Technical Sgt. Joseph Bickel is a euphoniumist with the Concert Band. A native of Covington, Georgia, he joined the United States Air Force Band in 2023.
Prior to joining the Air Force, Sgt. Bickel attended the University of Michigan and is currently working to complete his Bachelor of Music degree with a focus in euphonium and bass trombone performance. He has served as the principal euphonium with the Five Lakes Silver Band in Royal Oak, Michigan and has also performed with several ensembles at the University of Michigan. In 2022, as a bass trombonist with the University Symphony Orchestra, he performed alongside the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He also performed with the Brno Philharmonic on bass trumpet in 2023. His principal teachers include David Zerkel and David Jackson.
During his time at Michigan, Sgt. Bickel won a silver medal in the Falcone International Tuba Euphonium Student Competition and won second place in the MTNA National Young Artist Brass Competition in Reno, Nevada. Additionally, he was the first-place winner in the 2022 Midwest Regional Tuba-Euphonium Conference's euphonium mock band competition.