what does the army band do

Full Answer

Why join the Army bands?

As a member of U.S. Army Bands, you’ll get opportunities you won’t get anywhere else. With over 80 Army Bands and more than 17 different instrumental and technical specialties, there’s a place where your musical talents and skills can shine.

What does US Army band stand for?

The United States Army Band, also known as "Pershing's Own", is the premier musical organization of the United States Army, founded in 1922.

What did the US Army Band do in WW2?

In June 1943, the United States Army Band was called overseas to perform in North Africa and in Europe during World War II. The band received a campaign streamer for their efforts during the Rhineland Campaign.

What instruments are used in the Army Band?

Instruments during the 18th century included fifes, drums, the hautbois, French horn, clarinet and bassoon. A series of army reviews starting in 1994 reduced the number of military bands from 69 to 23. Except for the Guards Division modern army bands are linked with corps or divisions rather than forming part of individual regiments.

Will I still have to go to Basic Training as an Army Musician?

As an enlisted Soldier/Musician, you will need to attend Basic Training. In addition, a ten-week course, Advanced Individual Training (AIT), is als...

Do I need previous musical experience to join Army Bands?

Our musicians are selected based on proficiency of their instruments. You are not required to have previous experience as a professional musician o...

Will the Army provide me with an instrument?

Yes, the Army will issue you a professional-quality instrument when you join your unit.

Can I audition for the Army Band while currently serving?

Yes, you can still audition, and many do. Be sure to request permission from your chain of command.

What is the Army Band?

United States Army Band. The United States Army Band, also known as " Pershing's Own ", is the premier musical organization of the United States Army, founded in 1922. Before 2002, the United States Army Band was the only Washington-based military band to have participated in a theater of foreign combat operations.

Where did the Army Band perform?

The United States Army 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 City, the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, and the Hatch Shell in Boston.

What band played for the President of the United States in 2008?

The Army Blues during a sit down performance in 2008. The Army Herald Trumpets, the official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States, in 2009. The Army Brass Quintet during a performance in 2010. Date.

Where was the Army Band organized?

Organized 22 January 1922 at Fort Hunt, Virginia, as The Army Band

When was the Army Band called overseas?

In June 1943, the United States Army Band was called overseas to perform in North Africa and in Europe during World War II. The band received a campaign streamer for their efforts during the Rhineland Campaign.

When was the Army Band established?

The United States Army Band was established on 25 January 1922 by General of the Armies John J. Pershing, Army Chief of Staff in emulation of European military bands he heard during World War I. In its early years, the band was featured on RCA, CBS, the Mutual Broadcasting Network, and other networks. The band also completed four national tours between 1928 and 1931 and was noted for its professionalism during a trip to Spain for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 .

Who was the leader of the band Desert Storm?

Under the leadership of Colonel L. Bryan Shelburne, leader and commander (1990–2000), the band continued with performances at the 1990 Economic Summit in Houston, the Desert Storm Victory Parade in New York City, and Reba McEntire 's Christmas Special in Nashville. Col.

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The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" provides musical support for the leadership of the United States, and connects the Army to the American people.

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Why do army bands play?

Army bands play a variety of music styles to inspire soldiers, foster the support of citizens and promote national interests at home and abroad.

When was the Marine Band founded?

Founded by Congress in 1798, the Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Today, "The President’s Own" is celebrated for its role at the White House and its dynamic public performances, which total more than 500 annually.

Why were military bands important in the Civil War?

Their presence was considered a great bonus and was often used as a way of helping with recruitment . The prospect of being accompanied by a good band made the regiment more popular with volunteers.

Why did all band members have to undergo military training?

All band members had to undertake military training so they were ready to fight when called upon. At times, this had to take priority over their musical duties.

What was the downside of the military band?

The downside of this profusion of music was that when regiments were camped close to each other, the military bands were all playing different tunes which must have produced a less than musical effect. However, the situation did not last for long.

Why do military musicians play at funerals?

Much of their work is diplomatic and effectively PR for the military and their country. Military musicians are often called upon to play at important national public events or military funerals. They might be requested to play a national anthem to welcome visiting dignitaries, and it is considered a national embarrassment if they don’t make a good job of it.

