Technical Sergeant Edwin A. Ochsner is a French horn player with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. Originally from Evansville Indiana, his Air Force career began in 2003 with the USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB CA.
Technical Sergeant Ochsner is a 2003 graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Charleston IL, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Horn Performance. His principal instructors have included Christopher Smith, Jeremy Hansen, and Arthur Adye. Sergeant Ochsner's expertise on the Horn has been demonstrated in numerous professional ensembles, including the Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Sinfonia di Camera, Danville Symphony Orchestra, Terra Haute Symphony, North State Symphony, Marin Symphony, Napa Valley Symphony, and Fresno Philharmonic. He also performed with the Hot Springs Music Festival Symphony Orchestra for three CDs by NAXOS Recordings.
During his AF career, he has performed principle horn on three Concert Band CDs including "Our Musical Legacy", "War & Remembrance" and “American Tapestry”. He is also featured on the Golden West Winds educational outreach CD as well as the chamber winds CD “Common Ground”. Other career highlights include joint concerts with the San Francisco Symphony, LA Philharmonic and Vince Gill.
EDUCATION
2003 - Bachelor of Music, Horn Performance, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Jul 2003 - Jan 2015, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
2. Feb 2015 - July 2018, US Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein AB, Germany
3. July 2018 - Present, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Organization Excellence Award with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with three oak leaf clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Technical Sergeant - 1 September 2017
Staff Sergeant - 1 September 2010
Senior Airman - 15 November 2005
Airman First Class - 15 July 2003