Technical Sergeant Candy Chang Tasker is a flutist and piccoloist with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA. Originally from Kent, Washington, her Air Force career began in 2016.
TSgt Tasker is a 2016 graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Flute Performance and Arts Administration. She also pursued a minor in Historical Performance (baroque flute). Her teachers include Alexa Still, Michael Lynn, and Kathie Stewart.
As a military musician, TSgt Tasker performed at the 2017 U.S. Presidential Inauguration for President Trump and his family where she was featured as a soloist. She has also shared the stage with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and American a cappella group, Pentatonix. She has appeared on Classical King FM’s Northwest Focus Live, Spokane Public Radio’s From the Studio, ABC, ESPN, and FOX news.
TSgt Tasker has won numerous competitions including the Seattle Horsfall Competition, the Simon-Fiset Scholarship Woodwind Competition, Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside, and was a national finalist for the Music Teachers National Association Competition. She also took second place at the Alexander and Buono International Flute competition. TSgt Tasker has performed concertos with the Seattle Festival Orchestra, Stars-in-the-Classics International Orchestra, Academy Chamber Orchestra, Oberlin Mozart Players, USAF Band of the Golden West, and the Tacoma Concert Band.
Passionate about new music, TSgt Tasker has premiered over 75 works by living composers. She performed regularly with Oberlin's Contemporary Music Ensemble through which she collaborated with four-time Grammy winner, eighth blackbird, and toured to the University of Richmond to perform at Third Practice Electroacoustic Music Festival.
An avid educator, she has served as flute faculty and coach at Marrowstone-in-the-City Summer Music, Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra, Oberlin Composition Workshop, and at Vivace Chamber Players. She has also taught masterclasses at the University of Arizona, University of Idaho, California State East Bay, College of Southern Nevada, Willamette University, and Corban University.
TSgt Tasker has spent summers performing at festivals, including the National Music Festival, Marrowstone Summer Music, Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute, and ARIA International Academy.
EDUCATION
2020 - Airman Leadership School, Academic Achievement Award and Distinguished Graduate
2016 - Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music in flute performance
ASSIGNMENTS
May 2016-present USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
DECORATIONS
1. Air and Space Commendation Medal 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
2. AF Good Conduct Medal 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
3. National Defense Service Medal
4. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
5. Air and Space Longevity Service Award
6. USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
7. Air and Space Training Ribbon
AWARDS
2020: Band of the Golden West NCO of the Quarter
2020: Distinguished Graduate and Academic Achievement Winner, Airman Leadership School
2018: Air Force Public Affairs Award for Communication Excellence - Outstanding Communication Airman
2017: Air Mobility Command Public Affairs Airman of the Year
2017: Band of the Golden West Musician of the Quarter
2017: Band of the Golden West Commander’s Award
2017: Band of the Golden West Airman of the Year
2017: Air Mobility Command Public Affairs Airman of the Quarter
2017: Band of the Golden West Airman of the Quarter
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class – May 2016
Senior Airman – September 2018
Staff Sergeant – May 2020
Technical Sergeant – July 2023