Why do bands play a role in the UK?

In the UK, bands play a role in training musician in the Commonwealth and beyond, which helps strengthen relations between those countries. Read another story from us: Most Extraordinary Footage Captures the Famous Confederate Battle Cry – The Rebel Yell.

How many bands were there in the Second World War?

Second World War. During the Second World War, there were around 500 bands involved in supporting the war effort one way or another. Their duties included entertaining the troops as well as performing guard duties at military posts and on supply trains.

How many members are in a brass band?

Following the bill, a typical brass band might have as many as 50 members, almost twice as many as previously.

How are Army Bands staffed?

To staff the Army Bands, musicians are hired into our program monthly. Assignments are selected after the completion of Basic Combat Training.

What does the Army provide for musicians?

The Army will provide you with a professional quality instrument to play while you are stationed at that band . Each band has an inventory of instruments based on the needs of the band. You will have your choice of the instruments that the band has on hand. When it is time for the band to purchase new instruments, you will have a say in what is purchased!

What time does a band workout?

After breakfast, the band reconvenes at 9:00 and spends the rest of the day in rehearsals for both small and large ensembles. When not involved in rehearsals, band members spend time accomplishing their additional duties (read below) or practicing individually. The schedule is adjusted as needed for performances or other obligations. A typical day ends at about 4:30.

How long is basic combat training?

Basic Combat Training is 9 weeks of intense training to transform you from a civilian to a Soldier. You will learn basic Soldiering skills such as map reading, first aid, combat drills, rifle marksmanship, and military customs and courtesies. You will do a lot of physical training to get you into great shape! You will not have time to practice your instrument at basic training. But don’t worry- every musician is in the same boat and the instructors at the School of Music expect that you will be a bit rusty when you arrive after 9 weeks away from your horn. You will have plenty of time at the school to get reacquainted with your instrument!

What are the different types of bands?

These ensembles might include jazz band/combo, rock band, brass/woodwind quintet, Dixieland band, country band, salsa band, etc. Most musicians can expect to perform in more than one of these groups depending on their instrument.

How far away from a band do you have to be to get lodging?

Soldiers who live outside of commuting distance (50 miles or more from your band’s location) are provided with on-post lodging during drill weekends. Since the two-week annual training is typically conducted at varying locations, the entire band will receive lodging accommodations during that time. If you live within 50 miles of the band, you will commute to and from the band each day during training.

How many days of paid vacation do you get in the army?

Yes. In the Army, you will have 30 days paid vacation. You can arrange to take these days as you like in accordance to the band’s schedule. Each band typically sets aside two blocks of time (usually around Christmas and in the summer) when the band will not schedule performances so that members can take extended leave.

What are the benefits of being a band member?

All members of the military, including band members, get benefits. This includes health benefits, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), and education benefits that can either be used by the service member or transferred to a dependent (child or spouse).

What does Alexis Sprakties say about military bands?

She says, “Military bands offer you a life experience unlike any other civilian music job. You get to see and play for things that you wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to do.”. Alexis Sprakties agrees: she has performed for the President of the United States and for the Queen of England.

How many days a year do bands travel?

If you don’t relish frequent travel, you could be in for a rude awakening. Some of the bands are on the road upwards of 100 days a year.

Can Marines go to war zones?

That’s not to say that you would never enter a war zone. “All marines, soldiers, and airmen that aren’t in a MACOM (major command) band or a premier band can be sent to a war zone to hold a gun,” says Petty Officer Third Class Ret. Joe Petrocelli. “The Combat Zone airmen and soldiers would generally still play some ceremonial music, but would have to stand guard and the like.” On the other hand, members of the “President’s Own Marine Band” and the Coast Guard Band do not even go through basic training, and without combat training it is highly unlikely they would be deployed to fight.

Is a military music career worth considering?

Despite the downsides, a military music career is still a path worth considering . Staff Sergeant Courtney Morton, B.M. Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, M.M. Flute Performance, is a piccolo player in the U.S. Marine Band. She says, “Military bands offer you a life experience unlike any other civilian music job. You get to see and play for things that you wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to do.”

