Senior Airman (SrA) Daniel Gelman serves as a trumpet player for the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. Raised in Los Angeles, California, SrA Gelman earned his Bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and then got his Master’s Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. His primary teachers include Adam Luftman, Mark Inouye, Thomas Hooten, Jennifer Marotta, and Michael Sachs.
As civilian, he has experience playing all over the world at the Aspen Music Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, and American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) Festival. Professional ensembles he has worked with include the Merced Symphony, Columbus Project Opera, Williamsburg Symphony, and the Virginia Symphony.
He completed Basic Military Training in June 2021 and started his position as a trumpet player with the USAF Heritage of America Band in July 2021. He has enjoyed performing with the Heritage of America Concert Band, the Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble, and Heritage Brass, where he currently serves as the Music Director. Some of his memorable performances include playing at Mount Rushmore for the Fourth of July and supporting the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Change of Command at Hickam Air Force Base.
EDUCATION
2018, Bachelor’s Degree, Trumpet Performance, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
2020, Master’s Degree, Trumpet Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music
ASSIGNMENTS
US Air Force Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia (July 2021-present)
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Training Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
AF Good Conduct Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, 04 May 2021
Senior Airman, 04 September 2023
(current as of January 2025)