Senior Airman Brian R. Ellerman is a drummer with the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia, Yokota Air Base, Japan. In addition to his musical responsibilities, he serves as Operations Representative for the rock band Final Approach.
Originally from West Chester, Ohio, Airman Ellerman entered the Air Force in 2021 and was assigned to the Band of Mid-America at Scott AFB, Illinois. While there, he performed with the jazz ensemble Shades of Blue, the brass quintet Airlifter Brass, and the rock band Starlifter. He also deployed with the AFCENT Band in support of theater-wide missions.
Before his enlistment, Airman Ellerman worked as a freelance musician in Columbus, Ohio, and toured with several artists, most notably The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. He holds a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from The Ohio State University. He has studied with Jim Rupp, Jerry Noble, and Steve Lyman.
EDUCATION
2016 Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
2020 Master of Music, Percussion Performance, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
ASSIGNMENTS
1. December 2021 – January 2023, Percussionist, Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (March 2023 – July 2023, Drummer, AFCENT Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
2. January 2023 – Present, Drummer, Band of the Pacific-Asia, Yokota AB, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class Nov. 24, 2021
Senior Airman Feb. 5, 2024
(Current as of January 2026)