John Bliss

From Wind Repertory Project
John Bliss

Biography

Master Sergeant John M. Bliss (b. 29 January 1967) is a staff arranger for The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, DC. Originally from Fremont, Calif., he began his career in 1996 when he became a staff arranger for the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Sgt. Bliss is a 1989 graduate from San Jose State University where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition. He then attended California State University in Fresno where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Conducting and Music Composition. While pursuing his education, he received the Carmen Dragon Award for Composition, Stephen G. Wozniak Achievement Award for Electronic Music Innovation and was the Phi Kappa Phi Centennial Composition Contest Winner. Most recently, he received first prize in the National Federation of Music Clubs' Music In The Armed Forces composition competition.

Sgt. Bliss has studied composition with Jack Fortner, Brent Heisinger and Dan Wyman. He has written for legendary artists including Wynonna Judd, Lee Greenwood, Chaka Khan and Spyro Gyra.

Sgt. Bliss's military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.


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