A. at the University of Maryland, College Park. She earned a M.M. at Royal Northern College of Music in Great Britain and a B.M. at McGill University. She has studied with Timothy Hutchins, Peter Lloyd, and Dr. William Montgomery.

Staff Sergeant Katayoon Hodjati

SSG Hodjati is pursuing a D.M.A. at Arizona State University, and has earned a M.M. at Arizona State University, and a B.M. and B.A. in Spanish at Oberlin College. She has performed with the Musica Nova Symphony, the Mesa Symphony, and the Phoenix Symphony. SSG Hodjati is principal flute of the Concert Band.

Staff Sergeant Sean Owen

SSG Owen earned a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music and a Master of Music from The Ohio State University, and is currently a doctoral candidate at Eastman. His teachers include Bonita Boyd, Katherine Borst Jones, Heidi Ruby-Kushious, and Beth Owen. SSG Owen is a prizewinner of the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition and is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music by Music Teachers National Association. He has performed with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra and served as principal flute of the Heidelberg Castle Festival Orchestra.

Oboe

Staff Sergeant Daniel Brimhall

SSG Brimhall earned a M.M. at Yale University, and a B.M. at the University of Hartford. He has studied with Richard Kilmer and Humbert Lucarelli.

Staff Sergeant Leah Kadlac Forsyth

SSG Leah Kadlac Forsyth received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music from The Florida State University. Her primary teachers include Mark Ostoich and Eric Ohlsson. She has served as the English horn player for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Tallahassee and the Columbus Symphony Orchestras. She currently serves as oboist for the Woodwind Ambassadors Quintet.

Staff Sergeant Erika Grimm

SSG Erika Grimm holds a Bachelors Degree from Florida State University and attended graduate school at Indiana University.

English Horn

Staff Sergeant Leah Kadlac Forsyth

SSG Leah Kadlac Forsyth received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music from The Florida State University. Her primary teachers include Mark Ostoich and Eric Ohlsson. She has served as the English horn player for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Tallahassee and the Columbus Symphony Orchestras. She currently serves as oboist for the Woodwind Ambassadors Quintet.

Bassoon

Master Sergeant Daniel Bowlds**

SFC Bowlds is bassoonist with the Pentagon Winds quintet, college clinician, and soloist with the Concert Band. He is a chamber musician and freelance bassoonist in the Washington D.C. area. SFC Bowlds earned a M.M. at Kent State University and a B.M. at Missouri Western State College.

Sergeant First Class Holly Wood

SFC Holly Wood earned a B.M. and a M.M. at the University of North Texas. Her teachers have included Kathleen Reynolds and Loran Eckroth. SFC Wood served as principal bassoon of the University of North Texas Wind Symphony, and performed with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Irving Symphony Orchestra, Richmond (TX) Symphony Orchestra, and the Garland Symphony Orchestra. She currently performs with the Woodwind Ambassadors.

Staff Sergeant Thaddeus Macaulay Crutcher Jr.

SSG Crutcher earned his Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance from The Eastman School of Music. While there, he soloed with the Eastman Symphony Orchestra and won the Eastman Chamber Music Competition. SSG Crutcher served with the US Army Ground Forces Band from 2004-2007. His teachers include John Hunt, David Vanhoesen, Dale Clark, and David Conn.

Clarinet

Sergeant Major Jean Gould***

MSG Gould served as principal clarinet of the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica and professor of clarinet at the National University of Costa Rica. MSG Gould received a M.M. at Indiana University, a Diploma at the Hochschule fur Musik und Darstellende Kunst Mozarteum, and a B.M. at the University of the Pacific. She is a member of the Clarinet Quartet.

Sergeant First Class Matthew Kanowith

SFC Kanowith is soloist with the Concert Band. He has been a participant of the Sarasota and Chautauqua Music Festivals. SFC Kanowith earned a M.M. at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and a B.M.E. at Indiana University.

Sergeant First Class Reis McCullough

SFC McCullough received a B.M. from the Eastman School of Music and a M.M. from the University of Michigan. SFC McCullough is a member of the Clarinet Quartet, and has studied with William Blayney, Kenneth Grant, and Fred Ormand.

Sergeant First Class Michael Sears

SSG Sears served as guest artist in Costa Rica for the Promising Artists of the 21st Century program. He is a clarinet clinician and co-principal with the Concert Band. SSG Sears earned a M.M. at Indiana University and a B.M.E. at the University of Georgia.

