First Class Petty Officer Marc F. Boensel, USN
Oboist, Naval Academy Band

Musician First Class Marc F. Boensel is a native of Arcadia, California. He earned his bachelor of music degree from California State University, Fullerton, in 1986. He continued graduate study in music at San Diego State University, earning his master of music degree in 1990. Petty Officer Boensel is currently enrolled in a doctor of musical arts degree program in conducting at the University of Maryland. His orchestral experience includes serving as principal oboe in the Palomar Symphony, solo English horn with the Riverside Opera Orchestra, principal oboe in the San Diego County Symphony, and substitute oboe and English horn in the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Chamber Orchestra and the Virginia Symphony.

Petty Officer Boensel enlisted in the Navy in July of 1986 and served as oboist in Navy Band Southwest in San Diego, California, from 1987 to 1991. In 1991 he joined the United States Air Force and served as principal oboist in the 562nd Air Force Band in Oxnard, California, until 1993. Upon completion of his enlistment, he returned to the Navy as oboist in the Atlantic Fleet Band in Norfolk, Virginia, where he served until reporting to the United States Naval Academy Band in March of 1995. He performs on oboe and English horn with the Concert Band, wind quintet, and chamber winds, as well as on saxophone in marching and ceremonial units. In addition to his instrumental skills, Petty Officer Boensel has also served as an enlisted conductor in every military band in which he has served.

Petty Officer Boensel's military awards include the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (4 awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal.

In addition to his duties with the Naval Academy Band, he is the Director of Music for First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, and is the founder and conductor of the Annapolis Wind Symphony, a 45-piece professional symphonic band and philanthropic organization.

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