John Abbracciamento holds a B.M. in Trumpet Performance from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and a M.M. in Trumpet Performance from the Mannes College of Music in New York. His primary teachers included Armando Ghitalla, Andre Come, John Ware and Vincent Penzarella. 

Prior to joining the faculty of James Madison University, Mr. Abbracciamento served as a trumpet player in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Throughout his 27-year career in the Marine Band, Mr. Abbracciamento performed at the White House for countless high-profile state functions. In addition, he regularly performed concerts and ceremonies in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, as well as across the country on the Marine Band’s National Concert Tour.  

Mr. Abbracciamento had the honor and privilege of sounding "Taps" on hundreds of occasions during high-visibility events of national significance, to include the dedication of the World War II Memorial, the 9/11 Moment of Silence on the South Lawn of the White House, and the funeral for Senator John Glenn. In addition to his regular duties with "The President's Own," Mr. Abbracciamento regularly participated in the Marine Band's Music in the Schools program and was appointed the Section Leader and Section Commander of the high brass section.  

As an educator, Mr. Abbracciamento has presented master classes at numerous universities, including The University of Michigan, The Cleveland Institute of Music, The New England Conservatory of Music, The University of Maryland, New York University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Prior to joining the Marine Band, Mr. Abbracciamento enjoyed 10 years as active freelance musician. He also performed, recorded, and toured as a substitute/extra player with the New York Philharmonic, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Lukes, and National Symphony Orchestra.

A native New Yorker who is constantly in search of good pizza and bagels in Virginia, he enjoys spending time with his family, immune to the years of eye rolls from his adult kids with his Dad jokes. He and his much better half, Roxanne, enjoy hiking in the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains with their 8-year-old shelter mutt, Chase.