Staff Sergeant Clarissa Osborn is a clarinetist with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA, where she also serves as the unit’s auditions coordinator. Originally from Damascus, OR, her Air Force career began in 2019.
SSgt Osborn is a 2013 graduate of The University of Oregon, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance. In 2015 she received a master’s degree in clarinet performance from the University of Michigan, Moore’s School of Music. Her teachers include Daniel Gilbert, Jerome Simas and Lou DeMartino. SSgt Osborn held the position as principal clarinet of the Newport Symphony in Newport, Oregon from 2017-2019, served as clarinetist with the Hollywood Concert Orchestra on their 2017 tour of Japan, and has subbed with the Eugene Symphony and Dearborn Symphony.
Since joining the Band of the Golden West, SSgt Osborn has performed at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, was a featured soloist at Clarinetfest 2021 in Reno, NV, has performed with the Commander’s Jazz ensemble at NAMM 2022 and the Monterey Jazz Festival 2023, and supported the 2023 Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. In her time off she volunteers with Travis AFB Outdoor recreation program, guiding weekend hiking and rock climbing trips for Airmen and their families.
EDUCATION
2013 - Bachelor’s in clarinet performance, University of Oregon
2015 - Master’s in music performance, University of Michigan
2024 - Airman Leadership School, Travis AFB, California
ASSIGNMENTS
1. March 2019 - Present, Craftsman, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal
AF Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2022 – Musician of the Quarter, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, California
2023 – Musician of the Year, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, California
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class - 08 Jan 2019
Senior Airman - 08 May 2021
Staff Sergeant - 01 Feb 2024