United States military bands
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
United States Service Bands Each of the branches of the U.S. Military has a delineated structure of bands programs. Today, the service band organizations frequently consist of direct support bands on military bases. Seven organizations are considered to be "premier" bands, in which members are selected by screened competitive audition prior to enlisting in the particular service. Members of these premier bands come from the finest conservatories and schools of music in the nation. There are also military bands assigned to specific military units and the military service academies.
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[edit] Marine Band
| United States Marine Band | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1798-Present. |
| Country | USA |
| Branch | Marine Corps |
| Nickname | "The President's Own" |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
John Philip Sousa |
Founded in 1798 by an Act of Congress, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band is America’s oldest professional musical organization. Today, “The President’s Own” is celebrated for its regular role at the White House and its dynamic public performances. “The President’s Own” encompasses the United States Marine Band, Marine Chamber Orchestra, and Marine Chamber Ensembles, and performs at 500 public performances across the nation each year. The Marine Band was headquartered at Marine Barracks at 8th and I in Washington, D.C. until September 2004 when it moved to the new Marine Barracks Annex and Marine Band Support Facility, located just around the corner at 7th and Virginia Avenue.
[edit] United States Navy Band
| United States Navy Band | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Active | 1925-Present. |
| Country | USA |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | military band |
| Garrison/HQ | Washington Navy Yard |
| March | Anchors Aweigh |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Capt. Ralph M. Gambone |
- main article: U.S. Navy Band
Since its official designation in 1925, the U.S. Navy Band has grown to become a diverse organization comprised of 172 enlisted musicians and four officers. Based at the historic Washington Navy Yard, the organization features a concert-ceremonial unit and four distinct specialty units--the "Sea Chanters" chorus (1956), the "Commodores" jazz ensemble (1969), the "Country Current" country-bluegrass group (1973), and the "Cruisers" contemporary music ensemble (1999). The band also features several chamber music groups.
[edit] Army Band
| US Army Band | |
|---|---|
 US Army Band Branch Insignia |
|
| Active | January 25, 1922-Present. |
| Country | USA |
| Branch | Regular Army; Army Reserve; National Guard |
| Type | Band |
| Role | Multiple Roles |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Myer |
| Nickname | "Pershing's Own" |
| March | "The Army Goes Rolling Along" |
| Battles/wars | Rhineland |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Col. Thomas Rotondi, Jr. |
For over 81 years, The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" has maintained a tradition of excellence as the premier musical organization of The United States Army. The band was founded in 1922 by Army Chief of Staff General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing to emulate European military bands he heard during World War I. The band continues to play an important role in events of national and international significance, staging performances from the battlefields of World War II to the U.S. capital.
During its early years, the band became widely known and critically acclaimed for radio broadcasts featured on several networks, including RCA, CBS and the Mutual Broadcasting Network. The band also completed four national tours between 1928 and 1931 and became highly respected for its performances during a trip to Spain for the Ibero-American Exposition in Spring 1929.
In June 1943, the band was called overseas to perform first in North Africa and then battle-weary Europe, returning to U.S. soil in June 1945. The band received a battle streamer for their efforts during the Rhineland Campaign and, prior to 2002, was the only Washington-based military band to have participated in a theater of foreign combat operations.
The period after World War II saw the band expand in scope and diversity to keep pace with an increased demand for numerous and specialized assignments. The United States Army Ceremonial Band, The United States Army Chorus, The United States Army Herald Trumpets and The United States Army Strings were established as regular performing units during this time.
This period also saw the band perform with numerous well-known artists and composers, many as part of the very successful Freedom Sings concert series that started in 1950 and continued for several years. Notables include Metropolitan Opera bass Jerome Hines, composers Paul Hindemith and Percy Grainger, and the pianist duo Whittmore and Lowe.
Similarly, several well-known entertainers and recording artists were band members during this period. Eddie Fisher, Robert Dini and Steve Lawrence were very popular during the 1950's, as were harpist Lloyd Lindroth, future Metropolitan Opera tenor George Shirley and announcer Charles Osgood.
