Technical Sergeant Richard Garcia is a Premier Band Saxophonist and Woodwind Specialist with the United States Air Force Academy Band, Peterson SFB, Colorado. Prior to joining the USAF Academy Band He was assigned at USAF Heritage of America Band in Hampton, VA.
A native of Palm Bay Florida, He holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from The University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL, as well as a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from New England Conservatory in Boston, MA. His studies in jazz pedagogy come from saxophone legends; Bunky Green, Jerry Bergonzi, Miguel Zenon (MacArthur Fellow), Donny McCaslin, Todd Delgiudice, John Thomas and Joe Friedland. He furthered his musical studies with esteemed faculty such as Jason Moran, John McNeil, Ken Schaphorst, Frank Carlberg, Lynne Arriale, Barry Green, Dennis Marks, J.B. Scott, and Dave Steinmeyer (former leader of the Airmen of Note).
TSgt Garcia specializes in a wide variety of musical styles as a performer, recording artist, educator, and composer. He most enjoys sharing his love and passion for art, music and creativity to the Air Force and public but especially giving back to the youth in any way they can become successful.
EDUCATION:
High School Diploma, Palm Bay Highschool, Palm Bay, Florida
Associate in Arts (2010), Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida
Bachelor of Music (2013), Jazz Studies, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida
Master of Music (2015), Jazz Performance, The New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, Massachusetts
Airman Leadership School (2022), Langley AFB, Virginia
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. April 2018, USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
2. July 2023 - Present, USAF Academy Band, Peterson AFB, CO
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air and Space Commendation Medal
AF Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
2019 Musician of the 3rd Quarter, USAF Heritage of America Band
2020 Musician of the 2nd Quarter, USAF Heritage of America Band
2020 Airman of the 3rd Quarter, USAF Heritage of America Band
2020 Airman of the 4th Quarter, Air Combat Command Public Affairs
2020 Airman of the Year, USAF Heritage of America Band
2021 Airman of the 3rd Quarter, Air Combat Command Public Affairs
2021 Airman of the 4th Quarter, USAF Heritage of America Band
2021 Airman of the Year, Air Combat Command Public Affairs
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Airman First Class – January 2018
Senior Airman – May 2020
Staff Sergeant – January 2023
Technical Sergeant – July 2023