Navy Music Program

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article or section needs to be wikified to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please help improve this article with relevant internal links. (May 2007)

A part of Navy Personnel Command's Enlisted Assignment Division (PERS-40)[1], the Navy Music Program Management Office (PERS-4014) is located aboard Naval Support Activity Mid-South[2] in Millington, Tennessee. PERS-4014[3] centrally manages the Navy's 11 Fleet bands[4], one support unit, and two premier bands. PERS-4014 coordinates the assignment and distribution of personnel, equipment and funding to its activities worldwide, and coordinates the accession of applicants desiring enlistment as a Musician (MU).

---

Contents 1 Fleet Bands in the continental United States 1.1 Navy Band Northwest 1.2 Navy Band Southwest 1.3 Navy Band Great Lakes 1.4 Navy Band Mid-South 1.5 Navy Band New Orleans 1.6 Navy Band Northeast 1.7 U.S. Fleet Forces Band 1.8 Navy Band Southeast 2 Fleet Bands outside the continental U.S. 2.1 PACIFIC Fleet Band 2.2 Commander, Naval Forces Europe Band 2.3 SEVENTH Fleet Band 3 Premier Bands 3.1 The United States Navy Band 3.2 Naval Academy Band 4 Support Unit 4.1 Navy Band Fleet Support Unit 5 School of Music 5.1 Navy School of Music

[edit] Fleet Bands in the continental United States

[edit] Navy Band Northwest

[5] Navy Band Northwest is one of 14 Official Navy Bands located throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Italy and Japan. The band's early history dates back to the Bremerton Navy Yard Band of 1918 and the 13th Naval District Band of 1925. In 1944, a group of sailors from various ratings formed a band at Naval Air Station Sand Point in Seattle to welcome the Hellcat Fighter Squadron of Carrier Aircraft Support Unit 7. The band became known as the Hellcat Band in honor of the fighter squadron returning from combat operations in the South Pacific.

The official commissioning of the 13th Naval District Band took place in 1953 at Pier 91 in Seattle. The band moved to Naval Air Station Sand Point in the fall of 1970 where its name was changed to Northwest Navy Band and then to Navy Band Seattle. In April 1985, the band moved into Building 30, a remodeled portion of the hangar where the Hellcat Band welcomed home the World War II heroes of Carrier Aircraft Support Unit 7. Naval Air Station Sand Point closed in 1995 as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission. In February 1995, Navy Band Seattle moved across the Puget Sound to a new facility at Naval Submarine Base Bangor in Silverdale. Navy Band Seattle officially changed its name to Navy Band Northwest on April 1, 1999 as a result of the Navy Regionalization Initiatives.

The mission of Navy Band Northwest is to provide musical support for official Navy functions and Navy Recruiting efforts, and to serve the communities of the Pacific Northwest in a Public Relations capacity. Throughout the years, Navy Band Northwest has built an excellent reputation for quality musical performances. The 35 rated musicians are called upon to perform in various units, including the Ceremonial and Parade Band, Big Band, Contemporary Entertainment Ensemble, Brass Quintet, and Jazz Combo. From time to time, specialized ensembles such as a Brass or Woodwind ensemble are formed to fulfill a specific performance requirement. In addition to their musical duties, band members carry out all administrative and support functions within the band.

[edit] Navy Band Southwest

[6] Navy Band Southwest is one of the Navy’s finest and oldest continuing musical organizations. Now with over 80 years of support to the San Diego community, the band serves as the musical ambassador for the Commander, Navy Region Southwest. In addition to the many military activities it supports, the band’s ensembles perform year round throughout the Southwestern United States.

The 45-member organization calls upon its Ceremonial Band for the majority of its work. The band’s other performing ensembles include the Wind Ensemble, the contemporary music ensemble, Destroyers, the Show Band West, the Brass and Woodwind Quintets, and SeaBreeze, the band’s VIP reception combo.

Navy Band Southwest averages over 600 performances a year. The majority of these performances are in support of the Navy’s retention and recruiting initiatives. It also performs for many different community concert series' and professional sporting events, including regular performances with the San Diego Symphony Summer Pops. As a strong proponent of music education, Navy Band Southwest proudly participates in the Navy’s "Partnership in Education" program through educational concerts and clinics for school music programs.

