Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Michael Ferrante, originally from Dardenne Prairie, Missouri, is a saxophonist for the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band, stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), along with a Minor in Music in 2016. While at UMSL, he studied with saxophonists Adrianne Honnold, Hugh Jones, and Joel Vanderheyden. Throughout his musical development, he also had the opportunity to study extensively with Paul DeMarinis (Director of Jazz Studies, Webster University), former Air Force saxophonist Larry Smith, and world-renowned saxophonist Houston Person. In addition, he studied jazz arranging with Elliot Deutsch. SSgt Ferrante enlisted in the USAF in 2017.
SSgt Ferrante has performed all along the East Coast, from Florida to Maine, in addition to several other states. Highlights of his performance career include soloing alongside Randy Brecker and Eric Marienthal at the Berks Jazz Festival, playing for two NFL halftime shows, and playing the nation anthem at an NBA game. He composed and arranged a big band song that can be heard on the Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble album entitled “Blueprints”. He was lead tenor sax in the esteemed Jazz Band of America in 2012.
In 2018 SSgt Ferrante deployed with the Blue Aces rock group in support of the Air Force Central Command mission. He performed in 6 countries throughout Southwest Asia, connecting with audiences through the universal language of music and helping to build strategic partnerships with various nations.
EDUCATION
2016, Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, University of Missouri-St. Louis
2016, Minor in Music, University of Missouri-St. Louis
2021, Airman Leadership School, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Jul 2017 - present, USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
National Defense Service Medal
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman 1st Class 18 Apr 2019
Senior Airman 18 Aug 2019
Staff Sergeant 1 May 2021
(Current as of March 2025)