The future of music, made here.

Alumni Spotlight: Military Appreciation Month

May 26, 2022

Military Appreciation Month

May is Military Appreciation Month, and we would like to recognize and honor our NEC Alumni U.S. Service Members.

Several of our alumni share how NEC shaped their journey and impacted their time serving in the U.S. military. Read their stories below!

Civil Affairs Officer & Major Obadiah Baker ’06
United States Army Reserves
Major: Jazz Studies

Read more about Obadiah

Master Sergeant Anthony Balester ’11 MM
United States Air Force
Major: Saxophone Performance

Read more about Anthony

Musician First Class/E6 Chris DeChiara ’99 MM
United States Navy
Major: Percussion Performance

Read more about Chris

Master Sergeant Christian Eberle ’88
United States Army
Major: Bassoon Performance

Read more about Christian

Musician Second Class/E-5 Seville Jenkins ’14 GD
United State Navy
Major: Trombone Performance

Read more about Seville

Captain Brian O. Walden ’02 MM
United States Navy
Major: Wind Ensemble Conducting

Read more about Brian

recent news
Grammy-Winning Violinist Hilary Hahn Named Visiting Artist at NEC

June 1, 2026

Grammy-Winning Violinist Hilary Hahn Named Visiting Artist at NEC

Read More
Castle of our Skins Celebrates its Foundation and a Reclamation to Come

June 1, 2026

Castle of our Skins Celebrates its Foundation and a Reclamation to Come

Read More
NEC’s 155th Commencement Celebrates the Transformative Power of the Artist’s Voice

May 18, 2026

NEC’s 155th Commencement Celebrates the Transformative Power of the Artist’s Voice

Read More
  • Grammy-Winning Violinist Hilary Hahn Named Visiting Artist at NEC

    June 1, 2026

    Grammy-Winning Violinist Hilary Hahn Named Visiting Artist at NEC

  • Castle of our Skins Celebrates its Foundation and a Reclamation to Come

    June 1, 2026

    Castle of our Skins Celebrates its Foundation and a Reclamation to Come

  • NEC’s 155th Commencement Celebrates the Transformative Power of the Artist’s Voice

    May 18, 2026

    NEC’s 155th Commencement Celebrates the Transformative Power of the Artist’s Voice

  • Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and New England Conservatory Announce Inaugural Concert for the City

    May 15, 2026

    Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and New England Conservatory Announce Inaugural Concert for the City

  • NEC’s Prestigious Institute for Concert Artists Welcomes New Class 

    May 11, 2026

    NEC’s Prestigious Institute for Concert Artists Welcomes New Class 

  • NEC Faculty Member Andrew Schartmann Curates New Apple Music Playlist, The Syllabus

    May 11, 2026

    NEC Faculty Member Andrew Schartmann Curates New Apple Music Playlist, The Syllabus