United States Air Force Band Singing Sergeants features two Fredonia alumni — Technical Sgt. Hillary Grobe and Technical Sgt. Michael Aiello.
The top vocal ensemble of the United States Air Force Band will perform a free concert at SUNY Fredonia this fall.
The Air Force Band Singing Sergeants, featuring two Fredonia alumni, will perform on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m., in King Concert Hall.
The concert is presented by Rockefeller Arts Center and sponsored by The Observer, The Post-Journal and radio stations WDOE and KIX as part of the 2025-26 Lake Shore Bank Season.
While the Oct. 16 performance is free, tickets are required. They are available online 24/7. Tickets may also be obtained on Monday, Wednesday or Friday by phone at (716) 673-3501 or in person at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center during the same hours.
The Singing Sergeants, stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., is one of six musical ensembles from the United States Air Force Band. The Singing Sergeant’s 24 active-duty musicians support ceremonial and diplomatic functions, educational outreach events, and perform concerts throughout Washington, D.C., and the United States.
Technical Sgt. Hillary Grobe, alto, earned her Fredonia degree with majors in Vocal Performance and Music Education and later a master's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. While at SUNY Fredonia, she received the Charles C. Eikenburg Scholarship in Opera/Vocal Performance, established through the Fredonia College Foundation. Technical Sgt. Michael Aiello, baritone, earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Fredonia, majoring in Music Education, and later a Master of Music degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music where he was the recipient of the Renee Fleming Endowed Scholarship.
Formed initially as a men’s chorus in 1945, the Singing Sergeants became the first premier military chorus to enlist women in 1973, increasing their musical versatility. Today, the group’s members use music to bridge language and cultural differences and to help advance positive diplomatic relations through song. The chorus is regularly featured at national music education conferences, including the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and Chorus America.
As part of the U.S. Air Force Band, the mission of the Singing Sergeants is to honor those who have served, inspire American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and connect with the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States. The excellence demonstrated by the Singing Sergeants represents all Airmen stationed worldwide, whose sacrifices and selfless service ensure the freedom enjoyed by citizens of the United States of America.
