A1C Connor Willits is a percussionist with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA. Originally from Naples, FL, his Air Force career began in 2025.
A1C Willits earned a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the New England Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from Florida State University. His primary teachers include Will Hudgins, Dan Bauch, Tim Genis and Dr. John Parks. A1C Willits has performed with groups such as the Boston Philharmonic, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. He was the winner of the Orchestral Mock Audition at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in 2023, and attended the Spoleto Festival USA, Texas Music Festival and Eastern Music Festival.
EDUCATION
2023 – Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
2025 – Master of Music in Percussion Performance, New England Conservatory, Boston, MA
ASSIGNMENTS
August 2026 – Present, USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class – August 2026