Navy Band Southwest is a particularly important part of San Diego’s military heritage. From the 30 Sailors who reported for duty in 1923 to the 45 members of today's organization, Navy Band Southwest takes pride in upholding its rich tradition and promoting the pride and professionalism of today's United States Navy.

[edit] Navy Band Great Lakes

[7] "Pride in Service" has been the theme for Navy Band Great Lakes. From 1911, when the first bugler reported for duty, to bandmaster John Philip Sousa in 1917, to today's bandmaster, our music represents the pride and professionalism that is synonymous with the United States Navy.

Serving Commander, Naval Service Training Command's mission of transforming volunteers into 21st century Sea Warriors, Navy Band Great Lakes performs ceremonies to honor recruits, Sailors, and their families. As the Navy's "Ambassadors to the Midwest," Navy Band Great Lakes performs for hundreds of thousands of people every year, providing musical support for community relations and Navy Recruiting in an eleven-state area of responsibility stretching from Ohio to North Dakota.

[edit] Navy Band Mid-South

[8] Navy Band Mid-South is the United States Navy's premier musical organization in the Mid-South region. Attached to Commander, Navy Personnel Command, this diverse group of 35 professional Navy Musicians are all active duty men and women performing full-time for the Navy. The ensembles within the band perform music ranging from Bach and Sousa to the most current pop, country, and jazz hits.

The band operates from Millington, Tennessee, and is responsible for an eleven-state area that stretches north into Indiana and Illinois, west into eastern Colorado, and south into Mississippi and Alabama. In addition to being a military ceremonial band, the band maintains other musical ensembles that perform a wide variety of music.

[edit] Navy Band New Orleans

The United States Navy Band New Orleans is one of fourteen official Navy Bands located in the continental United States, Europe and Asia. Since its establishment in January 1971, the band performs annually for over 26 million people in support of the Navy, Navy recruiting and community relations events. Located at the Naval Support Activity, New Orleans, LA, Navy Band New Orleans represents both the United States Navy and the Crescent City in a wide range of military and community related functions across the Gulf Coast.

[edit] Navy Band Northeast

[9] Navy Bands have always been an integral part of the Naval presence in Newport, dating back at least to the Civil War period. Navy Band Northeast was officially established in 1974, and is one of 14 official bands of the United States Navy. The band is located on board Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, and serves the military and civilian communities throughout the Northeastern United States.

Navy Band Northeast provides a wide spectrum of musical entertainment. Whether it is the traditional sounds of a military marching band, the swing of jazz, or the contemporary music of today, Navy Band Northeast has a band for most any occasion. Each ensemble inspires patriotism, elevates esprit de corps, and fosters pride in the United States Naval Service.

Navy Band Northeast is recognized as one of the nation's finest military bands. They continually strive to define, realize, and maintain the highest standards of excellence in the military and musical communities.

[edit] U.S. Fleet Forces Band

[10] The U.S. Fleet Forces Band is the musical representative for the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and is the largest of the Navy's 12 Fleet Bands. This unit provides musical support for ships, military bases, foreign dignitaries, and many community relations events. The band is fortunate to be staffed by some of the Navy's finest and most talented musicians.

[edit] Navy Band Southeast

[11] Navy Band Southeast was established in October 1995. It is a field activity of the Navy Personnel Command. Representing the Commander, Navy Region Southeast and the United States Navy, Navy Band Southeast performs music throughout the state of Florida and the Southeastern United States. The band comprises forty-five professional musicians, all of which are graduates of the Armed Forces School of Music. Navy Band Southeast provides a wide spectrum of musical styles by offering smaller ensembles within itself.

Navy Band Southeast is also the command to which American Idol Season 6 finalist MU3 Joel "Phil" Stacey was assigned while on active duty. His success had the added benefit of publicity for both the navy and the navy music program worth an estimated 2.4 million dollars. MU3 Stacey performed with the contemporary music ensemble "Pride" as well as with the Wind Ensemble and the Ceremonial Band.

[edit] Fleet Bands outside the continental U.S.