Throughout the 60's, 70's and 80's, the band continued to perform and serve with distinction. In 1963, The band participated in the funeral of President John F. Kennedy with Army Band Bugler Keith Clark performing Taps at the graveside service in Arlington National Cemetery. Brucker Hall, The band's training and performance facility, was constructed in the mid-1970's. Also during this era, The Army Blues jazz ensemble, The United States Army Chorale and The United States Army Brass Band were officially established as regular performing ensembles.
An official Coat of Arms and distinctive uniforms were approved to reflect The band's increasing visibility at events of national significance, including the visit of Emperor Hirohito to Alaska with President Nixon, the United States Bicentennial Celebration, the Lake Placid Winter Olympics, the return of the former U.S. hostages from Iran, the World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee and the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The band has performed in Canada, Japan and Australia as well as in several of the nation's prominent concert halls, such as Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and the Guggenheim Band Shell at Lincoln Center in New York, the Hollywood Bowl and the Hatch Shell in Boston. In 1984, The band recorded and participated in the filming of Francis Ford Coppolla's movie Gardens Of Stone.
Under the leadership of Colonel L. Bryan Shelburne, leader and commander (1990 - 2000), the band continued its tradition of excellence with performances at the 1990 Economic Summit in Houston, the Desert Storm Victory Parade in New York and Reba McEntire's Christmas Special in Nashville. Col. Shelburne has also led the band in performances in Sweden, The Netherlands, Turkey, Nova Scotia and Scotland including a concert of International Goodwill with the Soviet Union's Navy Band of Moscow in Stockholm.
In November 1997, The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" culminated its rich 75 year history with a grand concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. Guest artists included Walter Cronkite, Charles Osgood and Metropolitan Opera stars Roberta Peters and John Cheek.
In April 2000, Colonel Gary F. Lamb returned to The United States Army Band, (he had been assigned here previously in 1986 at which time he was the Deputy Commander and held positions as Director of The Army Chorale, and Director of The Army Chorus), to become the seventh Leader and Commander.
In December 2002, a ten-piece pop group from the band, dubbed "Downrange", accompanied country musician Darryl Worley, comedian Kathy Griffin, actress Karri Turner, pro wrestler Bradshaw, and two cheerleaders from the Jacksonville Jaguars to Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Afghanistan as part of a pre-Christmas USO tour in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This was the first time since 1945 that members of the Army Band performed in a theater of foreign operations. Since the commencement of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 the tour has been repeated annually under the title "Hope and Freedom", with a larger ensemble and additional stops at military positions in Iraq. Other celebrities that have accompanied recent tours include country singer Mark Wills, comedian Al Franken, and cheerleaders from the Washington Redskins.
Col. Lamb retired in June 2005 and was succeeded by Colonel Thomas Rotondi, Jr., whose previous assignment was Commander/Conductor of the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, New York.
The U.S. Army Band is headquartered at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia.
[edit] Lineage
- Organized 25 January 1922 at Fort Hunt, Virginia, as The Army Band
- Discontinued 31 January 1948 at Fort Myer, Virginia
- Reconstituted 17 August 1949 in the Regular Army; concurrently consolidated with the United States Army Band (active) (constituted 8 January 1948 in the Regular Army; activated 31 January 1948 at Fort Myer, Virginia) and consolidated unit designated as The United States Army Band.
[edit] Honors
[edit] Campaign Participation Credit
- World War II:
[edit] Decorations
- Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) for WASHINGTON, DC 1969-1971
- Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) for WASHINGTON, DC 1971-1973
- Army Superior Unit Award for 1987
- Army Superior Unit Award for 1992-1993
[edit] Army Field Band
| US Army Field Band | |
|---|---|
| Active | October, 1944-Present. |
| Country | USA |
| Branch | Regular Army |
| Type | Band |
| Role | Multiple Roles |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Meade |
| Nickname | "The Musical Ambassadors of the Army" |
| Anniversaries | 60th official anniversary to be celebrated in August, 2006 |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Col. Finley R. Hamilton |
| Notable commanders |
CWO Chester E. Whiting, COL Hal Gibson, MAJ Samuel Fricano, COL Jack Grogan |
While musical excellence has always been its standard, The United States Army Field Band has not always been its name. Near the close of World War II, Chief Warrant Officer Chester E. Whiting returned from overseas duty to help organize The First Combat Infantry Band. Composed entirely of soldiers with musical talents who had served in combat in all theaters of the war, the band began an immediate mission of bolstering support for their fellow soldiers. Initially, the band toured for a year and a half performing in community outreach concerts that also supported the sale of War Bonds. Its success earned the band the unofficial title "The Million Dollar Band."
