Biography

SSG Austin Westjohn joined The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in 2018. He is a graduate of Harding University (BME) and Baylor University (MM).
SSG Westjohn is also the principal trombone of the Delaware Symphony, a position he has held since 2019. He has performed with several orchestras across the United States, including the National Symphony, Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra, National Philharmonic, Nashville Symphony, Harrisburg Symphony, and Arkansas Symphony, among others.
As a member of The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”, Austin has played for events of the highest international significance. Career highlights include the state funeral service for former President George H.W. Bush, the National Tree Lighting, PBS Broadcasts of “A Capitol Fourth”, with the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets on the White House Truman Balcony, the 2023 Veteran’s Day Parade in NYC, and in thousands of national ceremonies including full-honors funerals in Arlington National Cemetery. Versatile across many genres, he is a regular performer with the Army Blues, Concert Band, Army Brass Quintet, and has presented solo recitals and masterclasses across the United States. SSG Westjohn also serves as the coordinator for the American Trombone Workshop National Trombone Quartet Competition.
Outside of performing or teaching music, he enjoys being involved with his church and in ministry, exploring and enjoying the nature of the national capital region, and spending time with his wife and their golden retriever, Tiger.