CCM Euphonium student wins position in the United States Army Band

Story by CCM Graduate Assistant Mya Gibson

Ozier’s achievement marks a significant milestone in his professional career. He will soon complete basic training before relocating to Washington D.C., where he will perform with the renowned ensemble that provides music for the U.S. Government, the White House and national events including services at Arlington National Cemetery. 

"When I recruited Kelley to CCM, he was very clear to me with his career goals, and that was to be a member of one of our premiere military bands," said CCM Professor Timothy Northcut. "That dream became a reality."

Military Band auditions function very similarly to orchestral auditions; the preliminary and semifinal rounds took place in one day, and the final round was the next. At the end of the audition, three finalists remained, and "to my surprise, they offered two of us jobs,” Ozier said.

“I’ve known that I wanted a career in music since I was in middle school," he said. "There’s a connection you feel with other people when playing in an ensemble that can’t be replicated, and from the first time I felt that I knew this was something I wanted to do professionally. Of course, with the scarcity of euphonium jobs, I was not sure it would be a possibility for me, but I’m beyond excited that it worked out as it did.”

During his 32 years teaching at CCM, 32 of Northcut's students have won positions in military bands — nine euphonium students and 23 tuba students. "There are only 26 spots for euphoniums in our premiere bands and now Kelley is part of this elite group," Northcut added.

Northcut credits CCM’s Winds Studies Program for its vital role in preparing students for success: “Through exceptional repertoire and a commitment to the highest musical standards, the program creates an environment that challenges and elevates our students to national and international recognition.” 

Ozier performs in the CCM Wind Symphony, led by Kevin Michael Holzman, Division Head of Ensembles and Conducting and Director of Wind Studies. "Every member of that ensemble is held to the standards of a professional musician at every rehearsal, motivating all members of the ensemble to take personal responsibility for their preparation and improvement," Ozier said.

He adds that Northcut also "consistently went above and beyond" in their lessons together. "He served as an amazing mentor to me during my time here, and I'll always be grateful for that."

Audiences can watch Ozier perform with the CCM Wind Symphony in a recently released video on the college's YouTube channel. The archive performance was originally presented in CCM's Corbett Auditorium on Feb. 21, 2025 and features the student ensemble performing Dimitri Shostakovich's "Festive Overture," Op. 96.

The study of tuba and euphonium at CCM is strongly performance based. The cornerstone of all degree programs is private lesson with faculty, who serve as mentors for students and direct their individual musical, performing and teaching growth. 

The curriculum emphasizes the development of the well-rounded, holistic musician by providing a solid background in music history and theory as well as areas specific to each musical medium. Undergraduate students enjoy a close collaboration with the University of Cincinnati through a general education core that supplements their education with academic course work while graduate students specialize more precisely in their chosen field.

Featured image at the top: Kelley Ozier after his successful military band audition. Photo/provided.