Major Joseph R. Denti is commander and conductor of The Air National Guard Band of the Northeast, the 553rd Air Force Band. This musical unit serves dual missions of supporting regional Air National Guard Units and the "Total Air Force" through military, recruiting and community outreach events.
Originally from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, Major Denti began his Air Force career in 2006. He attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he earned his bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in music with an instrumental conducting concentration. In December 2013, Major Denti earned his doctor of musical arts degree in instrumental conducting from George Mason University, where he studied with Anthony Maiello.
Major Denti received his Air Force commission through the Academy of Military Science, Knoxville, Tennessee on April 20, 2007. He volunteered for deployment in 2010, leading missions in numerous undisclosed locations throughout Southwest Asia for the deployed AFCENT band High Altitude. Stateside mission highlights include NASCAR Pocono 500, Pennsylvania 500, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, performances honoring General Mark A. Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, and the inauguration of Tom Corbett as the 46th Governor of Pennsylvania.
As a Traditional guardsman, Major Denti currently serves as an Instrumental Music Educator with Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax, VA. He has taught multiple grade levels of public school instrumental music and served as a musicianship and eurhythmics instructor at Duquesne University's City Music Center. He has performed as Principal Tuba with various brass ensembles and orchestras in the Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. areas. Guest conducting engagements include the American Youth String Orchestra, George Mason University Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, Potomac Music Academy String Chamber Connection, The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestra, and The Vienna Community Band. He actively serves as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for bands and orchestras throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Major Denti is an active member of the National Bandmaster's Association and the College Band Directors National Association.
Major Denti's military awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters; the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster; the National Defense Service Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and the Armed Forces