[edit] PACIFIC Fleet Band

[12] Hawaii is richly steeped in naval history and the Pacific Fleet Band has long been a part of this heritage. Since before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Navy Bands have been stationed in Hawaii either on ships home ported at Pearl Harbor, or attached to Navy shore installations at Pearl Harbor, Barbers Point and even Waikiki.

The most recognized and highly decorated Navy Band associated with Hawaii was Unit Band 22. This was the band stationed on board the USS Arizona (BB-39) at the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.

On the night of December 6, 1941, there was a band competition called the "Battle of Music" at Bloch Arena on Pearl Harbor Naval Station. This competition began on September 13, 1941 as an elimination tournament held every two weeks. It featured Navy Bands from "capitol ships" home ported in Pearl Harbor and those attached to shore installations in Hawaii. Four bands were to compete in each round of the tournament with one winner per round selected to perform in the final competition. Each band performed a swing number, a ballad and one specialty tune and then played for the jitterbug contest. The USS Arizona band won the first round on September 13th and was not scheduled to play again until the final competition.

The last round of the elimination tournament was scheduled, unknowingly, for that December 6th evening in Bloch Arena. Present were bands from the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38), USS Tennessee (BB-43), and USS Argonne (AG-31).

Scheduled to compete but not present was the band from the USS Detroit (CL-8), which deployed a few days earlier. Several members of the USS Arizona band attended the contest because the first and second place winners would be competing against them in the final competition scheduled for December 13. The USS Pennsylvania band was the winner that evening.

On the morning of December 7th, 1941, while the band from the USS Nevada (BB-36) played Morning Colors, the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor occurred. The entire USS Arizona Band, while at battle stations passing ammunition under gun turret number one, was killed in the attack. In the weeks to follow, all the bands that had participated in the "Battle of Music" voted to posthumously award the tournament trophy to Unit Band 22, renaming it the "Arizona Trophy." This was a fitting tribute to the heroic members of the band who died that infamous morning. Unit Band 22 now stands the eternal watch on board the USS Arizona for all sea service bands.

The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet Band (Unit Band 56) was formed when the Pacific Fleet Headquarters was established at Pearl Harbor in February, 1941. Not much is known about the band's history during World War II.

From 1959 to 1964, the Pacific Fleet Band operated from a building at Supply Base Pearl Harbor, just inside the Halawa Gate. In 1964, the band moved across the street just inside the CINCPACFLT Gate, sharing a building with Fleet Imaging. The band moved to the Pearl Harbor Naval Station Band building at Bishop Point near Hickam Harbor when the Unit Band 03 closed in 1966. Finally, in 1967 the band moved to its current facility, Building 277, located at the Pearl Harbor Naval Station Marine Barracks Compound. The current building was used as a Marine Barracks prior to and during World War II and is a historical landmark. It served as work spaces and, during the band's first years of occupancy, barracks for band personnel.

From 1959 to 1969 the band traveled extensively representing the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet throughout the Pacific. During these years the band performed engagements in Pusan and Seoul, South Korea, Guam, the Philippines and Okinawa. Also, in 1960 and 1963, the band, combined with the Barber's Point Naval Air Station Band (which closed in 1965), traveled to the South Pacific for festivities surrounding the "Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration Celebration." This trip was made once every three years, rotating with the Hickam Air Force Base Band and the Schofield Barracks Army Band. Ports of call for band performances on these trips included Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, Australia, as well as New Zealand, New Caledonia and American Samoa.

In 1968 the band was deployed to South Vietnam for three to four weeks. The band traveled to their performance sites on whatever military aircraft were available at the time. This created some delays in travel. In one instance the band was marooned in Cam Ranh Bay for nearly a week while waiting for any available plane to take them to their next destination. The band did have one notable "close call," arriving at an airfield within an hour of its having been shelled by the enemy. During this tour, the band performed concerts in Da Nang, Ben Hoa, Cam Ranh Bay and Saigon.

