SSgt Daniel Thrower is a trumpet player at the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia. In addition to his musical duties, Sgt Thrower is the NCOIC of Pacific Brass, Approving Official over Finances, and NCOIC over Supply and is in charge of the unit’s Computer Shop. He also composes extensively and has won two Air Force-level awards for his compositions.
SSgt Thrower joined the United States Air Force in April 2011. Prior to enlisting, he received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Brigham Young University (BYU), and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University. He was on the faculty at BYU, BYU-Idaho, Utah Valley University, the College of Eastern Utah (now Utah State University-Eastern), and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Sergeant Thrower’s career highlights include supporting the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, performing the National Anthem at major sporting events, and representing the Air Force with three presentations at an International Trumpet Guild Conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania. SSgt Thrower is an internationally award-winning composer. Prior to his current position, he served as the Music Director and later as NCOIC of Offutt Brass at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.
EDUCATION
2001 Bachelor of Music, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
2002 Master of Music, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
2007 Doctorate of Musical Arts, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
2013 Associates Degree of Applied Science: Music, Community College of the Air Force
2015 Airman Leadership School, Offutt AFB, Nebraska
ASSIGNMENTS OR CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. April 2011 – June 2015, USAF Band of the West, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
2. June 2015 – June 2023, USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, Nebraska
3. June 2023 – Present, USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia, Yokota Air Base, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with two oak leaf clusters
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class April 26, 2011
Senior Airman February 26, 2013
Staff Sergeant January 1, 2016
(CURRENT AS OF OCTOBER 2023)