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. MSG 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.