Zachary Al-Radiedeh

United States Eighth Army Band

Zachary Al-Radiedeh (b. 1995) is a euphoniumist, tubist, and brass educator currently residing in the Republic of Korea, where he performs with the United States Eighth Army Band. His eclectic career in music began when he chose the euphonium in fifth grade, mistakenly thinking it was a French horn. Since then, he has performed a variety of idioms, from classical to punk to folk fusion. His diverse experiences have led him to a wide range of stages, including Strathmore Music Center, the 9:30 Club, and Mile High Stadium. Zachary holds a Master of Music in Euphonium Performance from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Towson University. His teachers include Patrick Nyren, Matthew Shipes, David Zerkel, and James Hicks. Notable competitive honors include advancing as a semi-finalist in the 2022 Jeju International Brass Competition winning the 2018 Towson University Concerto Competition.

Hunter Bellows

Falcone Competition Winner

Hunter Bellows is pursuing a bachelor of music education at Baylor University. As a student, Hunter is a member of the Baylor University Wind Ensemble and Baylor Euphonium-Tuba Ensemble. As a performer, Hunter has won first place in national and international competitions, including the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Competition (Artist and Student divisions), International Tuba-Euphonium Conference Small Ensemble Competition, South Central Regional Tuba-Euphonium Conference Euphonium Artist and Small Ensemble Competitions, and the Virtual Tuba-Euphonium Conference Young Artist Competition. Hunter has also been featured as a finalist in the Baylor University Concerto Competition. His primary teachers include Dr. Kent Eshelman and Brett Blackstone.

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SSG Brandon Benson

Missouri City, TX

Group: The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band

Joined the Band: 2022

Alum: University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

SSG Brandon Benson, a native of Missouri City, TX, joined The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in October of 2022. Benson began studying music at the age of 11 with his mentor, Ali Jackson, and went on to study music performance at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, under Timothy Northcut. Benson was selected to attend the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute in 2019, where he won the mock audition competition at the age of only 17. Furthering his ambition to become a professional musician, Benson was a finalist for 5 premier military band auditions, while only in his first two years of university study. As a music educator, he has taught lessons and masterclasses in his native Texas region, while actively pursuing educational pursuits in the DC metro area. Outside of music, Benson enjoys going to the movie theater, exercising, and playing video games with his friends.

Andrew Berry

U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West

A1C Andrew Berry is from Johns Creek, Georgia and is currently a euphonium player with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2022 where he was a graduate teaching assistant for the Tuba/Euphonium Studio, and graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2020. While he was living in Georgia, he regularly performed with the Georgia Brass Band, Atlanta’s premiere British-style brass band, on both euphonium and baritone. Andrew is also an active freelancer around the Northern California and Atlanta areas, currently serving as the euphoniumist for the Proscenium Brass Quintet as well as the tubist for the St. Aidan's Episcopal Church Brass Quintet. In recent years, Andrew has accomplished a variety of prestigious honors. In addition to winning a position with the Band of the Golden West, he has won a world championship title with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, the Southeast Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference Solo Artist Euphonium, Mock Band Euphonium, and Small Ensemble Competitions, Kennesaw State’s annual Concerto Competition, KSU's Intercollegiate Tuba/Euphonium Mock Auditions, as well as other notable honors. Andrew was also selected as a finalist for the 2018 and 2020 SERTEC and MWRTEC Competitions in the Solo Artist Euphonium, Mock Band Euphonium, and Small Ensemble divisions during his undergraduate degree. In 2021, he co-founded the Atlanta Low Brass Academy with Nick Collins, a non-profit organization out of Atlanta, GA that focuses on providing quality low brass education through free online content and their annual summer event, the Xperience Camp. Andrew's private instructors and mentors have included Don Strand, Dr. Adam Frey, Dr. Martin Cochran, Dr. Paul Dickinson, Jason Casanova, and Dr. Matthew Shipes.

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MSG Thomas Bratten

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Group: The U.S. Army Concert Band

Joined the Band: 1999

Alum: Asbury College / University of Kentucky

MSG Tom Bratten has been a member of The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" since 1999, when he joined The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band and Brass Band. In 2001, he joined the Concert Band where he performs as Second Tuba. He also performs regularly with The U.S. Army Brass Quintet and The U.S. Army Orchestra. He has appeared as soloist with the band on numerous occasions, including the Association of Concert Bands National Convention, the International Tuba Euphonium Conference, and The U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Conference. He is the 1998 winner of the Leonard Falcone International Tuba Artist Competition, and in 1999 won a position with the Augusta (GA) Symphony before joining the Army. His principal teachers include David Henderson, Dr. Skip Gray, and Fred Mills.

