Pianist Master Sergeant Russell Wilson of Clinton, Md., joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in September 2002.

Master Sgt. Wilson began his musical instruction on piano at age 7 with Gail McDonald. After graduating in 1999 from Surrattsville High School in Clinton, he earned his bachelor’s degree in classical piano in 2004 and a master’s degree in jazz in 2007, both from the University of Maryland, College Park studying with Cleveland Page (piano) and Ron Elliston (jazz).

Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” he was a freelance accompanist, performed at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, and worked aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines, performing solo classical recitals and as a member of a show band.

As a pianist and accordion player with “The President's Own,” Master Sgt. Wilson performs at the White House and home of the Commandant for State Dinners, receptions, and similar functions. He is a frequent soloist and has performed Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos in E flat, Respighi’s Concerto a Cinque, and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with both the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra. He also was a 2011 tour soloist, performing Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Opus 16.