A Passionate musician and proud native of Colorado Springs, CO, who has turned his love for music into an inspiring journey. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition and Performance from Hastings College in Hastings, NE, he dazzled his peers with achievements like Mr. Bronco, recognition in Who’s Who, and the prestigious Duane E. Johnson Outstanding Contributor Award. Ending his college journey with an exhilarating internship at Evergroove Studios in Evergreen, CO.
From 2013 to 2018, Mario took the stage as the Director of Music at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, leading seven vibrant ensembles. Two of these groups partnered with Dream Records and Reaching Records, while performing at government events across Colorado. A competitive spirit drives Mario, who has triumphed in several contests, including the Omega Showboat and the Colorado Springs and National Anthem Contest.
His military path led him to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE, where he captivated audiences at the NCAA Baseball Championship and the 2021 NCAA Volleyball Tournament. As the Musical Director for the Air Force Rock Band in 2019, he brought the house down with the 2021 Holiday Show, "Sounds of the Season," earning him the distinguished Colonel Finely R. Hamilton Military Outstanding Musician Award. He claimed victory in the Omaha Performing Arts Singer-Songwriter Competition (18+ division), showcasing his original music at the Omaha Music Festival.
Today, he thrives on the excitement of performing leaving it all on stage, writing, and arranging music and creating unforgettable adventures with his family.
Currently, he proudly serves as a Vocalist in the United States Air Force with the Band of the Pacific at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, HI, where he continues to inspire through the power of music.
EDUCATION
2013- Bachelor of Music Composition and performance, Hastings College, NE
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS DEVICES
1. Air Force Achievement Medal 2 Oakleaf Clusters
2. Air And Space Organizational Excellence Award
3. AF Good Conduct Medal 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
4. National Defense Service Medal
5. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
6. Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
7. AF Longevity Service Award
8. AF Training Ribbon
ASSIGNMENTS
October 1 2018 – August 31 2022 Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, NE
August 31 2022 - Present Band of the Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class 17 July 2018
Senior Airman 17 Nov 2020
(Current as of September 2024)