Personnel Bio

MUC Charlie Suriyakham
Chief Musician Charlie Suriyakham was born in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He taught himself to play the clarinet at age twelve and began his formal clarinet studies as a freshman at California State University in Northridge. In 1995 he transferred to Chicago College of the Performing Arts of Roosevelt University, earning a Bachelor of Music degree, a Master of Music degree, and a Professional Diploma in orchestral studies. His teachers include Debbie Kanter, Gregory Smith, Thomas LeGrand, Jeffrey Lerner, Larry Combs, and Randall Griffin among others. He has performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Classical Symphony Orchestra, the Encore Chamber Orchestra.  Since joining the US Coast Guard Band in 2005, MUC Suriyakham has had the honor of being a featured soloist on several concert tours, and recently performed a memorable solo for tens of thousands at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2024. He serves as the band’s Assistant Drum Major, and has performed for many presidents and dignitaries during his career. Charlie is known for his versatility, and approaches classical chamber music, jazz, and even klezmer with characteristic passion and aura.