SrA Jeffery Johnson serves in the United States Air Force Band as a drummer and percussionist in 2021 where he is an active member of Offutt Air Force Base in the Heartland of America Band. In conjunction to his musical responsibilities, he serves as the marketing manager for the Heartland of America Band.
Originally from Fayetteville North Carolina, A1C Johnson obtain a B.A. in Commercial Music with a concentration in Music Business from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2016. He furthered is education by earning a M.M. in Jazz Studies from North Carolina Central University under the direction of Dr. Ira Wiggins. NCCU gave him the opportunity to studied with an array of music professionals such as; Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Dr. Brian Horton, Dr. Lenora Helm-Hammonds, Barron Tymas, Robert Trowers, Damon Brown, and Thomas Taylor.
While at North Carolina Central, A1C Johnson excelled as a disciplined academic achiever as well as an accomplished music performer. He performed with renowned artists such as; Bradford Marsalis, Joey Caderazzo, Nnenna Freelon, Delfeayo Marsalis, Lisa Simone, and R&B recording artist Mario Barrett. He was also fortunate to compete with the NCCU Jazz band at the inaugural Jack Rudin Jazz Championship hosted at Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2020.
Prior to joining the Air Force, A1C Johnson earned his living as a full-time music professional as he taught private music lessons, arranged charts, performed for commercial and corporate events, and was the Music Director for his local church.
Education:
2012 B.A. Music (Commercial Music) UNC Pembroke, Pembroke, NC
2020 M.M. Jazz Studied (Composition) North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Assignments:
2021 – Present USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, NE
Awards and Decorations:
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate
AF Training Ribbon
FTAC- Completion
FTAC- Core Values Award