United States Army Field Band

The United States Army Field Band of Washington, D.C. is a touring musical organization of the United States Army. Each year, the Army Field Band performs more than 400 concerts and makes thousands of appearances before audiences of all ages. From America's largest cities to her smallest heartland communities, "The Musical Ambassadors of the Army" tell the story of the Army.

The soldier-musicians of the Field Band have appeared live, on the radio, and on television in all 50 states, and have performed in 25 foreign countries on four continents. They are the most traveled musical organization of the United States military. Stationed at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, the Army Field Band consists of four performing components: The Concert Band, The Soldiers' Chorus, the Jazz Ambassadors, and The Volunteers. The Army Field Band's operations component works in garrison at Ft. Meade and organizes all tours.

Every four years, the Army Field Band is charged with the special responsibility of leading the first element of the Presidential Inaugural Parade. The Kennedy Center Honors, three World Series, the Baltimore Orioles' annual home finale, the 1995 Presidential Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of V-J Day, the 40th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, the National Memorial Day Concert, the state funerals of Presidents Reagan and Ford, and the 2002 Winter Olympic Games are some examples of high-profile appearances by the Army Field Band. However, the Army Field Band's day-to-day mission is to represent the United States Army by performing concerts across America, from the most prestigious of concert halls to the humblest of schools.

During World War II, musical groups crisscrossed the United States, performing concerts and shows that helped to raise money for the war effort. The USO shows, made famous through their connection with Hollywood greats like Bob Hope, did much to keep Americans aware of the sacrifices made by the nation's servicemen and women overseas.

After his tour in the Pacific Theater, Chief Warrant Officer Chester E. Whiting became the first commander of the First Combat Infantry Band, a unique group made up entirely of combat veterans. The band traveled the country and presented concerts very much like those given by the USO—shows full of a wide variety of classical and popular music. Admission to a typical First Combat Infantry Band concert was gained by buying a War Bond. The band raised over a million dollars for the war effort, earning the nickname "The Million Dollar Band."

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