From the mid 1970's through the early 1980s, the Pacific Fleet Band performed many concerts here in the Aloha State with such noted local performers as Jimmy Borges, Cheryl Barash, Melveen Leed and Ira Nepus. In 1977 the Pacific Fleet Chorale was formed to compliment concert performances by the Pacific Fleet Band. This ensemble was an all-volunteer chorus, made up of active duty members and dependents of all branches of the armed forces stationed on Oahu. The last concert appearance of this associate unit of the Pacific Fleet Band was in 1980. Another highlight during 1980 was a March concert at Kapiolani Park. This Concert was held in association with "Rim of the Pacific Exercises" and featured the International Sea Services Combined Wind Ensemble. This group was made up of various military musicians from the participating countries' naval forces. In 1986 the Pacific Fleet Band made an historic fifteen-day trip to China with the first visit by a U.S. Navy ship to China in thirty-seven years.

The Pacific Fleet Band made two significant overseas deployments. First, in 1988 the band traveled to India for the ceremonies commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the American Consul in Bombay. Then, in 1989 the band made a trip to Australia. Performances thrilled audiences in Melbourne, Cairns and Canberra culminating with an outstanding performance at the world famous Sydney Opera House.

Although traveling abroad little since 1989, the Pacific Fleet Band has maintained an active schedule supporting the Pacific Fleet and the local civilian community in Hawaii. The musicians of the Pacific Fleet Band perform their duties with the same zeal and pride that characterizes all Navy Musicians from the past to the present. September 1995 saw the Pacific Fleet Band participating significantly in four major events of international interest. The first was the dedication of the Battle of Midway Monument on Midway Island. The highlight was the premier performance of The Battle of Midway Island march, written and conducted by Ambassador J. William Middendorf, II. It was written in recognition of the men who fought and died to change the course of the war in the Pacific. That ceremony was a precursor to the final ceremonies of the "End of World War II Commemoration" and the 50th Anniversary of VJ-Day Celebrations. Highlights of the band's extensive participation were a Presidential Wreath-laying Ceremony on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) in Pearl Harbor, an International Parade of Ships and Aircraft off the coast of Honolulu, a Presidential Parade and Review through downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, and an old-fashioned Hangar Dance on board the USS Carl Vinson honoring all our WWII veterans. The next event was the opening ceremonies for the Asia/Pacific Center for Security Studies. During all these events, the US/Russian naval exercise, Cooperation from the Sea 1995 was taking place. This marked the first visit of a Russian warship to Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Fleet Band was very much involved while hosting a visiting Russian Navy Band. All these events were attended by the President, Secretaries of Defense and the Navy, Congressional Representatives, senior unified and component military commanders, and a host of foreign civilian and military dignitaries. The Pacific Fleet Band performed over 40 engagements during this nine day period.

In recent years, along with numerous parades the Pacific Fleet Band continues to participate in many annual events including the December 7th Commemoration Ceremony, Memorial and Independence Day Celebrations, the Twilight Tatoo and combined military band concert for Armed Forces Day. In addition to these events, the band has played an active role in opening the USS Missouri and Vietnam Memorials and closing Naval Air Station Barber's Point in 1999. In 2001 the band performed for the opening of the movie Pearl Harbor on board the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) and the 40th birthday celebration of the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in Guam.

The Pacific Fleet Band of today and the musicians who make up this band are a far cry from the first Navy musicians, who can be traced back to 1798. At that time, each ship chose a "shantyman" to sing during seafaring duties, while the crew joined in the refrain. A drummer kept the beat and a fifer piped the tune as sailors hauled in their lines. A select breed of sailor, Navy musicians must now meet strict musical requirements before entering the service. After recruit training, their skills are finely tuned at the U.S. Navy School of Music, a tri-service training command for all Navy, Marine Corps, and Army musicians, in Norfolk, Virginia. After graduation, enlisted musicians are assigned to one of twelve Navy Fleet Bands worldwide.

The personnel of any Navy Band are true professionals and possess academic training from high school diplomas to doctoral degrees. Many band members have experience as performers and instrumental instructors, or have obtained their civilian teaching credentials before entering the Navy. All are capable of playing any style of music with little preparation and most are required to be proficient at playing more than one instrument.

