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| Ensembles > BandBio |
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| | Major Eric Patterson | |
Major Eric Patterson is commander and conductor of the Air National Guard Band of the Gulf Coast (TXANG). He is a native of Southern California and resides in Alexandria, Virginia. He previously served as commander of the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest (CAANG), 1998-2011. His degrees include a Ph.D. from UC Santa Barbara, a MS from the University of Wales at Aberystwyth, and a baccalaureate degree in Music Education from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri.
Major Patterson has a diverse musical background, having served as a church music minister, public high school band director, as well as performances with community ensembles, church groups, musical theater, and school/university bands.
Major Patterson joined the ANG Band of the Southwest in 1996 following a successful band commander audition, and performed as assistant conductor and trumpeter with that organization until his commission in 1998. He received his commission from the Academy of Military Science at McGhee-Tyson ANG Base, Knoxville, Tennessee. He has performed at numerous distinguished venues and for senior government officials, including President George W. Bush. In 2011, he led Blue Hawk, a latin ensemble component of the ANG Band of the Gulf Coast, on a deployment to southeast Asia.
Major Patterson's awards include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and various awards from the state of California.
Like all members of the band, Major Patterson is a traditional guardsman and citizen airman. He is a career university professor, author, and expert in the field of international relations. From 2005-2007, he was a William C. Foster Fellow at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Military-Political Affairs and was a White House and Air Force Fellow, 2007-2008. Currently, he is a professor at Georgetown University, but will leave that position in the coming months to become Dean of the School of Government at Regent University. He is also proud to contribute to his community through involvement in his local church and other civic organizations.
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