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| Air Force Bands | ||||||||||||||||||
MissionAir Force bands support the global Air Force mission in war and peace by fostering our national heritage and by providing professional musical products and services for official military, recruiting and community relations events. They provide military and patriotic music for official military and government activities such as ceremonies, formations and parades. They also provide an essential element in maintaining troop morale, retention and recruiting efforts. Bands play a key role in cultivating positive relations with many communities interacting with Air Force units. In addition, bands enhance public relations efforts with those communities outside the local areas of our military installations. In public concerts, parades and ceremonies, Air Force bands keep alive and enrich American musical heritage while projecting the Air Force image. OrganizationAir Force bands are classified as premier bands and regional bands. There are two premier bands -- The United States Air Force Band in Washington, D.C., and the United States Air Force Band of the Rockies in Colorado Springs, Colo. Ten regional bands are found at eight locations in the continental United States and operate from four locations overseas (Germany, Japan, Alaska and Hawaii). In addition, there are 11 Air National Guard bands at various locations throughout the United States. Bands are organized so that they may be subdivided into several smaller musical units capable of performing autonomously. The number, size and musical capabilities of these groups depend on the overall size of the band and the local or regional needs. Examples of performing units that support the band mission are:
HistoryBands have grown from a very humble beginning to worldwide status. The 14 members of the first known "air force" band set foot on French soil in September 1917, carrying instruments purchased from their lieutenant's personal funds. The commander of the 36th Aeronautics Squadron, to which they were assigned, was so impressed with his musicians that he petitioned the American Red Cross in Paris to help find more instruments, and increased the band's size. Bands have come a long way since then. Throughout World War II, the bands of the Army Air Corps contributed significantly in supporting the morale of our troops. When the Air Force became a separate service in 1947, Air Corps bands also transferred to the young Air Force. Since then, bands have continued to inspire esprit de corps in our airmen, patriotism in our citizenry, and admiration and respect from people of all nations. With a legacy rooted in our American heritage, Air Force bands are attuned to the most current requirements and technology of the coming 21st century. Air Force Bands and Geographic Areas
*Named activities of the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific at geographically separated locations. Official designations are Det 1 and OL-A. POINT OF CONTACT FOR SCHEDULING AIR FORCE BANDS Bands are located geographically to provide maximum area coverage. For information on scheduling and use of Air Force bands, contact: Air Force Bands and Music Programs, SAF/PAB, 1690 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1690, DSN 225-0019 or commercial (703) 695-0019.
Above Information Courtesy of United States Air Force
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