Biography

SFC Justin Polyblank hails from Scottdale, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. While there, he performed Claude T. Smith’s Fantasia with the IUP Wind Ensemble and Butler County Symphony Orchestra, and Pierre Max Dubois’ Concerto for Alto Saxophone and String Orchestra with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. He continued his studies at Indiana University Bloomington where he graduated from the Jacobs School of Music with a Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Saxophone Performance. While attending IUB, he performed in a variety of instrumental ensembles, including the David Baker Jazz Ensemble, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra, and several student jazz combos. During the 2011-12 academic year, Polyblank was Associate Instructor of Saxophone for the studio of Dr. Otis Murphy. Following graduation, Polyblank joined The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band in March 2013. Polyblank received Grand Prize & Gold Medal recognition at the 2012 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition as a member of the Barkada Quartet. He was a member of The Disneyland Resort 2010 All-American College Band and has performed in concert alongside artists such as Wayne Bergeron, Chris Botti, Randy Brecker, John Clayton, Peter Erskine, Michael Feinstein, Gregg Field, Bob Mintzer, and The New York Standards Quartet. His teachers have included Otis Murphy, Tom Walsh, and Keith Young. Outside of his career in music, Polyblank enjoys cooking, exercising, and literature…and he is an avid fan of Pittsburgh professional sport teams.