A1C Bryson Vanderwel is a native of Pleasant Grove, Utah. He received his Bachelors Degree in Saxophone Performance from Brigham Young University in 2024. In September of 2024 Airman Vanderwel joined the Air Force and was assigned to the Band of the West at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio Texas. Prior to his current assignment at the Band of the West Airman Vanderwel led a wedding band that played events in Utah Valley and freelanced as a saxophonist. He also taught privately saxophone, clarinet and piano. Some of A1C Vanderwel’s highlights before joining the airforce include being awarded outstanding tenor saxophone solo at the 2016 Essentially Ellington Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center, opening for the legendary band “Journey” at the Stadium of Fire, Provo, Utah, performing at the “Fiesta del Tambor” in Havana, Cuba, recording with Grammy Nominated and Dave Matthew’s band member Jeff Coffin and Playing 1st Tenor and 1st Alto Saxophones in Brigham Young University’s premier Jazz Ensemble “Synthesis.” In his free time, Airman Vanderwel enjoys reading, skiing, mountain biking, weightlifting, building Legos, serving in his church, and spending time with his wife and family.
Education:
2024: Bachelor of the Arts in Saxophone Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
Assignments:
- September- November 2024- Basic Military Training, Lackland Airforce Base, Texas
- November 2024- Present- Band of the West, Lackland Airforce Base, Texas
Other Achievements:
2024- BMT Flight awarded Commander’s Excellence
current as of 28 May 2026