Sergeant First Class Shari Smith

SFC Smith earned a D.M.A. at Michigan State University, a M.M. at the University of Oklahoma, and a B.A. at Northeastern Oklahoma State University. SFC Smith has taught at Lansing Community College and performed with the Jackson Symphony and Lansing Symphony Orchestra. She is clarinetist and narrator with the Woodwind Ambassadors.

Staff Sergeant John C. Blair

SSG Blair performed with the Tidewater Winds Concert Band, the Penn's Woods Festival Orchestra, and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. SSG Blair earned a B.M.E. at James Madison University and a M.M. at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Staff Sergeant Jennifer B. Everhart

SSG Everhart has performed as a soloist with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic and the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Furman University, where she studied with Robert Chesebro, and a master’s degree at Indiana University, where she studied with Howard Klug. SSG Everhart has also taught as a private clarinet instructor.

Staff Sergeant Matthew Sikes

SSG Sikes holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Georgia, where he studied with Dan Gilbert, Fred Ormand, and Ray McClellan. Prior to joining the Field Band, SSG Sikes was a substitute clarinetist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Eb-Clarinet

Staff Sergeant Brian Eldridge

SSG Eldridge has performed with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and Plymouth Symphony Orchestra.  He earned an M.M. at the University of Michigan and a B.M.E. at West Virginia University.

Bass Clarinet

Staff Sergeant Chad Martin

SSG Chad Martin calls Madison, South Dakota, home. He received a BA in Music Education from Augustana College and an MM in Wind Instruments from the University of Michigan. Prior to serving with the Field Band, he served with the US Army Europe Band in Heidelberg, Germany. SSG Martin has performed with the South Dakota Symphony, Adrian Symphony, and the Blaeserphilharmonie Heilbronn, and taught with the Michigan All-State Program at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. His teachers include Beverly Gibson, Christopher Hill, and Deborah Chodacki.

Staff Sergeant Kevin Walko

SSG Kevin Walko holds degrees from Northwestern University and Duquesne University, where he studied with Steve Cohen, J. Lawrie Bloom, and Jack Howell.

Saxophone

Sergeant Major Loran McClung (NCOIC)

SGM J. Loran McClung attended the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and California State University-Los Angeles. He studied saxophone and doubling with Charles McLean, Fred Howler, David Hawley, and Ralph Garofalo, and music arranging with Robert Curnow. He previously served as lead alto saxophone and staff arranger with the Jazz Ambassadors. SGM McClung is a member of the Saxophone Quartet.

Staff Sergeant Brian Sacawa

SSG Brian Sacawa holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory of Music, and University of Massachusetts–Amherst. His teachers include Donald Sinta, Gary Louie, and Lynn Klock. SSG Sacawa has performed with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic and the Detroit and New World Symphonies, and at music festivals internationally. He has also recorded for the Equilibrium, Innova, and ES Record labels. Prior to joining the Field Band, SSG Sacawa taught at the University of Arizona. He currently serves on the faculty at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Staff Sergeant Christopher Blossom

SSG Blossom was the Gold Medal Winner at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and served as Adjunct Faculty at Wallace Community College Selma. He participated in the Chamber Music America’s Rural Residency Program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. SSG Blossom earned a M.M. at the University of Michigan and a B.M.A. at Bowling Green State University.

Staff Sergeant David Parks

SSG holds a Bachelor of Music in performance from Whitworth College and a Master of Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 2006, he was featured at the Integrales New Music Festival; he has also presented guest recitals at the World Saxophone Congresses in Slovenia and Minneapolis, and at the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference. SSG Parks is also a past winner of the Music Teachers National Association Competition and the IBLA International Performance Competition. SSG Parks’ teachers include Otis Murphy, Lawrence Gwozdz, and Sylvia Baker. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate at Indiana University.

Trumpet

Sergeant Major Virginia Turner***

SGM Turner is co-principal trumpet with the Concert Band. SGM Turner earned a M.M. at Arizona State University and a B.M.E. at New Mexico State University. She is an active member of the International Women's Brass Conference.

Sergeant First Class John Altman

SFC Altman received a M.M. in Jazz Pedagogy and Performance at Northern Illinois University and a B.A. at the Centre College of Kentucky. He has performed as lead trumpet with the Chicago Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra and section member of the Florida Chamber Orchestra, Rockford Symphony and the Washington Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. SFC Altman is a member of the Chamber Brass.