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SFC Zachary Bridges

Rowlett, TX

Group: The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band

Joined the Band: 2016

Alum: Baylor University / Rice University

SFC Zach Bridges received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University where he studied with Dr. Kent Eshelman. He received his master’s degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where he studied with David Kirk, Principal Tuba of the Houston Symphony.Prior to joining “Pershing’s Own,” Bridges performed with the Houston Ballet, East Texas Symphony and the Waco Symphony, as well as the festival orchestras of Lake George, Brevard Music Center, National Music Festival, Texas Music Festival, and the Sewanee Music Festival.In addition, Bridges has performed in several solo competitions including the Artist Tuba solo competition at the 2014 International Tuba Euphonium Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, where he was a semi-finalist. He was also named winner of the 2011 Young Artist Tuba division at the International Leonard Falcone solo competition.In his free time, he enjoys swing dancing with his wife Rebekah and playing with their cat, Lafayette.

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SGM Dave Brown

Nashville, TN

Group: The U.S. Army Concert Band

Joined the Band: 1995

Alum: Tennessee Technological University / Indiana University

SGM David T. Brown currently serves as Brass and Percussion Group Leader and Senior Announcer with The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington D.C. He joined “Pershing’s Own” in 1995 after completing a Master of Music degree at Indiana University where he served as Associate Instructor of Tuba and was awarded the prestigious “Performer’s Certificate.” Additionally, he performs as solo tubist with the Washington Symphonic Brass. He has performed and toured with the National Symphony Orchestra and his playing can be heard on more than 40 recordings with numerous ensembles in the Washington D.C. area including The United States Army Band, the Washington Symphonic Brass and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee and his teachers include Dan Perantoni, Harvey G. Phillips, and R. Winston Morris.

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SFC Christopher Buckley

Laredo, TX

Group: The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band

Joined the Band: 2011

Alum: West Texas A&M University / The University of North Texas / The University of North Texas

SFC Christopher Buckley is one of the newest members of the United States Army Band. He grew up in a large family on the South Texas border. While in Texas he competed in several international euphonium solo competitions, including the Leonard Falcone International Solo Competition where he won 1st place in 2009. While at the University of North Texas he played in many professional ensembles including the Dallas Wind Symphony, Lone Star Wind Ensemble, and the Dallas Civic Wind Ensemble. He also performs on tuba and trombone in many jazz ensembles. He lives in Arlington, Virginia, with his wife Leah where they are constantly searching for Mexican food as good as the food in Texas. They live with two crazy cats named Oscar and Battle Cat.

Jorge Caraballo

Falcone Competition WInner

Hailing from Eustis Florida, Jorge Gauvin Caraballo is a tubist currently attending the University of Kentucky pursuing a Master of Music degree in tuba performance. At UK, Jorge plays principal tuba in the Wind Symphony, and performs in the University of Kentucky Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, and octet. A prizewinner in multiple competitions, Jorge won both the International Tuba-Euphonium Conference Solo Artist Competition, and the Leonard Falcone International Tuba- Euphonium Festival Tuba Artist Division in 2023. Jorge won the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra Concerto competition and the Kennesaw State University Mock Orchestral Audition in 2022. He has performed as a substitute tubist with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, and Gulf Coast Sinfonia, and has also performed as a member of the Southern Winds Wind Symphony, the Florida Intercollegiate Band, and as a bass trombonist with the Blue Bamboo Big Band. Jorge completed his undergraduate degree at Stetson University, where he received a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2021. His primary teachers are Dr. Brandon Smith, and Dr. Ryan Sorenson.

TSGT Lucas Davey

U.S. Air Force Band

Technical Sergeant Lucas Davey is a tubist with the Ceremonial Brass, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. A native of New Windsor, New York, his Air Force career began in 2022. Davey holds degrees from Ithaca College, the University of Miami, and Indiana University. His primary teachers include Aaron Tindall, Warren Deck, Daniel Perantoni, Justin Benavidez, and Kenneth Pick. He has performed with the Albany Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, and the New World Symphony. In 2016, Davey was awarded the Aspen Music Festival Fellowship and was the tubist of the Festival Orchestra for 2 summers. Air Force career highlights include playing in the Air Force’s 75th Birthday Tattoo, performing in the Arrival Ceremony of France for President Macron, and providing music for the funeral for one of the last Tuskegee Airmen, Brigadier General Charles McGee.

