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Master Sergeant Matthew Penland

Master Sgt. Matthew Penland is a percussionist with the Concert Band, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Originally from Laurinburg, North Carolina, his Air Force career began in 2016.

A graduate of the University of North Texas, Penland received a Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance and received a Master of Music Performance degree from Northwestern University. His primary teachers included She-e Wu, Christopher Lamb, James Ross, Mark Ford, Christopher Deane and Paul Rennick.

Displaying a background in both classical and marching percussion, his performance accolades include: Finalist in the TROMP International Percussion Competition, top prizewinner of the Atlanta Modern Snare Drum Competition, semifinalist in the Southern California Marimba Competition, DCI Individual and Ensemble Tenor Champion, and PASIC Collegiate Tenor Solo Champion. Before joining the Air Force, Penland was a section percussionist in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. As a rudimental percussionist, he was a member of the Santa Clara Vanguard, Phantom Regiment, Carolina Crown, and Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps.

Air Force career highlights include performances on NBC's TODAY, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and playing rope drum on the National Memorial Day Concert.