Master Sergeant John M. Bliss is a staff composer/arranger for The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, DC. Originally from Fremont, California, his career in the Air Force began in November, 1996.
Prior to his current assignment, Sergeant Bliss served as staff arranger for the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, California. After graduating from San José State University with a Bachelor of Music degree in composition, he received a Master of Arts degree With Distinction in music composition and conducting from California State University, Fresno. While pursuing his education, he received the Carmen Dragon Award for composition and the Stephen G. Wozniak Achievement Award for electronic music innovation. He has studied composition with Brent Heisinger, Jack Fortner, Allen Strange and Daniel Wyman; arranging with Michael Davis, Mike Crotty, Bill Holcombe and Randy Masters.
Highlights of his AF career include two Air Force Media Awards; more than 300 new works for repertoire, including commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the USAF Thunderbirds, 75th anniversary of the USAF Band, and 100th anniversary of powered flight; support of more than 30 compact disc recordings and over 40 notable guest artists including Empire Brass, Spyro Gyra, Lee Greenwood, Chaka Khan, Rita Coolidge, Glen Campbell, Patti Page, Keiko Matsui, Juice Newton, Wynonna Judd, and Kool & The Gang.