Staff Sergeant Chelsea Russell is an oboist with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA. Originally from Greenville, SC, her Air Force career began in 2017.
SSgt Russell is a 2012 graduate of Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in orchestral instrument performance. In 2014 and 2016 respectively she received a master’s degree and Artist Diploma from the University of Cincinnati: College—Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OH. Her teachers include Mary AllyeB Purtle, Robert Chest, and Mark Ostoich. SSgt Russell held the position as principal oboe with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra from 2012-2016, the associate principal/2nd oboe position with the Richmond (IN) Symphony Orchestra 2014-2016, and second oboe position with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra from 2016-2017.
ASSIGNMENTS
Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA, October 2017 - Present
EDUCATION
2012 – Orchestral Instrument Performance, Bob Jones University
2014—Master’s degree in oboe performance, University of Cincinnati: College—Conservatory of Music
2016—Artist Diploma in oboe performance, University of Cincinnati: College—Conservatory of Music
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, 22 August 2017
Senior Airman, December 2019