First Class Petty Officer Paul W. Skinner, USN
Clarinetist, Naval Academy Band

Musician First Class Paul Skinner is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. He attended Boston University and earned a bachelor of science in music education from Old Dominion University. His principal teachers were Edward Knakal, Dennis Zeisler, Craig Nordstom, F.Gerald Errante, Harold Wright, and Ricardo Morales. Petty Officer Skinner was a member of the 1981 McDonald's All-American Band that performed in New York City and Los Angeles, and was First Prize winner of the 1984 National Association of Negro Musicians Concerto Competition.

In 1993, Petty Officer Skinner enlisted in the United States Navy Music Program and graduated first in his class from the Armed Forces School of Music. He won a position as clarinet/saxophone instrumentalist with the United States Naval Academy Band and reported for duty in May of 1994. He has performed with the concert band, clarinet quartet, the "Next Wave" jazz ensemble, and various ceremonial and marching bands. Petty Officer Skinner is a member of the award winning "Capital Trio" and is an active teacher and clinician in the Baltimore/Annapolis area.

Petty Officer Skinner's military awards include the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

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