Chris Dickey

Washington State University

Praised for a “smooth tone and melodic flexibility” by Melinda Bargreen of The Seattle Times, Dr. Chris Dickey (they/them) is Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Washington State University. In the summers they are on the faculty of the Red Lodge Music Festival. They have appeared as an invited performer around the United States, Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Vietnam, and China. They are principal tuba of the Washington-Idaho Symphony in addition to performances with the Yakima, Walla Walla, Mid-Columbia, Spokane, and Missoula Symphonies. Dr. Dickey is a founding member of the In Motus Tuba Quartet, the Anonim Trio, and the Crimson Brass Trio. As a Miraphone Performing Artist, each year Dr. Dickey travels to play guest artist recitals and teach master classes at university and high school music programs. To date, Dr. Dickey has released five solo recordings: Just a Thought (2015), Dulcet Voice (2017), Inventions (2019), Panorama (2021), and Crossroads (2023). The International Tuba-Euphonium Association Journal review stated their playing “features elegant and clear phrasing, delicate and expressive musicality, and beautifully captures the emotions and intent of the original works.” The In Motus Tuba Quartet has released two albums, In Motus (2016) and Shadows: The Music of Octubaween (2018). The Anonim Trio’s debut album Anonim was released in fall 2023. Dickey’s compositions and transcriptions are available through Cimarron Music, Hickey’s Music Center, and Euphonium.com/Absolute Brass. Their solo composition Movere appeared on the required literature lists for the 2020 Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival and the 2021 International Tuba-Euphonium Conference. Dr. Dickey makes frequent contributions to the International Tuba-Euphonium Association Journal as an author and reviewer. They are committed to expanding the tuba and euphonium repertoire while bringing underrepresented composers and diverse perspectives into the conversation. Composers in the United States and abroad have written works for Dr. Dickey, including Elaine Fine’s Sonata for Tuba and Piano, Ricardo Arbiza’s La Battala Final, Zachery Meier’s Azure Roads, and Evan Zegiel’s Triptych for Low Brass Trio. Recently commissioned works include music by Katahj Copley, Juantio Becenti, Wayne Lu, brin solomon, Fernando Deddos, and Nicole Chamberlain. Dr. Dickey is a passionate mentor for aspiring educators and performers and frequently delivers presentations on brass pedagogy, LGBTQ+ advocacy, inclusive pedagogy, financial literacy, and career paths in music. Dr. Dickey received a Doctor of Music degree from Northwestern University as a student of Rex Martin. While at Northwestern, they were the recipient of the prestigious Eckstein Scholarship. Dr. Dickey earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Iowa under John Manning. They also received a Bachelor of Music degree, summa cum laude, from Eastern Illinois University as a student of Allan Horney.

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SSG Andrew Dougherty

Gainesville, VA

Group: The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band

Joined the Band: 2020

Alum: George Mason University / University of Maryland

SSG Andrew Dougherty is a native of Gainesville, Virginia, and joined the tuba section of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in December of 2020. He previously was a member of the West Point Band, which he joined in November of 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Music from George Mason University, where he studied under Andrew Hitz, and a Master of Music from the University of Maryland, where he studied under David Fedderly. Dougherty formerly played with Brass of the Potomac, the ITEA winning tuba and euphonium quartet, NOVATEQ, and other band, orchestral, and chamber ensembles around the Washington, D.C. area. As an educator, Dougherty has taught masterclasses at the Bard Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music, and at the Tanglewood Institute, while maintaining a private studio of dedicated students. Prior to joining the military music field, he was selected to perform as principal tuba with the Disney All-American College Band of 2014 in Anaheim, California, under the direction of Ron McCurdy. As a student, he won The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Mock Band Audition, and was selected for the United States Air Force Band’s Collegiate Symposium.

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SSG Aaron Eckert

Belleville, IL

Group: The U.S. Army Blues

Joined the Band: 2018

Alum: Eastern Illinois University / Eastman School of Music

SSG Aaron Eckert completed his master’s degree at the Eastman School of Music, with degrees in jazz and contemporary media performance (trombone) and performance and literature (euphonium). Eckert holds bachelor’s degrees in music education and jazz studies from Eastern Illinois University. Before joining The U.S. Army Blues, Eckert served as the low brass instructor at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, OR. Eckert was awarded 1st prize in the Rich Matteson Jazz Euphonium Competition, as well as 2nd prize (as a member of the Carillon Tuba Quartet) in the ensemble competition, at the International Tuba Euphonium Competition. Additionally, Eckert was selected as a finalist for the International TromboneAssociation J.J. Johnson Competition and placed 2nd in the Texas State Jazz Competition.

MUC Bryce Edwards

U.S. Navy Band

Chief Musician Bryce Edwards, a native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, joined the Navy Band in 2007. He earned a Bachelor of Music in music education from Tennessee Technological University and a Master of Music in performance from Indiana University. He was the first euphoniumist to win each university’s concerto competition. He was also a contributing author to The Euphonium Source Book, the definitive guide for euphonium pedagogy. Edwards is frequently a featured soloist with the Navy Band, including multiple national concert tours. A member of the Tuba/Euphonium Quartet, he has also performed with the Navy Band Brass Quartet. His principal teachers are R. Winston Morris and Daniel Perantoni.

Melissa Ewing

Melissa Ewing (she/her) hails from Northern California and began playing euphonium at age nine. Dr. Ewing studied with Matt Tropman at University of the Pacific where she won Pacific’s concerto competition in 2014, the same year that she obtained her Bachelor of Music in Euphonium Performance and Music Management. In 2016, She earned her Master of Music degree in Performance from the University of New Mexico studying under Richard White. Brian Bowman and David Childs then served as advisors to Dr. Ewing at University of North Texas, where she won the concerto competition in 2018 and earned her Doctorate in Euphonium Performance and Music Education in 2020. Dr. Ewing won the grand prize in the Susan Slaughter Solo Competition at the 2019 International Women's Brass Conference. She currently works as an instructor at Texas A&M University Commerce and maintains a private studio in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.

