USAFE Band Commander/Conductor Captain Matthew J. Seifert is the Commander and Conductor of the United States Air Forces in Europe Band, Sembach Air Base, Germany. Born in Dayton, Ohio and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Captain Seifert graduated from Ball State University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a minor in Classic Cultures. While attending Ball State, he played French horn with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, and the Marion Philharmonic. After graduating, he became an assistant band director at Waco High School in Waco, Texas. Accepted into the graduate wind conducting program at Louisiana State University, Captain Seifert spent two years working with the "Golden Band from Tigerland," as well as the university's wind ensemble and concert bands. He graduated with a Master of Music in Wind Conducting in 2000. Captain Seifert received his commission into the Air Force in January 2001 at the United States Air Force Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. During his tenure at OTS, he was the winner of the Daniel Webster Squadron Briefing Award and the Major General Jeanne M. Holm Wing Briefing Award. His first assignment was Deputy Commander of the United States Air Force Band of the West, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. As Associate Conductor, Captain Seifert led the Concert Band on tours throughout Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Texas. Captain Seifert's military awards and decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal.