Airman First Class (A1C) Christopher Dudley serves as a jazz trumpet player at the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. Hailing from Frankfort, Kentucky, A1C Dudley performs in multiple capabilities for the Rhythm in Blue jazz ensemble, Heritage Brass, and the Ceremonial and Concert Band, and is currently the clerk for the operations team. Receiving his bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University, A1C Dudley studied under Professor Greg Wing, who was the lead trumpet player for the Buddy Rich Big Band, and touring with names such as Paul Anka and Tom Jones. While completing his master’s degree at the University of Oklahoma School of Music, he studied under Dr. Karl Sievers, Dr. Lacey Phelps, and Dr. Douglas Lindsey. He previously studied with other independent teachers from the area, Mr. David Goins and Dr. Coleman Scott.
A1C Dudley has shared a stage with Grammy Award Winner Robert Searight, Wayne Bergeron, Ryan McGillicuddy, Tamir Hendelman, Vince DiMartino, among many others. Before joining the Air Force, he worked to serve in the local community, recognized as a Commonwealth Ambassador and an Honorary Commissioner of Agriculture in the state of Kentucky. He was the graduate teaching assistant at the University of Oklahoma School of Music and a private lesson instructor at three public schools in the surrounding area, fostering a private studio of 46 students, and serving as a guest speaker at various schools, including his university alma mater. He was also hired as a guest clinician and performer for the XVII Alfredo de San Malo Festival in Panama City, functioning as an international educator working with select students and chamber ensembles. A1C Dudley’s path to the Air Force began as a civilian manning assist with the Band of Mid-America during their 2023 Memorial Day Concert Band tour where his jazz skills were recognized as an asset to our Air Force and was offered a position on the spot.
A1C Dudley was a featured soloist with the Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble on his first tour with the Heritage of America Band, additionally acting as a soloist with both Heritage Brass and the Concert Band during their respective tours closing 2024. A1C Dudley was also tasked to support the 2025 Presidential Inauguration.
EDUCATION
2021, Bachelor of Arts, Morehead State University
2023, Master of Music, University of Oklahoma
ASSIGNMENTS
April 2024 - May 2024, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, TX
June 2024 - present, Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, 29 May 2024
(current as of February 2025)