Master Sergeant Nick Ciardelli serves as a trumpet player for the United Stated Air Force Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, IL. His duties include playing trumpet with the Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band, as well as holding the position of First Sergeant for the 60-member unit, where he advises the commander on the readiness, health, morale, welfare and quality of life of Airmen and their families.
A native of Beach Haven, NJ, MSgt Ciardelli is a 2009 graduate of The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Trumpet Performance. In 2015, he also received a Master’s degree from West Chester University, West Chester, PA. His teachers include Matt Gallagher and George Rabbai at University of the Arts, and Dr. Jean-Christophe Dobrzelewski at West Chester University. MSgt Ciardelli’s military career began in 2012 with the USAF Band of the Golden West at Travis AFB, CA. He was also a member of the USAF Band of the Pacific, stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI from 2020-2023.
Prior to entering the Air Force Bands Program, MSgt Ciardelli performed professionally both on the road and throughout the Philadelphia and Atlantic City areas. A portion of his performance credits include playing lead trumpet with: Aretha Franklin; Frankie Valli; The Temptations; The Four Tops; Toni, Tone, Tony; The Glenn Miller Orchestra; The Artie Shaw Orchestra; The Harry James Orchestra; and Ringling Brothers Circus.
Some of MSgt Ciardelli's career highlights are supporting the 2022 G-20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, the 30th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Celebration in Kyiv, Ukraine, performing at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles alongside the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Los Angeles Philharmonic, backing up the band Chicago, performing at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2019 and playing lead trumpet on The USAF Band of the Golden West Commanders Jazz Ensemble’s 2013 recording of “Foe Destroyer.”
EDUCATION
2009 Bachelor of Arts in Trumpet Performance, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2015 Master of Music in Trumpet Performance, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
2016 Airmen Leadership School, Sgt Paul D Ramoneda Airmen Leadership School, Travis AFB, CA
2021 Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Binnicker PME Center, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI
ASSIGNMENTS
March 2012 – June 2020, USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
June 2020 – July 2023, USAF Band of the Pacific – Hawaii, Hickam AFB, HI
July 2023 – Present, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, IL
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Ribbon
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Overseas Short Tour Ribbon
Humanitarian Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Medal with two oak leaf clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2013 USAF Band of the Golden West - Airmen of the Year
2013 USAF Air Mobility Public Affairs - Airmen of the Year
2021 USAF Band of the Pacific - NCO of the Year
2023 USAF Band of Mid-America - NCO of the Year
2023 USAF Air Mobility Public Affairs - NCO of the Year
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airmen First Class February 19, 2012
Senior Airmen April 26, 2014
Staff Sergeant May 1, 2026
Technical Sergeant February 1, 2020
Master Sergeant February 1, 2024
(Current as of June 2024)