Clarinet
Chief Musician Lynda Dembowski is a native of Waynesboro, Virginia. She holds multiple degrees from James Madison University, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1991 and a Master of Music in 1997. She received an Artist Diploma from Duquesne University in 1999. In 2008, she was awarded the Doctoral of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her principal teachers include Dr. S. James Kurtz, Leslie Nicholas, Mark Nuccio, and Loren Kitt.
MUC Dembowski has performed with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, American Sinfonietta Orchestra, Columbia Symphony Orchestra (MD), and the Divertimento Wind Quintet. She has served as Principal Clarinetist of the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra in Edgewater, Maryland. She has played with Al Jarreau, Arturo Sandoval, and Bruce Hornsby. MUC Dembowski is a charter member of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Orchestra, with whom she has been a featured soloist.
In 1999, MUC Dembowski 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 clarinetist with the wind ensemble, marching band, woodwind quintet and ceremonial units. In 2003, she won the position of Principal Clarinetist with the wind ensemble. Her collateral duties include Ceremonial Band Unit Leader, Enlisted Conductor, and Education Services Officer.
MUC Dembowski has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (3 awards), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal.