Originally from Long Island, New York, SGM John Altman joined The U.S. Army Field Band in 1999. After completing his Bachelor of Arts degree at Centre College of Kentucky, SGM Altman performed professionally in the Miami and Chicago areas before completing his Master of Music degree in Jazz Pedagogy and Performance at Northern Illinois University. Since joining the Army Field Band, he has performed in the Jazz Ambassadors (2012-present) and Concert Band trumpet sections (1999-2012), The Embassy Brass Quintet, Chamber Brass, and the Federal Brass. As a lead trumpet player, SGM Altman has performed and recorded with such artists as Ernie Watts, Slide Hampton, John Fedchock, Harold Jones, Al Martino, Marcus Roberts, Claudio Roditi, and Cecil Bridgewater. SGM Altman is the Road Manager for the Jazz Ambassadors and is an official unit photographer for The U.S. Army Field Band.