Master Sergeant Brian Connolly proudly serves as a saxophonist in the United States Air Forces in Europe Band. He hails from Stormville, NY a small town in the beautiful Mid-Hudson region. While receiving a Bachelors of Music degree from Ithaca College, he studied Saxophone with Dr. Steven Mauk. During his military career, he studied with Hal Crook, widely known for his innovative approach to studying jazz improvisation. Prior to joining the Air Force, MSgt Connolly travelled the world as a saxophonist on Cunard's transatlantic liners, the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth 2. During his career in the Air Force, MSgt Connolly has performed with artists such as Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Vivino, Jane Monheit, Marvin Stamm, Greg Hopkins, and Dennis Adu. He currently serves as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of The Ambassadors Jazz Ensemble, conducting international partnership-building missions throughout Europe and Africa.
EDUCATION
2003 Bachelors of Music, Ithaca College
2011 Airman Leadership School
2018 Non-Commissioned Officer Academy
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Hanscom AFB, MA February 1999-July 2001, April 2006-August 2013
2. Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA September 2013-August 2016
3. Ramstein AB, Germany September 2016-Present
DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
AF Organizational Excellence Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
AF Longevity Service
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
AF Training Ribbon
(Current as of August 2022)