In 1946, General Jacob Devers, commander of the Army Ground Forces, commissioned Chief Whiting to "organize a band that will carry into the grassroots of our country the story of our magnificent Army, its glorious traditions and achievements." As a result, the First Combat Infantry Band became the Army Ground Forces Band—and performed in the nation's capital and toured extensively in the United States and Europe. In 1950, the Army Ground Forces became the Army Field Forces, consequently changing the band's name to The United States Army Field Band.
Although these early years brought many name changes, the band's mission never wavered. The Musical Ambassadors of the Army maintain this mission by bringing the American soldier and a diverse musical repertoire to local, national, and international audiences.
The Field Band continually demonstrates its ability to change in meeting operational challenges. The development of various performing components has enhanced the band's mission throughout the past six decades.
In 1957, the Musical Ambassadors asked 34 bandsmen to double as the Soldiers' Chorus. Witnessing one of these performances, Major General W. Preston Corderman remarked, "[This organization], through its stirring musical renditions, is one of the most effective vehicles for bringing the U.S. Army closer to the American people." Within the next twelve years, the Soldiers' Chorus became a separate component of trained vocalists, performing both with and without the Concert Band in spreading the Army message.
With the transformation of the American musical landscape in the 1960s, the unit created the Studio Band, a unique group tailored to meet the Army's needs in reaching young people through high school performances with the Soldiers' Chorus. Colonel Hal Gibson recalled, "We made vast changes and our attendance figures soared." Today, as the Jazz Ambassadors, they focus on jazz and take an active role in promoting the Army in the United States and abroad.
An emphasis on innovation sparked the 1981 formation of a component dedicated to high-energy popular music, the Volunteers. An early concentration on local commitments quickly broadened to include troop support and recruiting appearances.
The varied and inspirational fashion in which The U.S. Army Field Band fulfills its mission sparked this comment from a fan in Durango, Colorado, which holds true for each of the band's components throughout its history. "[They] remind us all that not only do we have one of the most colorful pasts of any nation in the world but an exciting future, if we'll just reach out and grab it."
[edit] Decorations
- Army Superior Unit Award for 1988
- Army Superior Unit Award for 1993
[edit] Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
| Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1960-Present. |
| Country | USA |
| Branch | Regular Army |
| Type | Band |
| Role | Multiple Roles |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Myer |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
CW3 Gregory S. Balvanz |
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is the only unit of its kind in the armed forces, and is part of the The 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard). The Fife and Drum Corps is stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia.
The musicians of this unit recall the days of the American Revolution as they parade in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of Gen. George Washington's Continental Army. Military musicians of the period wore the reverse colors of the regiments to which they were assigned. The uniforms worn by the members of the Corps are dated circa 1781, and consist of black tricorn hats, white wigs, waistcoats, colonial coveralls, and red regimental coats.
The 69-member Corps uses 10-hole fifes, handmade rope-tensioned drums and single-valve bugles, which bring to life the exciting sounds of the continental army. While traveling, the marching strength of the unit is normally 22 musicians, and the drum major and support personnel.
As an official representative of the U.S. Army, the Corps averages nearly 2,000 performances annually. The Corps has entertained millions of people in major parades, pageants and historical celebrations throughout the United States; and has served America as a goodwill ambassador as far away as Europe, Australia and Canada. Major sporting events the Corps has performed at include NCAA bowl games, NBA games, NFL games including Super Bowl XVI, the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500, and the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid NY.