Who is the trombonist for the Coast Guard?

Coast Guard Musician 1st Class trombonist Sean Nelson, B.M, Sam Houston State University; M.M., University of North Texas, wears many hats: he is the arranger for the Coast Guard Band; he performs with the concert band and the Dixieland jazz band; and he is music director for the Guardians Big Band.

Do military bands pay full time?

In addition to a signing bonus (not available through the Army bands), many of the musicians interviewed for this article cited the very reasonable full-time pay as an incentive for joining a military band. While it is unlikely that a person will become wealthy by joining the military, the salary, loan-forgiveness, and benefits (see #4) can be an enticing package.

What is the British military band?

Jump to navigation Jump to search. The Band of the Grenadier Guards marching outside Buckingham Palace. Military bands in the United Kingdom are the musical units that serve for protocol and ceremonial duties as part of the British Armed Forces.

When did the Canadian army start making bands?

With the 1968 unification of the Canadian Armed Forces, many military bands were reorganized to fit the American format, with the creation of base bands, which follow the traditions of the United States, the UK and France in respect to military music.

What was the role of trumpeters in the medieval era?

Trumpeters and drummers in the field sufficed as a medium for communication, as did pipers, and later fifers, whose further remit was to frighten the enemy.

What is the band of the household division?

The Bands of the Household Division are the amalgamated five military bands of the Foot Guards regiments in London.

What is a state band?

A "state band" refers to a military band based in London, the national capital, and has particular public duties in serving the British royal family and representing the British Armed Forces.

How many Indian bands are there?

Indian military bands, which are organized in British-style regimental and unit formations, are the largest of their kind in the world, with the Indian Armed Forces today having more than 50 military brass bands and 400 pipe bands.

How many reserve bands does the British Army have?

The British Army also has 20 Reserve Military Bands located across the United Kingdom and across the world:

What is a band in the army?

Band Members in the Army who serve at the Division level, deploy into combat zones. They provide MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) to service members, and in a “Hot War/Major Conflict” situation, they are responsible for physical security (the defense) of the Division’s Command Post. Members of “The US Army Band” aka Pershings Own, generally do not have a combat role. However, once enlisted in the Army, they can be ordered according to the “needs of The Army.”

What do you need to join the Army Band?

Keep in mind that joining the Army band requires an audition and they generally look for professional experience and relevant degrees.

What happens if you fail to meet the admission criteria for the Army Band Corps?

If you fail to meet their admission criteria, you will be placed in whatever MOS the Army has the greatest shortage. Basically, you will be placed in the Infantry and probably see combat under our current POTUS).

What does the military teach you?

Everyone has a fear of dying. But what the military teaches you is how to survive. It is military’s job to transform young men so that they are more confident about their capabilities and outlook. You are going to be a different man. You will learn how to defend yourself and protect others around you. You will also learn to appreciate the strength of teamwork while learning to use all the resources that the military offers to keep you alive.

Do the Army band members litter bearers?

THE U S Army band doesn’t, but bands of lower units might. I read somewhere that band members are to be used as litter bearers for the medics.

Do band members get combat training?

You would receive incredibly limited combat training beyond basic rifle marksmanship, and would probably never hear the words “Battle drill 1A” in your military career or be taught in any way how an infantry squad or platoon assaults an enemy objective or sets up a patrol base. There’s absolutely no way in a million years I could see band players being ordered to fight along side us in the infantry or along side cavalry scouts and tankers for that matter; unless

Do band members die driving to grocery store?

You’re more likely to die driving to your local grocery store this week than ever being ordered out on patrol as an Army band member. You would receive incredibly limited combat training beyond basic rifle marksmanship, and would probably never hear the words “Battle drill 1A” in your military career or be taught in any way how an infantry squad or platoon assaults an enemy objective or sets up a patrol base. There’s absolutely no way in a million years I could see band players being ordered to fight along side us in the infantry or along side cavalry scouts and tankers for that matter; unless they came from one of those three specialties before reclassing to being band players, their lack of combat training and discipline would be more likely to get us killed than assist us in doing our job.

Long Tradition

Bands of The Civil War

Second World War

The Present Day

Important Role