Staff Sergeant Amanda Kranendonk is a native of Dunwoody, Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance with an emphasis in oboe from Brigham Young University in 2006. There she studied with Dr. Geralyn Giovannetti. In the fall of 2006, SSgt Kranendonk began her master’s degree at Georgia State University studying with Dr. Lara Dahl.
SSgt Kranendonk enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 2008. After completing recruit and combat training in August 2008, Private First Class Kranendonk reported to the Marine Detachment, Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach. There she received further oboe instruction from Mr. Kevin Piccini. She also completed her master’s degree in music performance from Georgia State University.
Following graduation from the Naval School of Music in December 2008, Lance Corporal Kranendonk reported to Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia as an oboe instrumentalist for the Albany Marine Band. She also served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of woodwind quintet, double reed section leader, and the band’s Operations Chief. During this tour she was promoted to Corporal and Sergeant.
In May of 2012, Sergeant Kranendonk reported once again to the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach to serve as the oboe instructor. She also taught small ensembles for the school’s rehearsal division. In 2015 Sergeant Kranendonk was recognized as the Naval School of Music Instructor of the Year and was promoted to Staff Sergeant that same year.
In January of 2016, Staff Sergeant Kranendonk attended the Unit Leader Course at the Naval School of Music. Following graduation in August of 2016, SSgt Kranendonk reported to the Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. She served as oboe instrumentalist, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of woodwind quintet, and was selected for the billet of Enlisted Conductor in February of 2020.
In December 2020, SSgt Kranendonk reported to Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, Louisiana where she is currently serving as Enlisted Conductor. Her personal awards include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (second award), and Good Conduct Medal (fourth award).