Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Cynthia Ramirez is a clarinetist for the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. Originally from Jacksonville, Texas, SSgt Ramirez received her Bachelor of Music Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She furthered her formal education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she received her Master of Clarinet Performance Degree. Her primary teachers include Dr. Janis Brown, Dr. Richard Shanley and Dr. Raphael Sanders, Jr.
Before joining the Air Force in 2005, SSgt Ramirez was active as a clarinet teacher in Coppell and Lewisville, Texas. Due to her students' dedication and work ethic, her studio of 70 students consistently earned superior ratings at solo competitions and earned top positions at the regional and state levels. During her Air National Guard Band years, having a passion for fitness and learning how the body works, she earned two fitness certifications and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CCMA). They both served her well before she returned to active-duty status.
As an Air Force musician, SSgt Ramirez has had the honor of performing in two Presidential Inaugural Parades, the Rose Bowl Parade, various professional sports team anthem events and in countless concerts for local community members in towns across the Continental United States, but primarily from Maine down through South Carolina. Without a doubt, her favorite part of being a musician in the Air Force is sharing her love of music with audience members through performance and having the opportunity to meet so many people and connect with them on a personal level.
EDUCATION
2001 Bachelor of Music, Stephen F. Austin State University
2003 Master of Clarinet Performance, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
2011 Airman Leadership School, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
ASSIGNMENTS
1. USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia (October 2005-September 2017)
2. ANG Band of the Northeast, Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania (September 2017-October 2023)
3. USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia (October 2023-present)
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Meritorious Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
AF Good Conduct Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman 1st Class, 09 Aug 2005
Senior Airman, 09 Dec 2007
Staff Sergeant, 01 Sep 2011
(current as of February 2025)