Steph Frye-Clark

East Tennessee State University

Steph Frye-Clark (they/them) is a highly sought-after and internationally recognized performer and educator. They are currently Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at East Tennessee State University where they have been on faculty since 2013. Steph is regarded as a leading commissioner and performer of queer-centered identity composers and is breaking ground for underrepresented commissions. Recently, they were awarded a Research Development Grant from ETSU for a qualitative research/recording project featuring the works of LGBTQ2S+ composers. Steph is a member of the acclaimed Mirari Brass Quintet and has performed with the Milwaukee, Green Bay, Knoxville, Johnson City, La Crosse, Manitowoc, and Fox Valley Symphony Orchestras as well the Symphony of the Mountains. As a soloist, they have performed at the International Tuba Euphonium Conference and the International Women’s Brass Conference and as a featured soloist with the Lawrence University Wind Ensemble and Windiana. They received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Tuba Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013. They received the Master of Music degree from UW-Madison and Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Tuba Performance and Biology respectively from Lawrence University. Steph Frye-Clark is a Miraphone Performing Artist.

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SFC Toby Furr

Dallas, TX

Group: The U.S. Army Concert Band

Joined the Band: 2013

Alum: University of North Texas

SFC Toby Furr, a native of Dallas, Texas, joined the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band in 2013. Furr is a graduate of the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. At UNT, he studied with Dr. Brian Bowman and performed with the UNT Wind Symphony as well as several chamber ensembles. Furr was the winner of the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Competition in the student division in 2010 and in the artist division in 2011. In his spare time, Furr enjoys running, reading, and cheering on Dallas professional sports teams.

MU1 Joseph Guimares

U.S. Navy Band

Musician 1st Class Joseph Guimaraes, from Boca Raton, Florida, joined the Navy Band in 2020 as a tuba instrumentalist. He received a Bachelor of Music from the Lynn University Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music from the Yale School of Music, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Georgia. Guimaraes’ primary teachers include David Zerkel, Carol Jantsch, Kenneth Amis, Jay Bertolet and Sean Murray. While in Georgia, he was the principal tuba for the Bulldog Brass Society Quintet under the coaching of Phil Smith. In 2019, Guimaraes earned the silver medal in the artist division solo competition at the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium & Tuba Festival. He also received first-place prize at the 2017 Northeast Regional Tuba/Euphonium Conference (NERTEC) Solo Artist Competition held in Ithaca, New York. The same year, Guimaraes was one of 30 recipients of the coveted Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, receiving national recognition for his philanthropic efforts related to his founding of The Mouthpieces for All Initiative, a program that promotes and encourages music education for youth while focusing on training that can inform life choices outside of the arts. Guimaraes has held principal tubist positions for festivals such as the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan, and the Chautauqua Music Festival in Chautauqua, New York. He has been a featured soloist with the Blue Lake Festival Band, the Lynn University Wind Ensemble, the Florida Atlantic University Symphony Orchestra and Florida Atlantic University’s Wind Ensemble. Outside of music, some of his additional interests include hiking and exploring different restaurants around the area.

Carol Jantsch

Philadelphia Orchestra

Carol Jantsch has been Principal Tuba of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 2006, when she became the first female tuba player in a major symphony orchestra. She won this position during her senior year at the University of Michigan, from which she graduated summa cum laude. Ms. Jantsch is renowned as a tuba soloist, and regularly performs solo recitals and as a concerto soloist. She has commissioned several new works for the tuba, and two major concertos were written for her as soloist: Reflections on the Mississippi (2013) by Grammy Award-winning composer Michael Daugherty, and Concerto for Tubist (2021) by the Pulitzer-winning jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. Ms. Jantsch is an experienced transcriber and arranger of works for solo tuba and various chamber ensembles. She enjoys performing in chamber settings, particularly with her all-tuba cover band, Tubular. Ms. Jantsch is passionate about music education. She presents clinics and masterclasses around the world, and is a faculty member at the Yale University School of Music. In 2018 she founded Tubas For Good, a nonprofit that provides musical instruments and opportunities to students in Philadelphia. TFG is grateful to have Yamaha as a partner, and Carol is a proud Yamaha performing artist. More information is available at www.caroljantsch.com. Ms. Jantsch’s recordings and arrangements can be purchased at her online store, where all proceeds are donated to TFG.

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SFC David Kirven

Paris, TX

Group: The U.S. Army Concert Band

Joined the Band: 2002

Alum: Baylor University / University of Kentucky

SFC David Kirven, originally from Paris, TX, joined The U.S. Army Band "Pershings Own" in 2002. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Tuba Performance from Baylor University. Kirven later attended the University of Kentucky where he earned a Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting in addition to a Master of Music degree in Tuba Performance. Prior to joining The U.S. Army Band "Pershings Own", Kirven served as the Tuba Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. Since joining the Army Band, he has been featured as a soloist with the band as well as performing as a member of The United States Army Tuba/Euphonium Quartet. Kirven currently serves as the Ensembles Coordinator for The United States Army Band Tuba/Euphonium Workshop.