[edit] Unit Bands
- U.S. Army Bands
Many American historic events occurred with the support of a military musical unit. Prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, colonial soldiers marched to the music of fifes and drums. During the Civil War, military leaders on both sides relied on military musicians to entertain troops, position troops in battle, and stir the troops on to victory. Army bands have a brilliant history. Bands, such as the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and the 1st Infantry Division, received decorations for their performance in combat. Other bands have entertained at official functions, entertained troops, and traveled throughout the world aiding public relations inside and outside of the United States.
Today, there are more than 130 Army Bands around the world performing for American and world audiences alike. At any one time, there are at least three Army Bands supporting Soldiers in the theaters of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Bandsmen are constantly called to duty to perform their mission, which is to support Soldiers and audiences with music worldwide.
- U.S. Army Ground Forces Band
- U.S. 3rd Infantry Division
- 56th Army Band
- 76th Army Band
- 283d Army Band
- 323d Army Band
- 338th Army Band (Reserve)
[edit] Coast Guard Band
| US Coast Guard Band | |
|---|---|
| Active | March, 1925-Present. |
| Country | USA |
In March 1925, the United States Coast Guard Band was organized with the assistance of Lt. Charles Benter, leader of the United States Navy Band, Dr. Walter Damrosch, conductor of the New York Philharmonic, and "American March King" John Philip Sousa, former director of the United States Marine Band.
Forty years later, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Congressional Legislation that resulted in the Coast Guard Band becoming the permanent, official musical representative of the nation's oldest continuous seagoing service. This event established the Coast Guard Band as one of the five premier service bands in the United States.
The duties of the Coast Guard Band have greatly expanded since 1965. Originally a small command band located at the Academy and used primarily for local purposes, today the band routinely tours throughout the United States and has performed in the former Soviet Union and in England. It represents the Coast Guard around the nation and the world, at presidential functions, and for the Secretary of Homeland Security and other cabinet officials on formal and informal occasions.
Since its formation in 1925, the Coast Guard Band has developed an international reputation as one of the finest professional concert bands in the world, offering music of great variety and appeal. The band produces recordings and regularly furnishes programs to National Public Radio for broadcast over the entire country. Concerts have also been broadcast in Australia, Japan and Europe.
The Coast Guard Band is headquartered in New London, Connecticut.
[edit] Air Force Band
| US Air Force Band | |
|---|---|
| Active | September 24, 1941-Present. |
| Garrison/HQ | Bolling Air Force Base |
| Motto | "The Chief's Own" |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Col Dennis M. Layendecker |
The United States Air Force Band is a musical organization with an outstanding record of achievement of more than 60 years. Known as "America's International Musical Ambassadors," it has won the hearts of millions of music lovers throughout the world.
The band's official military life began on September 24, 1941, with the formation of the Bolling Army Air Forces Band under the sponsorship of Lieutenant L.P. Holcomb, commanding officer of the Air Base Group at Bolling Field. Since that time, the Band has grown from relative obscurity to stardom under the leadership of ten diverse and talented conductors.
Over the years, The United States Air Force Band has performed live for over 100 million people. The band has also been broadcast via television and radio.
The band has embarked on 25 international concert tours, with performances in more than 50 countries and 42 world capitals. The musicians in The United States Air Force Band seek to promote better understanding between all people of the world, traveling as goodwill ambassadors.
A unique feature of the band was the U.S. Air Force Pipes and Drums, which existed as a free-standing unit within the Air Force Band between 1960 and 1970, when Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John D. Ryan ordered it disbanded. (Prior to that, it was a part of the Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps, which has also been disbanded.)
The United States Air Force Band is headquartered at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.
[edit] Other U.S. military service bands
- United States Air Force Band of Liberty (founded in 1978, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA)
- U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band (founded in 1941 as the Army Air Corps Band, Langley Air Force Base, VA)
- U.S. Military Academy Band (founded 1817, West Point, NY)
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Band (Kings Point, NY)
- Naval Academy Band (founded in 1845, Annapolis, MD)
- Air Force Academy Band (inception in 1942 as the "Flying Yanks", reactivated for the United States Air Force Academy in 1955, Colorado Springs, CO)
- Air National Guard Band of the Midwest Peoria, IL
