Euphonium
Musician First Class Gregory Battista, from Plano, Texas, graduated from Plano East Senior High School in 2003. He earned a Bachelor of Music in euphonium performance and music education from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Music in euphonium performance from the University of Arkansas. His primary teachers have been Brian Bowman, Fritz Kaenzig, Benjamin Pierce, and Scott Watson.
Prior to joining the Navy, MU1 Battista kept an busy performance schedule that brought him to South Korea, Japan, England, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Finland, and all over the United States on both euphonium and tuba. As an ensemble member, he has performed with the acclaimed Fountain City Brass Band on tenor horn, baritone, and E-flat Bass. As a soloist, he has performed concerti with the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra and the Helsinki Guard Band. MU1 Battista is also the founder of the Texas Star Brass Band, the first competitive British-style brass band in the state of Texas.
In 2011, MU1 Battista auditioned and was selected for assignment with the U.S. Naval Academy Band. Following recruit training at RTC Great Lakes, he reported for duty as euphoniumist with the wind ensemble and ceremonial bands. Additionally, he is the sousaphone player in the Crabtowne Stompers, and plays trombone in the marching band.
MU1 Battista has been awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Navy Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon.