MASTER SERGEANT BRIAN J. SANDS PRINCIPAL TUBA

Master Sergeant Brian Sands is principal tubist with The United States Air Force Concert Band, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. Originally from Goshen, Ind., his Air Force career began in September 2000.

A graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, Sergeant Sands received a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master of Music degree with a Performance Certificate. Prior to joining the Air Force, Sergeant Sands was Assistant Instructor of Tuba at Indiana University. In 1999, he won the Indiana University Brass Concerto Competition. In the same year, he was a semi-finalist in the "Tubamania” Solo Competition in Sydney, Australia. He also performed as substitute tubist with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra during the 1999-2000 season. Sergeant Sands' professional affiliations include the Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association. His former teachers include Daniel Perantoni, Harvey Phillips and Patrick Carmody.

Master Sergeant Sands' military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Award, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.