Senior Master Sergeant Alejandro Vieira joined the United States Air Force Academy Band, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, in August 1998. He currently performs on bassoon and contrabassoon with Concert Band, and on bassoon, baritone saxophone, vocals, banjo, harmonica, and bodhrán with Academy Winds. SMSgt Vieira is the Noncommissioned Officer In Charge and Head Drum Major of the Marching Band, and led The USAF Total Force Marching Band in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA. In addition to his musical responsibilities, Senior Master Sergeant Vieira leads the band’s Commander’s Support Staff section.
Senior Master Sergeant Vieira hails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He has performed in many countries and festivals, including France's Evian Festival, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Ireland, the 1998 World Exposition in Lisbon, Portugal, the Sarasota Music Festival in Sarasota, Florida, the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California, and the National Orchestral Institute in College Park, Maryland. Senior Master Sergeant Vieira has had the privilege to study with such teachers as William Winstead, Linda Harwell, Phillip Kolker, Denis Michel, Manuel Zegler, and David Fedderly. He is currently Associate Principal Bassoon and Contrabassoon in the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra and was a finalist in the 2002 International Double Reed Society’s Gillet-Fox bassoon competition.
In 2009, Senior Master Sergeant Vieira deployed with Academy Winds to Southwest Asia in support of US troops and coalition forces. In addition to performing for troops, he engaged in public concerts as well as educational outreach in local communities in such countries as Qatar, Kuwait, Turkmenistan, Oman, and Bahrain. He also provided support for US Ambassadors in many of these places.
EDUCATION:
1991 High School Diploma, Nova High School, Davie, FL
1996 Bachelor of Music, Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
1998 Master of Music, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OH
2005 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Peterson AFB, CO
2010 Associate in Applied Science, Music, Community College of the Air Force
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. August 1998 - Present, USAF Academy Band, Peterson AFB, CO
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
Distinguished Graduate Award, Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Peterson AFB, CO
Team Pete Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, 2010
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Technical Sergeant – 8 Aug 1998
Master Sergeant – 1 Aug 2011
Senior Master Sergeant – 1 April 2021