The Pacific Fleet Band is under the operational control of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Much of the band's activity is in support of the ships of the fleet and the many shore based military commands. Musical support is also provided for other armed forces' functions when needed. Pacific Fleet Band military performances consist primarily of providing ceremonial music for Changes of Command, Retirements, Morning Colors, Sunset Parades and Ship Arrivals. Other duties include bugling details for military funerals, reception music for flag officers, government officials and visiting foreign dignitaries, and entertainment for special functions such as Navy Birthday celebrations and various command social events.

[edit] Commander, Naval Forces Europe Band

This unit is a recent amalgamation of the former Sixth Fleet Band and Allied Forces Band (also known as CINCSOUTH Band).

[edit] SEVENTH Fleet Band

[13] Music enjoys a long and proud tradition in the Naval service and today's SEVENTH Fleet Band carries on that tradition with a modern, fast-paced beat. SEVENTH Fleet Band in a word is EXCITEMENT!

Created in 1943 with the establishment of the United States SEVENTH Fleet, the band has performed for literally millions throughout the Western Pacific. They have brought their special brand of American music to enthusiastic fans in Japan, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and many other areas of the Far East.

Comprising professional Navy Musicians, SEVENTH Fleet Band operates from Yokosuka, Japan along with the flagship for Commander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet, USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19). SEVENTH Fleet is the largest forward-deployed U.S. fleet, with 60,000 Sailors and Marines, over 400 aircraft and more than 50 ships operating in a 52-million square mile area of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

[edit] Premier Bands

[edit] The United States Navy Band

[14] Since its official designation in 1925, the United States Navy Band has grown to become a diverse organization comprising 172 enlisted musicians and four officers. Based at the historic Washington (D.C.) 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.

The story of Navy music is as old as the history of our Navy. Our early Sailors used instrumental and vocal music to accompany their daily lives. Early records of shipboard fifes and drums confirm this proven method of delivering orders over the din of battle. The sea chantey united the voices as it coordinated the efforts of the crew. There were special varieties for specific tasks from hoisting the mainsail to weighing anchor. After-hours entertainment featured the chantey in sentimental thoughts of home and often humorous speculation about their next adventure.

The scope and size of these musical groups increased as our Navy grew. Those initial trumpets, fifes and drums were carried on the early frigates to sound calls, give general orders and perform at funerals and other ceremonies. Bands became a separate section of the crew on many Navy vessels.

The development of shore-based bands in the 1800s led to the creation of the Naval Academy Band, which grew in size and importance during the Civil War. Other band units afloat and ashore played a major role in promoting the morale of sailors and civilians alike. At the start of World War I, many outstanding musicians left their famous orchestras and joined the Navy, using their talents to further the war effort.

In 1916, a 16-piece band from the battleship USS Kansas was ordered to the Washington Navy Yard to augment a 17-piece band aboard the presidential yacht Mayflower. The new unit became known as the "Washington Navy Yard Band" and was given rehearsal space near the power plant's coal pile. The increasing tempo of the band's duties led the bandmaster to seek more suitable quarters in the yard's "Sail Loft," and sailmakers were soon cutting and stitching their canvas to the rhythms of the music. The Navy Band still occupies the Sail Loft as its headquarters and rehearsal hall.

[edit] Naval Academy Band

[15] Ever since the founding of the Naval Academy in 1845, when the “Band”consisted of a fifer and a drummer, music has been an important part of Naval Academy life. Officially formed in November 1852, the United States Naval Academy Band has established a reputation for outstanding musical support to the Brigade of Midshipmen and the surrounding community. However, the current version of the Naval Academy Band is a far cry from the thirteen men who reported to Annapolis over 150 years ago. Today, due to the unmatched versatility of its members, the band is able to blend tradition and change into a wide variety of musical styles.

