Technical Sergeant (TSgt) Hilary Zirkle serves as clarinetist for the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. A native of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, TSgt Zirkle received her Bachelor’s Degree in Clarinet Performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. She then continued her education at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she received her Master’s Degree in Music Performance. She has studied with Anthony McGill, Ricardo Morales, Paul Demers, Kelly Burke, and Richard Klinedinst. Prior to joining the Air Force, TSgt Zirkle performed as 2nd clarinet with Symphony in C in Camden, New Jersey and was a featured soloist with the Walnut Creek Concert Band in Walnut Creek, California.
TSgt Zirkle enlisted in 2015 with the USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, California, and has performed for military and civilian audiences nationwide. Some of her memorable performances include performing as a soloist with the USAF Heritage of America Band and the USAF Band of the Golden West, participating in the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, the Rose Bowl Parade (2016, 2022), and playing at the Hollywood Bowl where she shared the stage with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, LA Philharmonic, Chicago, Pentatonix, and The Go-Gos.
EDUCATION
2013 Bachelor of Music, Clarinet Performance, The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
2015 Master of Music, Music Performance, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
2019 Airman Leadership School, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
ASSIGNMENTS
USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA (December 2015 – May 2019)
USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA (May 2019 – present)
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
AF Good Conduct Medal with two oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with one oak leaf cluster
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2016 Airman of the 3rd Quarter, USAF Band of the Golden West
2019 Academic Achievement Award, Airman Leadership School Class 20-A
2021 Musician of the 2nd Quarter, USAF Heritage of America Band
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman 1st Class 13 October 2015
Senior Airman 13 February 2018
Staff Sergeant 01 January 2020
Technical Sergeant 01 January 2025
(Current as of February 2025)