Sergeant First Class Michael Klima **

SFC Klima has performed with ensembles including the Kent Brass Quintet, Great Lakes Brass Quintet, Baltimore Opera, St. Cloud Symphony, and the Springfield Symphony. SFC Klima earned a M.M. at Kent State University and a B.M. at St. Cloud State University. He is a member of Chamer Brass and co-principal trumpet with the Concert Band.

Sergeant First Class James Wood, Jr.

SFC Wood earned a B.M. from the New England Conservatory, a M.M. from Northwestern University, and a D.M.A from the University of North Texas. His instructors include Armando Ghitalla, Charles Schlueter, Vincent Cichowicz, and Keith Johnson. He has served as principal trumpet of the North Texas Wind Symphony, has performed with the Dallas Opera, and the Newcastle Brass Quintet, and has taught at the University of North Texas. He is currently a member of the Field Band's Educational Brass Quintet.

Staff Sergeant Nicholas Althouse

SSG Althouse received bachelor’s degrees in trumpet performance from The Ohio State University and the Sweelink Conservatory in Amsterdam, and a master’s degree in trumpet performance from the University of Arkansas. He has previously served with the Air Force’s Heartland of America Band, the USAF—Europe Band, and the 106th Army Band.  His teachers include Richard Burkart, Friedemann Immer, Richard Rulli, and Keith Johnson. SSG Althouse is currently a doctoral candidate at The University of North Texas. He has taught at the Musikschule Hofheim and the University of Arkansas. A native of Salem, Ohio, SSG Althouse joined the Field Band in 2007.

Staff Sergeant Phillip Johnson

SSG Phillip Johnson earned a Master of Music from the University of North Texas, where he was a teaching fellow for the Department of Jazz Studies. He received a Bachelor of Music from Eastern Kentucky University, where he served on the faculty of the Stephen Foster Music Camps. SSG Johnson has performed with the Lexington Philharmonic, North Texas Wind Symphony, Dallas Opera, and Glenn Miller Orchestra. He is a member of TUSAFB Brass Quintet.

Staff Sergeant Ward Yager

SSG Yager performed with the North Texas Wind Symphony, Dallas Opera, and the Memphis Symphony. He has recorded for GIA Publications, Klavier, and Summit Records. SSG Yager earned a M.M. at the University of North Texas and a B.M.E. at the University of Memphis.

French Horn

Master Sergeant Patrick Lipphardt**

MSG Lipphardt is a member of the Woodwind Ambassadors. He participated in Operation Just Cause (Panama) and served with the 79th Army Band and the 5th Infantry Division Band. MSG Lipphardt attended Colorado State University.

Master Sergeant Alan White

SFC White earned a M.M. at the University of Cincinnati and a B.M.E. at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. SFC White has served as associate principal horn of La Orquesta Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico, and second horn with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra and Cape Town Philharmonic. He is the NCOIC of the Pentagon Winds quintet and the Horn Quartet.

Sergeant First Class Robert Cherry

SFC Cherry is a member of TUSAFB Brass Quintet. He has served as principal horn of the Southwest Michigan Symphony and Southbend Symphony, and Contributing Artist at the 2001 Horn Symphonsium. He has performed with the Evansville Philharmonic, Owensboro Symphony, and the Columbus Pro Musica. SFC Cherry earned a B.M. at Western Michigan University and a performer's certificate from Indiana University.

Staff Sergeant Stephen Aaron

SSG Stephen Aaron earned a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Baylor University and a Master of Music in Performance from The Juilliard School. Prior to joining the Field Band in 2007, SSG Aaron performed with the Canton Symphony and as a substitute with The Cleveland Orchestra. He has also performed with the Waco Symphony. SSG Aaron is currently working on an Artist Diploma at The Cleveland Institute of Music. His teachers include Jeffrey Powers, Jerome Ashby, and Richard Solis.

Staff Sergeant Timothy Huizenga

Staff Sergeant Timothy Huizenga holds a Bachelors Degree as well as a Performers Diploma from Indiana University, where he studied with Myron Bloom and Jeff Nelson. Prior to joining the Field Band, he served as Principal Horn with the Columbus, IN Philharmonic.

Trombone

Master Sergeant Mark Bowling**

MSG Bowling is soloist and principal trombonist with the Concert Band. He is also a private teacher and clinician. MSG Bowling holds a M.M. from Arizona State University and a B.M. in theory and composition from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

Master Sergeant Aaron Kadrmas

MSG Kadrmas attended the Interlochen Arts Academy and Western Michigan University. He is a member of TUSAFB Brass Quintet.