The United States Naval Academy Marching Band may head up a column of Midshipman on parade before dignitaries on Worden Field, advance into Navy/Marine Corps Stadium for a contest on the grid iron, escort a fallen shipmate to his final resting place, or represent the Navy and Naval Academy on “Main Street, USA” in their Memorial Day celebration. In addition, the Concert Band performs a year-round concert series that is both highly acclaimed and well received. Performances feature well rounded programs of light classics, popular melodies, patriotic songs, and of course, marches chosen from the band’s extensive music library or prepared by the staff arrangers. Special events include the Side-By-Side concert featuring local High School musicians chosen to play with the band under the baton of a special guest conductor, and the annual Finale concert featuring all Naval Academy Band ensembles and closing with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with live cannon fire! Smaller ensembles are featured in the Chamber Music Series, a variety of recitals planned and presented by individual band members. The Electric Brigade, the Navy’s premier Top 40 Band, aids recruiting by acquainting young Americans with the Navy and the Armed Forces, in addition to performances for the Brigade of Midshipmen in functions ranging from formal occasions such as the Graduation Ball during Commissioning Week to informal dances, pep rallies, and company picnics. These are but a few places where“The Navy’s Oldest and Finest Band” continues the long tradition of musical excellence and service to America begun so many years ago. From its 66 members, the band also calls upon two jazz groups, brass and woodwind quintets, trombone and clarinet quartets, tuba and percussion ensembles, and two reception combos.

Each member of the band hopes to add his or her mark to the progress which has seen a walrus-mustachioed fifer and drummer grow into one of America’s top ranking musical organizations. A succession of 26 leaders and hundreds of instrumentalists, each adding his or her special talent to the band’s repertoire, continue to instill a sense of pride and patriotism in Americans everywhere.

[edit] Support Unit

[edit] Navy Band Fleet Support Unit

[16] Musical equipment maintenance enjoys a proud heritage at Navy Band Fleet Support Unit where traditional band instrument repair and analog/digital equipment repair come together to lead the Navy's Music Program into the 21st century!

Created to provide the material support necessary in the operation of Fleet bands both afloat and ashore, Navy Band Fleet Support Unit performs a variety of diverse services to include: Test & Evaluation of all equipment; equipment repair and maintenance; and shipping & receiving of equipment to/from activities Fleet-wide.

Comprising professional Navy Musicians and Navy Civilians, Navy Band Fleet Support Unit operates out of Little Creek, Virginia and is responsible for maintaining an inventory in excess of 50,000 items.

[edit] School of Music

[edit] Navy School of Music

[17] Located aboard the Naval Amphibious Base in Norfolk, Virginia, the Navy School of Music provides specialized training for selected personnel of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, and is the first stop after basic training for instrumentalists and vocalists seeking to join the ranks of America's military bands.

This unique facility, the largest of its kind in the world, provides basic to advanced levels of instruction geared toward preparing Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines for the challenges of performance within a wide variety of military ensembles. Graduates of the Navy School of Music go on to become musical ambassadors throughout the United States and abroad as members of U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Bands.

Tracing its origins to the early 1900s, the School evolved from intermittent attempts to establish a permanent site to train Navy Musicians. In June of 1935, the Navy School of Music opened in Washington, D.C., operating in conjunction with the United States Navy Band until becoming an independent activity in 1942. Students enrolled at the School during this era graduated as complete ensembles—transferring as a unit to serve aboard ships in the U.S. Fleet. Unit Band #22, for example, was deployed to the USS Arizona—ultimately to be counted among the first casualties during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

After more than a decade of operating as a Navy-specific institution, the School received a quota of 15 enlisted Marines and, following negotiations between the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Naval Personnel, Army students began being enrolled in January of 1951. With the School now providing training for Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, in a facility that was originally designed to be a temporary structure, it was clear the Navy School of Music had outgrown its home and a new facility was sorely needed.

Of the numerous sites evaluated, the School of Music's present home, Building 3602 aboard Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk, Virginia proved best suited for instrumental and academic training. Originally built in 1955 as an 80,000-square-foot (7,000 m²) barracks, Building 3602 was stripped to bare cinderblock and reconstructed with the unique needs of professional military musicians in mind. In April of 2005, building 3602 was renamed to McDonald Hall after Captain John D. McDonald, the School of Music's first Commanding Officer at this location.

Housed within the Armed Forces School of Music are nine rehearsal areas (each of which is linked by closed-circuit television) which can accommodate ensembles of virtually any size and more than 100 studios available for individual practice and instrumental instruction. More than 17,000 compositions are kept on file in the music library, and 1,000s of musical recordings, reference materials and publications are also available for student use and training. Additionally, a state of the art repair facility is maintained to service the nearly 3,000 musical instruments presently carried on the School's inventory.