38.9101°N · 77.0147°W — Washington, D.C.

Max Crofton

Tubist · Educator · Collaborator

01 — Biography

Biography

Dr. Max Crofton · Tubist

I · The Post

Dr. Max Crofton serves as a tubist with The United States Air Force Band’s Ceremonial Brass in Washington D.C., a position he assumed in December 2023. Prior to this, Max served as a tubist with the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America from 2020 to 2023, where he showcased his talents in the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, and Airlifter Brass Quintet. Max was also appointed Adjunct Applied Professor of Tuba at George Mason University effective August 2026; at GMU, Max will teach applied lessons to the tuba studio as well as conduct the Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble.

II · On the Stage

Previously, Max served as Principal Tubist for the Round Top Festival Orchestra and Disneyland All-American College Band. Furthermore, he was honored to become the first tubist to win the Paducah Symphony Orchestra (Kentucky) Concerto Competition in 2016, affording him the opportunity to solo with the orchestra that same year. Additionally, Max has performed with many orchestras and wind bands all over the world, to include performances with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, and Royal Canadian Air Force Band.

III · The Teacher

Max has a passion for music education and has held positions as Associate Instructor at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, Adjunct Professor at Lincoln Trail College (Illinois), in addition to maintaining an active private studio for over a decade. Max also serves as the tuba instructor for Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Preparatory program where he teaches private lessons to the tuba studio. Max is an active clinician and has taught dozens of masterclasses at universities and programs across the US and abroad; he also regularly judges competitions and events for the International Tuba/Euphonium Association and frequently participates in events at The United States Army Band’s Tuba/Euphonium Workshop in Washington, DC. Max’s success as a teacher is highlighted by the successes of his students: his younger students frequently place in all-state bands, receive distinguished marks in solo and ensemble competitions, and have gone on to major/minor in music in college; while many of his older students have gone on to hold professor positions, serve in military bands, and/or become music educators.

IV · Around the World

Since joining the Air Force, Max has had the privilege of performing and teaching all over the world. Some of his greatest memories include performing at the 2022 Rose Bowl Parade to celebrate the Air Force’s 75th anniversary, performing in the world’s second largest Military Tattoo in Basel, Switzerland in 2025, as well as serving his weekly mission duties in the Washington, DC area to include funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and arrival ceremonies for foreign heads of state at The White House and Pentagon.

V · Training & Mentors

Max holds a Doctor of Music in Music Literature/Performance and a Master of Music degree from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, as well as a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Murray State University. He was recently honored to receive the “Top 22 Under 40” alumni award from MSU. Max has been mentored by esteemed teachers such as Dan Perantoni, Ray Conklin, and Matt Hightower.