Vocals
Originally from Ballston Spa, New York, Musician First Class Ira Ostrowski comes from a musical family. His father, a musician in the U.S. Coast Guard Band, taught him to play trombone at a young age. While he was a freshman in high school, MU1 Ostrowski performed with a brass ensemble composed of members of the Coast Guard Band. By the time he graduated from Ballston Spa High School, he was playing not only trombone, but bass guitar and keyboards, and singing in local bands.
As a vocalist, MU1 Ostrowski has been the featured act in countless clubs and casinos, and has toured the East Coast, from Boston to Miami, as well as the Reno/Lake Tahoe area. As a trombonist, he studied with Dr. William Meckley at Schenectady County Community College, where he performed as principal trombonist of the SCCC Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and various chamber groups.
MU1 Ostrowski began his military career in 1997 as a trombonist and vocalist in the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, located at Travis Air Force Base, California. While assigned there, he performed with the Concert Band, Brass Quintet, and the Commander’s Jazz Ensemble. He was also the lead vocalist and musical director of their popular music group, “Galaxy”.
In 2002, MU1 Ostrowski was selected for duty with the U.S. Naval Academy Band, where he currently performs with the Navy’s premier contemporary music ensemble, “Electric Brigade.” He has also been the featured vocalist with the wind ensemble and Commandant’s Combo, as well as trombonist in the marching and ceremonial units. MU1 Ostrowski’s collateral duties include Command Fitness Leader Assistant and Leading Petty Officer/Rehearsal Conductor for “Electric Brigade”.
MU1 Ostrowski has been awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Navy Expert Rifleman Medal.