Oboe ~ English Horn
Musician First Class Sarah Blecker was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. She received Bachelor of Music degrees in music education and music performance from Louisiana State University in 2004. In 2006 she received a Master of Music degree at the University of Memphis, and completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Florida State University in 2011. Her teachers have included Ruth Keehner, Linda Strommen, Dan Stolper, James Ryon, Michelle Vigneau, and Eric Ohlsson.
MU1 Blecker has performed with the Baton Rouge Symphony, Louisiana Sinfonietta, Memphis Symphony and Tallahassee Symphony. She has conducted recitals in Marktoberdorf, Germany, and was a soloist in Washington, DC for the Louisiana Sinfonietta’s tribute to the 2004 Olympics. In addition, she has an extensive background in education, including having served on the faculty of the Louisiana State University Music Academy and as assistant conductor for the Louisiana Junior Youth Orchestra.
In 2007, MU1 Blecker auditioned and was selected for assignment to the U.S. Naval Academy Band. Following recruit training at RTC, Great Lakes, she reported for duty as oboist and English horn player with the wind ensemble, marching band, and ceremonial units. Her collateral duties include Chair of the USNA Band Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Committee and Administrative Assistant for the band.
MU1 Blecker has been awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, and the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.