Master Sergeant (MSgt) Craig Buying performs clarinet and bass clarinet with the Heritage of America Band. He is also active in the JBLE Resilience program working with Airmen from a wide mix of career fields and experiences. Notable Air Force concerts include a joint performance with the St. Louis Symphony, a solo performance at the annual International Clarinet Association Festival, and the public memorial for General Chuck Yeager.
Prior to the Air Force MSgt Buying was on faculty at the Music Academy of Long Island and the Gracias School of Music. Other teaching appointments include Stony Brook University Undergraduate Clarinet Studio and the Rutgers Scarlet Knight Marching Band.
His primary teachers include Steve Silverstein, Doug Graham, Dan Gilbert, Alan Kay, and Tina Ward.
EDUCATION
2005 Bachelor of Music, University of South Carolina
2008 Master of Music, Stony Brook University
2015 Doctorate of Music, Stony Brook University
2017 Community College of the Air Force
2017 Airmen Leadership School, Scott AFB
2020 NCO Academy, Sheppard AFB
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Sep 2012 - Jan 2017, Band of Mid America, Scott AFB, IL
2. Jan 2017 - present, Heritage of America Band, Langley AFB, VA
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2013 Airmen of the Quarter, 4th Quarter
2014 Airmen of the Quarter, 4th Quarter
2016 Air Force Media Contest, Small Group Arrangement
2017 NCO of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter
2017 Musician of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter
2017 Musician of the Quarter, 4th Quarter
2019 Air Force Media Contest, Small Group Arrangement
2020 Volunteer of the Quarter, 1st Quarter
2020 Volunteer of the Quarter, 4th Quarter
2021 NCO of the Quarter, 1st Quarter
2021 NCO of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter
2021 Volunteer of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter
2021 NCO of the Quarter, 3rd Quarter
2021 Volunteer of the Quarter, 3rd Quarter
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Senior Airman 09 Nov 2014
Staff Sergeant 01 Aug 2016
Technical Sergeant 01 Jul 2019
(Current as of Mach 2022)