Staff Sergeant Joseph Rulli is a saxophonist with the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He currently performs with the Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Concert Band, and Marching Band.
Originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Sgt. Rulli graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas in 2013 with a Bachelor of Music degree and a minor in English. He continued his studies at the University of Missouri, graduating with a dual Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance and Jazz Performance & Pedagogy in 2016. During this period, he was a member of the critically acclaimed University of Missouri Concert Jazz Band, appearing on two studio albums and performing/recording with Sean Jones, Jimmy Greene, Randy Brecker, Byron Stripling, MeShell Ndegeocello, Bobby Watson, and Mike Mainieri.
After completing his formal education, Sgt. Rulli was active as a freelance saxophonist and music teacher in the Washington, D.C.-area, led his own jazz trio, and earned a position as a Teaching Artist at the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts (Virginia). In 2016 he formed the saxophone duo, NYX, an ensemble committed to commissioning new works and promoting chamber music performance & pedagogy in grade school music programs. Additionally, he has appeared with the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, Columbia Civic Orchestra, and the Odyssey Chamber Music Series, as well as conference performances at the North American Saxophone Alliance, U.S. Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, and Jazz Education Network.
Sgt Rulli joined the Air Force in 2018 and was assigned to the United States Air Force Academy Band, Peterson Air Force Base, CO. At this unit he performed for multiple high-profile engagements, including the state funeral of President George H.W. Bush in 2018 and as a soloist on national television for the 2020 Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration.
In 2020, Sgt Rulli assumed a new position with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Band at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. As saxophonist and drum major, he performed in 17 European and African countries for audiences including heads of state, foreign militaries, refugees, students, and media outlets, utilizing music as a diplomatic tool to promote American soft power and strengthen partnerships with allied nations.
Sgt Rulli’s primary teachers include Andrew Layton, Leo Saguiguit, Arthur White, Richard Salonen, and Stanley Morris.
EDUCATION
2013 – Bachelor of Music, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
2016 – Master of Music, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
2022 – Ramstein Airman Leadership School, Kapaun Air Station, Germany
ASSIGNMENT
- January - March 2018, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, TX
- March 2018 – October 2020, U.S. Air Force Academy Band, Peterson Air Force Base, CO
- October 2020 – January 2025, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Band, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
- February 2025 – Present, U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, IL
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
1. Air and Space Commendation Medal
2. Air and Space Achievement Medal
3. Meritorious Unit Award
4. Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
5. AF Good Conduct Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
6. Air and Space Recognition Ribbon
7. National Defense Service Medal
8. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
9. Humanitarian Service Medal
10. Air and Space Longevity Service Award
11. USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
12. Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
13. Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2020 U.S. Air Force Academy Band Airman of the Year
2020 HQ U.S. Air Force Academy Airman of the Year
2021 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band Airman of the Year
2021 U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs Airman of the Year
2022 John Levitow Award – Ramstein Airman Leadership School Class 22-3
2023 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band NCO of the 4th Quarter
2023 Air Force Public Affairs CMSgt Morrell Media Award - Musician of the Year
2024 Col Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Music Award
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class – 18 January 2018
Senior Airman – 18 May 2020
Staff Sergeant – 1 April 2022
(Current as of March 2025)