Master Sgt. Christine Lightner is the principal cellist with the Air Force Strings, the United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Originally from Mission Viejo, California, her Air Force career began in 2006.
As a freelance musician, she has performed as principal cellist in orchestras supporting Choralis, New Dominion Chorale, and City Choir of Washington. She has also performed with Washington Concert Opera, Apollo Orchestra and Cathedral Choral Society. Prior to joining the Air Force, she was the recording cellist with the band Yellowcard, appearing on five albums including the platinum-selling "Ocean Avenue." She has also collaborated with Richmond-based Miramar Boleros in a Kennedy Center performance, along with video projects.
Sgt. Lightner holds degrees from the University of Southern California, and the Manhattan School of Music. Her principal instructors include Alan Stepansky, Margo Tatgenhorst-Drakos and Eleonore Schoenfeld. She lives in Washington DC with her husband and two children.
Highlights of Sgt. Lightner's Air Force career include the 2009 inauguration concert on the national mall, as well as a 2016 performance for the King and Queen of Cambodia in Phnom Penh.