Mai Kokubo

Senzoku Gakuen College of Music

Mai Kokubo is one of the most active euphonium performers in Japan both on stage and as a teacher. She began studying the euphonium at 11 years old, and three years later, she started to perform as a soloist. After graduating high school, she studied under Toru Miura at the Kunitachi College of Music and under Dr.Brian Bowman at the University of North Texas, where she completed her Master of Music Degree in Euphonium Performance. In 2012, she won the top prize at the Japan Wind and Percussion Competition, launching her career as a professional Euphonium player. Her brilliant musicality and cheerful personality became well known as she was invited to be a guest artist at the 2014, 2016, and 2019 International Tuba Euphonium Conference (ITEC). She completed a highly successful recital tour after releasing her first CD “A War in Wonderland” in 2015 and “Miko Dance” in 2020. The both of recording were nominated by ITEC for the CD prize and the Roger Bobo Award for excellent recording in 2016 and 2021. In 2015 and 2018, she hosted the Hamamatsu Euphonium Tuba Festival, where around 200 participants of junior and high school students, music college students, and professional and amateur performers joined to learn the instrument and enjoy concerts. She also hosted the Hamamatsu Euphonium Tuba Camp in 2019 and continues to teach at music colleges and high schools.  Mai worked as a head judge of ITEC 2023 Solo competition Euphonium Artist Division, and performed “Miko Dance” by Hiroshi Hoshina as a guest soloist at ITEC Evening Concert in May 2023. Also, she was invited a guest artist for Falcone International Tuba Euphonium Festival 2023.  Now she teaches at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music and Tokoha UNIV. Junior College. Mai Kokubo https://www.maikokubo.com/

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MSG Adam Lessard

Athens, GA

Group: The U.S. Army Concert Band

Joined the Band: 2007

Alum: Royal Northern College of Music and University of North Texas / University of Georgia

MSG Adam Lessard hails from Athens, GA and joined The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in March of 2007. Lessard attended the University of Georgia where he earned his bachelor's degree studying with Dr. David Randolph and David Zerkel; the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK, studying with Steven Mead; and the University of North Texas with his masters degree, studying with Dr. Brian Bowman. Lessard won both the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) High School Brass competition and the Falcone International Tuba Euphonium Student Competition in 1998. He placed 2nd in the 2003 MTNA College Brass Competition and 2006 Falcone Artist Competition and was a finalist in the 2006 International Tuba Euphonium Conference Artist Competition. Lessard has also performed with both the Kennedy Center Ballet and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Preston Light

Tennessee Tech University

Dr. Preston Light currently serves as Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Tennessee Tech University and is Principal Tuba of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. Previously, he taught tuba and euphonium at Xavier University and Northern Kentucky University. An active freelancer, Preston has performed with a variety of ensembles. His orchestral experience includes performances with the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, Kentucky Symphony, Youngstown Symphony, South Bend Symphony, Richmond (IN) Symphony, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Queen City Opera, and the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra. As a chamber musician he has performed with Summit Brass, the Linton Chamber Music Brass Quintet, and is a member of Cincinnati based Seven Hills Brass Ensemble. Preston has presented masterclasses and recitals across the United States, as well as being a featured soloist with many bands and orchestras. Preston also has had an accomplished competitive career. He won the 2018 Solo Tuba Competition at the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Tuba-Euphonium Workshop, 3rd prize in the 2018 Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Brass Competition, 1st prize at the 2016 Falcone International Tuba Artist Competition, 1st prize in the Mock Band competition at the 2016 International Tuba Euphonium Conference, and won the 2016 Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition at the Brevard Music Center. Preston has also won and placed at many regional conferences hosted by the International Tuba Euphonium Association. Dr. Light holds a B.M in Music Education from Tennessee Technological University and a M.M. and D.M.A. from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. His primary instructors include Timothy Northcut, Chris Olka, R. Winston Morris, and Jimmie Self.

TSGT Erik Lundquist

U.S. Air Force Band

Technical Sgt. Erik Lundquist is a euphoniumist with the Ceremonial Brass, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. A native of Jamestown, New York, he joined the Air Force in 2016. A 2014 graduate of the University of North Texas, Lundquist earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education and performance. In 2016, he received a Master of Music degree in performance from the University of North Texas. His principal teachers include Dr. Brian L. Bowman, Dr. Jamie Lipton, and Rick Lundquist. During his time in Texas, Lundquist won the 2016 International Tuba Euphonium Association Mock Euphonium Audition and took second place in the Falcone International Tuba Euphonium Competition the same year. Also, in 2016, he was named Outstanding Graduate Student in Brass. In 2018, he traveled to Finland to compete in the Lieksa Brass Week International Euphonium Competition, where he was named one of eight semi-finalists out of over 30 euphonium players from around the world. As an active performer and educator, he has presented at conferences hosted by the United States Army Band, International Tuba Euphonium Association, New York State School Music Association, and the Midwest Clinic. His professional affiliations include the International Tuba Euphonium Association and the International Women's Brass Conference. Air Force career highlights include performances on NBC's Today Show, the 2017 Presidential Inaugural Parade, and the 2017 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Jarrett McCourt

