Airman 1st Class (A1C) Steven Brown serves as a drummer/percussionist for the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. A1C Brown received his Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Music from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California. He then continued his education at The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio and received his Master of Music in Percussion Performance. He has studied with Andrew Watkins (San Diego Symphony/ Point Loma Nazarene University), Pat Pfiffner (San Diego Symphony), Larry Snider (The University of Akron), and Mathew Dudack (The University of Akron). While serving as a Graduate Assistant at The University of Akron, A1C Brown served as the University’s Drumline Instructor while also composing original music for all their College Football half-time shows. During his time at Akron, A1C Brown also had the amazing opportunity of working with world famous marimbist Ji Hye Jung and composer Jason Treuting to debut one of Treuting’s newest pieces, “Nine Numbers 5.”
A native to San Diego, California, A1C Brown had an extensive performing career along the West Coast where he has performed with artists such as the Dave Brubeck Quartet, vocal group “Cana’s Voice” (Jody McBrayer, Doug Anderson, TaRanda Greene), “The Voice” contestant Michael Sanchez (Season 11), and Christian music artist Aaron Shust. His versatility as musician allowed him to perform for a broad range of companies that include Disneyland California, SeaWorld San Diego, Aquatica Chula Vista, The San Diego Zoo, City Ballet of San Diego, San Diego Musical Theatre, and Shadow Mountain Community Church. Along with A1C Brown’s performance career, he was also a Band Director in the Christian Unified School District (El Cajon, California) where he taught High School Marching band, Jazz Ensemble, multiple Concert Bands, and a Ukulele Ensemble. During his time as a director, he was promoted to the head of the Fine Arts Department where he oversaw the district’s Choir, Drama, and Physical Art sections.
A1C Brown has been performing with the USAF Heritage of America Band, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia since his enlistment in 2023. Some of his memorable performances include performing at Mount Rushmore for the 2023 Independence Day Celebration and at the 2023 Virginia International tattoo where he was able to utilize his previous marching band experience to compose marching drill for the USAF Heritage of America Band.
EDUCATION
2018, Bachelor of Arts, Music, Point Loma Nazarene University
2020, Master of Music, Percussion Performance, The University of Akron
ASSIGNMENTS
1. US Air Force Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustice, Virginia (October 2023 - Present)
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle)
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2024 Airman of the 1st Quarter, ACC/ PA
2024 Airman of the 1st Quarter, USAF Heritage of America Band
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, 13 October 2023
(current as of February 2025)