Master Sergeant Carmen Russo studied with Per Brevig at the Aspen School of Music and later studied with Don Kneeburg, ultimately earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida in 1997. From 1994–2004, he performed with a variety of professional organizations including: The Florida Orchestra, Florida West Coast Symphony, The Symphony of Southwest Florida, Sarasota Opera, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Holland America and Carnival Cruise Lines. Master Sgt. Russo also performed with the Grandlink World opening festival band in Qingdao, China, in addition to several traveling off-Broadway shows including The Lion King, Cinderella, 42nd Street, The Producers, Chicago, and Showboat.
The Concert Band, the oldest and largest of The U.S. Army Field Band’s five ensembles, has performed for over 100 million people worldwide since its founding in 1946. This elite 65-member group has toured across all 50 states and 25 countries, performing in venues ranging from the Berlin Philharmonie and Carnegie Hall to state fairs and high school gyms. Often joined by the Soldiers’ Chorus, the band presents marches, overtures, popular and patriotic music, and solos. They’ve collaborated with renowned orchestras like the Boston Pops and Detroit Symphony and participated in presidential inaugurations and diplomatic events, embodying American pride and professionalism in every performance.