Ann Arbor Symphony

Named one of Canada’s “hottest 30 classical musicians under 30”, Jarrett McCourt currently serves on faculty at Vanderbilt University, and performs as Principal Tuba with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the Santa Fe Opera. In his spare time, Jarrett works for Crisis Text Line, a global not-for-profit organization providing free crisis intervention and suicide prevention via SMS message. Jarrett is a certified yoga instructor, and integrates concepts derived from mindfulness and meditation into his teaching and playing. Passionate about mental health and suicide prevention, Jarrett has been a guest on popular music-themed podcasts including The Brass Junkies, That’s Not Spit It’s Condensation and Sound Mind Musician, speaking largely about ways to improve and stabilize one’s mental health as a musician in the 21st century. Jarrett has visited several colleges, universities and summer festivals to speak, including Northwestern University, the University of Michigan, DePaul University, the New World Symphony, and the Pokorny Low Brass Seminar.

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SFC Jeremy Mcbride

San Antonio, TX

Group: The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band

Joined the Band: 2013

Alum: Baylor University

In 2013, SFC Jeremy McBride, a native of San Antonio, Texas, fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a member of The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band. Prior to joining “Pershing’s Own,” McBride was an active freelance musician in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and a highly sought after private euphonium instructor. At any given time, his private studio held 70 talented middle school and high school euphonium students. As an ensemble performer, McBride performed regularly with notable organizations such as the Dallas Wind Symphony, the Lone Star Wind Orchestra, The Imperial Brass, the Texas Star Brass Band, and the Dallas Civic Wind Ensemble.Throughout his musical career, McBride has successfully competed in numerous major euphonium competitions. In 2005, he took first place in the Euphonium Artist Division of the International Leonard Falcone Euphonium Competition in Twin Lake, Michigan.

TSgt Alison Miserendino

U.S. Air Force Band

Technical Sergeant Alison Miserendino is a euphoniumist with the Ceremonial Brass, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. A native of Burke, Virginia, her Air Force career began in 2020. Sergeant Miserendino completed her Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2013 at The University of North Texas. She then went on to earn dual Masters Degrees in Music Education and Euphonium Performance at The University of North Texas. Her most influential teachers are Jennifer Cox, Roger Behrend, and Dr. Brian Bowman. An accomplished soloist, Sergeant Miserendino has received several international accolades. In 2010, she was the winner of The United States Air Force Band’s own George S. Howard Young Artist Competition. She was runner-up in the International Women’s Brass Conference’s Mock Audition competition in 2014, and in 2016 Miserendino was awarded a Bronze Medal in the Artist Division of the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Competition.

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MSG Daniel Ord

Warner Robins, GA

Group: The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band

Joined the Band: 2014

Alum: Columbus State University / University of North Texas

MSG Daniel Ord enlisted in the Army in 2007 and quickly was appointed to prestigious assignments within the band field. Within a year of joining, he was selected to be the euphonium instructor at the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, VA, where he taught incoming Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines as they entered the service bands. He was then assigned to the United States Army Europe Band in Sembach, Germany where he served as the Team Leader and trombone player for the award-winning ensemble "Kaiser Brass." He became a member of the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band in 2014.Through his Army career, Ord has earned numerous awards including Distinguished Honor Graduate and the Distinguished Leadership Award at the Army Advanced Leader Course. He is also a two-time recipient of the Colonel Finley Hamilton award. Ord enjoys cycling, practicing, and spending time with his wife, son, and two pups.

Matt Perrine

Grammy awarded producer, composer, arranger and instrumentalist, Matt Perrine looks to the future for the best of what can be. When he starts looking backward, he will know it will be time to retire. In the meantime, he happily spends his time performing and educating at every opportunity. There is nothing Matt loves more than to prepare, perform, and talk about music! Matt also has been in the trenches of the music industry, and has many insights on how to navigate their murky passages. Matt has lived a life full of vast musical exploration, with many many stand out opportunities. He has performed at the North Sea Festival and at the Umbria Summer and Winter festivals, as well as the International Jazz Festivals in Berlin, Orvieto, Newport, and Chicago. He is also a mainstay at the New Orleans French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festivals. He has been seen around the world performing with Ray Anderson's Pocket Brass Band, Erika Stucky, Bonerama, Grammy award winning New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Jon Cleary, and the Tin Men. Recording credits include Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Dr. John, Ani DiFranco, Florence and the Machine, Jerry Douglas, Maryanne Faithful, Rickie Lee Jones, Bruce Hornsby, OK go and Better Than Ezra. He has composed and written arrangements for every band he has played in and has also written for acts as varied as The Boston Pops, Kevin Clark's BOSE Big Band, and Tony Award-winner, Michael Cerveris. His compositions have also been featured on HBO's critically acclaimed series, TREME, syndicated NPR series the Reading Life, and as the opening theme for Comic Relief 4 featuring Robin Williams, Whoopie Golberg, and Billy Crystal. Matt was also the musical director, arranger and conductor for for Nine Lives - the Musical. When in New Orleans, Matt can be seen performing with The Tin Men, Bonerama, Aurora Nealand & the Royal Roses, Sick and the trained professionals, and the Panorama Jazz Band.

