Senior Airman Joseph Ganzelli is a Percussionist with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA. He also serves as the unit's webmaster and is a publicity representative for the Commanders Jazz Ensemble. Originally from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, his Air Force career began in 2014.
SrA Ganzelli completed his undergraduate studies in Music Education and Percussion Performance at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, which he began in 2010. He studied classical percussion and drum set with Dr. Christopher Hanning, Ralph Sorrentino and Dr. Marc Jacoby. He has also studied privately with Ari Hoeing and Tommy Igoe. Prior to joining the Air Force, SrA Ganzelli performed with many professional groups in the greater Philadelphia area, taught private lessons and high school marching percussion.
At West Chester University, SrA Ganzelli performed regular concerts with the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Latin Jazz and the Criterions Jazz Ensemble. In conjunction with Hershey Entertainment and Windish Music and Productions, SrA Ganzelli was a part of the award winning "found sound" percussion group "Cocoa Rhythm Factory," in 2012 and 2013. SrA Ganzelli was also a member of the Drum Corps International finalist, Carolina Crown of Ft. Mill, SC and Winter Guard International finalist, United Percussion of Camden County, NJ.
In 2016, he deployed as a member of the AFCENT Band supporting operations Inherent Resolve and Resolute Support, completing 66 missions in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Afghanistan reaching 5.6 million people.
EDUCATION
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
2015- Bachelor of Music Education, West Chester University
2015- Bachelor of Music: Percussion Performance, West Chester University
2016- Associate in Applied Science, Music, Community College of the Air Force
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
AF Training Ribbon
ASSIGNMENTS
February 2015-present. USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
February 2016-May 2016, AFCENT Band, Al Udeid AB, Qatar
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class-December 2014
Senior Airman- April 2017
(Current as of April 2017)