A1C Spencer Banister is a trombonist with the USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA. Originally from Papillion, NE, his Air Force career began in 2024.
A1C Banister is a 2022 graduate of Oklahoma Christian University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in music education. In 2024, Banister received a master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, where he served as graduate teaching assistant for the jazz area. His primary teachers include Marcus Lewis, JoDee Davis, Jeff Kidwell, and Pete Madsen. He has performed with the Oklahoma City Jazz Orchestra, Topeka Symphony, Marcus Lewis Big Band, Rene Escovedo & Son Sabroso, and numerous other ensembles spanning jazz, classical, salsa, and pop genres. Banister was a featured guest artist at the 2021 International Open Air Festival in Vienna, Austria. In 2022, Banister received honorable mention in the Yamaha Young Performing Artists competition.
Education
2022 – Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education – Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond, OK
2024 – Master of Arts in Music (Jazz Emphasis) – University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, Kansas City, MO
Assignments
July 2024 – present, Trombonist, USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, CA
Major Awards and Decorations
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
Effective Dates of Promotion
Airman First Class June 4, 2024