Benjamin Pierce

University of Arkansas

Benjamin Pierce is highly decorated as a champion of international solo competitions, winning more than a dozen in total between 1998 and 2008. He was notably the first euphonium or tuba player to advance to the final round of New York City’s prestigious Concert Artists Guild annual competition. Other competition wins include both the tuba and euphonium artist divisions of the Leonard Falcone Festival, the Markneukirchen Wettbeverb, and the Japan Wind and Percussion Competition, where he took the grand prize in 2001. An accomplished teacher, Pierce has been called on to lead master classes in Japan, Hong Kong, Spain, Finland, and across the U.S. He has been on the faculty of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville since 2003. His U of A students have gone on to attain prestigious positions in the premiere military bands as well as teaching positions in many secondary and post-secondary institutions. Pierce is perhaps regarded as a pioneer in performing on both the tuba and euphonium, taking advantage of their artistic possibilities in both solo and ensemble situations. He has toured extensively as a recitalist. In the orchestral realm he has been a member of the Ann Arbor Symphony and has performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Tulsa Symphony, among others. He is a member of the acclaimed Brass Band of Battle Creek, with whom he has performed on three instruments--the euphonium, bass tuba, and baritone. Pierce served as Editor of the ITEA Journal from 2011 to 2021 and was a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of ITEA during that tenure A proud Miraphone representative, Pierce performs on the 5050 Ambassador euphonium and the 481C Elektra F tuba.

tuba

SSG Marc Placencia

Glendale, AZ

Group: The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band

Joined the Band: 2022

Alum: Arizona State University

SSG Marc Placencia grew up in sunny Glendale, AZ, and won his position with The U.S. Army Band “Pershing's Own” in 2022. He received his bachelor's degree from Arizona State University where he studied with Sam Pilafian and Dr. Deanna Swoboda. His other primary mentors are international tuba soloist Patrick Sheridan and Los Angeles-based tubist Gabriel Sears. Prior to joining “Pershing's Own,” he served in the U.S. Navy Fleet Bands at Navy Band Northwest. Outside of the military, he has performed with the Seattle Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Tucson Symphony, AZMusicFest Orchestra, West Valley Symphony and was selected to participate in the Disneyland All-American College Band in the summer of 2017. When not playing his tuba, he likes to spend time with his wife and his two amazing children.

David Porter

George Mason University

Dr. William Davidson (David) Porter is a retired CMSgt from The United States Air Force Band, Washington D.C. During his 24 year career there, he played tuba with The Concert Band, The Ceremonial Brass and The Symphony Orchestra. He also made appearances with The Airmen of Note, The Singing Sergeants and various chamber groups such as The Dixieland Band and several brass quintets. Having grown up in Tennessee, David graduated from Alcoa High School in 1976 under the tutelage of Roy Holder. His education includes a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Tennessee Tech University (TTU), a Masters in Music in Tuba Performance from the University of New Mexico (UNM), and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Tuba Performance from George Mason University (GMU). David's teachers have been Professor R. Winston Morris (TTU), Dr. Karl Hinterbichler (UNM) and Dr. Michael Nickens (GMU). His other teachers have been Mr. David Fedderly, Principal Tuba, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the late Dr. Milton Stevens, Principal Trombone, National Symphony Orchestra, and is currently studying with Mr. Gene Pokorny, Principal Tuba, Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Besides the USAF Band, David has performed as Principal Tuba with The New Mexico Brass Quintet and The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and substitute with The Maryland Symphony Orchestra. He is currently Principal Tuba with Tysons McLean Orchestra. His other performing experiences include many solo appearances with the USAF Concert Band and Chamber Series, touring with Tim Zimmerman and The King's Brass (2010-2014), with Eurobrass (2013-2019), with King Street Brass Quintet, Camerata Brass Quintet, National Brass Quintet and Tysons McLean Orchestra Brass Quintet and many other chamber and orchestra ensembles throughout the Washington DC Metropolitan area. His very active teaching career of over 40 years includes college clinics, high school band camps, sectionals and clinics, middle school and elementary sectionals and clinics, and teaching Drum and Bugle Corps Brass. He currently teaches 30 tuba and euphonium students weekly from five different schools in Fairfax County, VA and has had students gain scholarships at over 16 different major universities. As well as Adjunct Instructor at GMU, he is also on staff teaching Brass Methods, Instrumental Pedagogy and Literature, Tuba Euphonium Ensemble and Brass Coach with “The Green Machine”, the 250 member athletic music ensemble at GMU. During the summers, David is on faculty at the MasterWorks Festival, a Christian performing artist camp at Converse College, Spartanburg, SC. David's professional memberships include the International Tuba Euphonium Association, American Federation of Musicians, Phi Mu Alpha, National Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Fraternity and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. His other interests include volunteering as a sound engineer and youth counselor at Fairlington UMC and exercising. David is married to wife, Judy, and they are parents to two children and grandparents to five grandchildren.

