Master Sgt. Ricky Parrell is an alto saxophonist with the Concert Band, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Originally from Arlington, Virginia, his Air Force career began in 2012.
A 2006 graduate from George Mason University, he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a minor in jazz studies. He received a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from the University of North Texas in 2008. His former teachers include Rick Parrell Sr., Dale Underwood, Jim Carroll, Ed Fraedrich, Marty Nau, Eric Marienthal and Eric Nestler.
Comfortable in all performing styles, Parrell has appeared at such notable venues as The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (Dallas), The Eisemann Center (Dallas), and Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts (Vienna, Virginia). In April of 2010, Parrell had the pleasure of performing the world premier of "Rituals for Alto Saxophone and Orchestral Winds" by Vincent Oppido, a piece that was written for him and the George Mason University Wind Symphony. Before joining the Air Force, he maintained a private studio of over 50 saxophone, flute and clarinet students. His students have been members of the Texas All State Band, Virginia All State Jazz Band and Fairfax County District XI and XII Bands.