Staff Sergeant Carmen Russo

SSG Russo performed with the Sarasota Opera, the Symphony of Southwest Florida, and the Florida West Coast Symphony, and at Walt Disney World. He earned a B.A. from the University of South Florida.

Staff Sergeant Todd Sturniolo

SSG Todd Sturniolo has performed with the Canton Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra Blossom Festival. He earned a B.A. and B.S. at Lebanon Valley College and a M.M. at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He is a frequent soloist with the Concert Band and performs with Chamber Brass.

Bass Trombone

Staff Sergeant Wesley Ballenger III

SSG Wesley Ballenger III earned a B.M. at Indiana University. His teachers include M. Dee Stewart, Peter Ellefson, and Ian Bousfield. SSG Ballenger has performed as bass trombonist with the Richmond Symphony and Columbus (Indiana) Philharmonic.

Euphonium

Sergeant First Class Christopher Sarangoulis

SSG Christopher Sarangoulis earned a B.M. at the University of Texas, and attended Duquesne University and the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. He served as clinician and soloist in the north Texas area. He currently performs with the Concert Band.

Tuba

Master Sergeant Scott Cameron

MSG Cameron earned a M.M. at the University of Maryland and a B.M.E. at Indiana University. He is a member of TUSAFB Brass Quintet.

Master Sergeant Daniel Sherlock**

MSG Sherlock is tuba soloist and section leader with the Concert Band. He is principal tuba with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. MSG Sherlock attended Arizona State University.

Sergeant First Class Matthew Nelson

SFC Nelson attended the Indiana University School of Music. He performs with Chamber Brass.

Double Bass

Staff Sergeant Joel Ciaccio

SSG Ciaccio earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland and a master’s degree from The Eastman School of Music. His teachers include Curtis Burris, Ali Yazdanfar, and James B. Vandemark. Prior to joining the Field Band, SSG Ciaccio performed with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Great Noise Ensemble.

Piano

Master Sergeant Sammy Marshall

MSG Marshall earned a M.M. in Vocal Accompanying at the Manhattan School of Music and a B.M.E. at James Madison University. He has served as Staff Accompanist at the Music Academy of the West, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Manhattan School of Music.

Harp

Sergeant First Class Melissa Dunne

SSG Dunne earned a M.M. and B.M. at the Eastman School of Music. SSG Dunne is principal harp of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. She performs with Flarpa, the Field Band’s flute and harp duo.

Timpani

Staff Sergeant Robert Marino

SSG Marino earned a BM from The Eastman School of Music, with double majors in percussion performance and music education. He has also attended Boston University, pursuing an MM in percussion performance. He is a Vic Firth Educator and Endorser and has instructed several high school marching bands and corps of Drum Corps International. SSG Marino was also the percussion caption head and arranger for the Boston University Marching Band. His instructors include John Beck, Tim Genis, Joe Periera, Gordon Stout, Charles Ross, and John Wagner.

Percussion

Master Sergeant William Elliott

MSG Elliott has performed with the Louisville Symphony Orchestra and the Lexington Philharmonic. He is currently on the percussion faculty at the Community College of Baltimore County, Essex Campus, and previously served as interim percussion professor at the University of Kentucky. MSG Elliott earned a M.M. at Northern Illinois University and a B.M.E. at the University of Kentucky.

Master Sergeant Thomas Enokian***

MSG Enokian is soloist, percussion section leader and group leader with the Concert Band. He is a substitute percussionist for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. MSG Enokian earned a B.M. at the Eastman School of Music.

Staff Sergeant Phillip Kiamie

SSG Phillip Kiamie earned a Graduate Diploma at the New England Conservatory and a B.M. at Boston University. He has attended the Aspen Music Festival and School. SSG Kiamie has been a member of the New World Symphony and Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and a substitute for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He currently performs with the Concert Band.

Staff Sergeant Brian Spurgeon

SSG Brian Spurgeon earned a B.M. at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a M.M. at Carnegie Mellon University. He has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony and as a freelance percussionist in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Audio Engineers

Sergeant First Class John Lamirande

SFC John Lamirande served in the 10th Mountain Division Band, 18th Army Band, 77th Army Band, and 1st Armored Division Band. SFC Lamirande attended the Armed Forces School of Music and Cameron University.

Sergeant First Class Howard Smith

SFC Smith has served with the 101st Airborne Division and the 5th Signal Command. He performed as guitarist and audio technician with the USAEUR band prior to serving with the Field Band.

NCOIC = non-commissioned officer in charge
*** = group leader
** = section leader
* = principal player