euphonium

SSG Irving Ray

Houston, TX

Group: The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band

Joined the Band: 2016

Alum: Sam Houston State University / University of North Texas

SSG Irving Ray grew up in a large musical family in Houston, TX. Five of his eight siblings chose to play euphonium, with exception to his youngest brother who chose trumpet. As a former member of the highly acclaimed North Texas Euphonium Quartet, Ray performed at some of the top colleges and conservatories across the United States. In addition, Ray is an internationally known soloist and teacher, having been invited each year to Singapore since 2013 with the Wind Bands Association of Singapore, performing as a guest soloist with the Monterrey Symphony Orchestra in Monterrey, Mexico, and serving as a guest soloist and brass lecturer with the Field Band Foundation in Durban, South Africa. Prior to joining “Pershing’s Own,” Ray was Dr. Brian Bowman’s teaching fellow at the University of North Texas and was Adjunct Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Brookhaven College. Some of his greatest musical influences include Frank Troyka, Matthew McInturf, Rex Martin, Demondrae Thurman, and Dr. Brian Bowman.

Ryan Robinson

Oklahoma State University

Dr. Robinson serves as Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music at Oklahoma State University. He is Principal Tuba of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, The Lawton Philharmonic, and the Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra. His degrees are from the University of North Texas (BM, DMA) and Northwestern University (MM). Dr. Robinson enjoys a busy and diverse career as a professional tubist. As an orchestral tubist, he has performed with the Houston Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Tulsa Symphony, Las Colinas Symphony, Allen Philharmonic, and the Blue Lake Festival Band. He has accompanied a wide variety of artists including Weird Al, Kristin Chenoweth, Hansen, Michael W. Smith, BJ Thomas, and Dave Brubeck. As an active member of the International Tuba Euphonium Association, Dr. Robinson has performed and adjudicated at numerous regional and international conferences. He has also served as the host of two regional conferences in 2015 and 2022. Additionally, Dr. Robinson is the creator of the Eastman Tuba Euphonium Academy and serves as the host and as a faculty artist each summer. Dr. Robinson is an Eastman Winds Artist.

Chris Troiano

George Mason University

Dr. Chris Troiano currently serves as the Historical Ensembles Program Manager for the Green Machine Ensembles at George Mason University. Having earned degrees from both the University of North Texas and George Mason University, Chris is a strong advocate for incorporating band and instrument history into collegiate curricula. In addition to euphonium, Chris also performs regularly on vintage baritones/euphoniums, as well as on the ophicleide and the serpent. As a bandleader, Chris directs the 8th Green Machine Regiment Band, an early American brass band formed in 2017 at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Other historical bands Chris has performed with include the Old Bethpage Village Brass Band, Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band, the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Band, Beck’s Philadelphia Brigade Band, and the Yankee Brass Band. In addition to his work in historical band performance, Chris has performed contemporary solo works with the Huntington Community Band, George Mason University Symphonic Band, George Mason University Wind Symphony, Capital Wind Symphony, Park View High School, Centreville High School, and Blaskapelle Alte Kameraden German. Chris is a regular member of the 8th Green Machine Regiment Band, Capital Wind Symphony, and Blaskapelle Alte Kameraden. Chris has also performed with the United States Military Academy at West Point Band, the United States Air Force Band, and the United States Army Band “The Pershing’s Own”. The 8th Green Machine Regiment Band was formed by Dr. Chris Troiano and Dr. Michael Nickens in the fall of 2017 at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. The regiment band was the eighth ensemble formed as part of the Green Machine Ensembles–George Mason University’s athletic band program directed by Dr. Nickens aka Doc Nix. The 8th GM Regiment Band is open to all Mason students, alumni, and community members and allows performers to develop their musical skills in a hybrid chamber ensemble/large ensemble environment. The band performs 19th-century music on period instruments and wears green military-inspired uniforms designed to reflect our affiliation with George Mason University.

David Zerkel

University of Michigan

David Zerkel is Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of Michigan, leading an active career as both a performer and educator. Before his arrival at Michigan, he taught in a similar position at the University of Georgia. His students have distinguished themselves by winning international and national competitions and attaining positions with professional performing organizations. He is a Past President of the International Tuba Euphonium Association and was selected as the inaugural recipient of the ITEA Teaching Award. David began his performing career as a member of the United States Army Field Band and The United States Army Band, both located in Washington, DC. He has had the good fortune to perform with many orchestras and brass ensembles through the course of his career. David has performed as a featured soloist at many workshops and symposia, including the Leonard Falcone Festival, several International Tuba Euphonium Conferences, and the United States Army Band Tuba Euphonium Workshop. In addition, he has performed as a solo recitalist at many of the leading colleges and conservatories in the United States. He has released three solo CDs: American Music for Tuba, Tuba Helper, and his latest CD, Journey, which features the music of John Stevens. David has served as the President of the International Tuba Euphonium Association. His summer teaching activities include a position at the Interlochen Arts Camp. He lives in Dexter, Michigan with his lovely bride, Kristin.