Chief Petty Officer Raymond D. Ascione, USN
Clarinetist, Naval Academy Band

Chief Musician Raymond D. Ascione, a native of Annapolis, Maryland, is no stranger to the United States Naval Academy Band. He comes from a family with strong Navy music ties. His uncle was a French horn and piano instrumentalist with the Naval Academy Band, and his father, Commander Raymond A. Ascione, was leader of the Naval Academy Band from 1984 to 1988. It was only natural that he follow in their footsteps.

He began his clarinet studies with Mr. Ralph Gambone, former Command Master Chief with the Naval Academy Band. While a member of the Broadneck Senior High School Band, Chief Ascione participated in the Naval Academy Band's Student Side By Side Concerts from 1983 to 1985. He also performed with the Bay Winds Community Band. Chief Ascione attended Towson State University in Towson, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1989. He was a Music Performance Major on Clarinet and performed in all University Ensembles under Dana Rothlisberger and Edward Palanker. He earned the principal clarinet chair in all major University Ensembles during his junior and senior years and also performed on alto clarinet in University Clarinet Choir. He was a clarinet student of Edward Palanker, bass clarinetist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Chief Ascione enlisted in the Navy Music Program in 1989 and attended the Armed Forces School of Music. While at the school, he studied with Chief Musician Norman Schnobrich and performed in the Faculty Concert Band. In 1990 he auditioned for and was accepted by the U.S. Naval Academy Band and reported for duty upon graduation from the Armed Forces School of Music. He serves as clarinet instrumentalist with the concert band and as tenor and alto saxophone instrumentalist with various ceremonial and marching bands. He also performs as Drum Major with the marching band and is an assistant in the Supply/Fiscal Department. His military awards include the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Medal (three awards), National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

MEMBERS