Senior Airman Andrew Payton is a tubist with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA. He also serves as the unit’s head of video productions. Originally from Mayville, WI, his Air Force career began in 2018 with the Air Force Band of the West at Lackland Air Force Base.
SrA Payton is a graduate of Eastman School of Music where he earned degrees in Tuba Performance, Music Education, as well as a Performer’s Certificate. Additionally, he also studied tuba performance at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music in Houston, TX. His teachers include Scott Tegge, Don Harry, and Dave Kirk. SrA Payton has performed with many professional ensembles, including the Buffalo Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Rochester Oratorio Society, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Syracuse Symphoria, and the San Antonio Symphony. During his Air Force career, he has performed across much of the United States and has taught masterclasses at numerous universities and conservatories.
EDUCATION
2016 – BM Tuba Performance, BM Music Education, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY
2016-2018 – Additional Studies, Rice University, Houston, TX
ASSIGNMENTS
1. October 2018 – JUNE 2022, BAND OF THE WEST, LACKLAND AFB, SAN ANTONIO, TX
2. June 2022 – present, BAND OF THE GOLDEN WEST, TRAVIS AFB, FAIRFIELD, CA
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award
Air Force Good Conduct Award
Humanitarian Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate
Air and Space Training Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class - December 2018
Senior Airman - March 2021