United States Army Field Band

The Field Band was established in 1946 by Lieutenant General Jacob L. Devers, Commanding General of U.S. Army Ground Forces, with the aim of maintaining the link between the United States Army and American public established during World War Two by organisations such as United Service Organizations and the First Combat Infantry Band. The nucleus of the new organization consisted of musicians from the original First Combat Infantry Band. The new band was named The Army Ground Forces Band. In April 1950, it was renamed the United States Army Field Band. == Performing ensembles ==

Since its inception in 1946, The U.S. Army Field Band has evolved from one main performing ensemble into four separate components, including the original Concert Band. The '''Soldiers' Chorus''' had its origins in the early days of the Concert Band, when members would gather in front of the band during shows and serenade the audience. They featured glee club-style choral arrangements of traditional and popular songs. In 1957, the unit began to audition vocalists specifically for the Chorus. The unit's first full-time female soldier-musicians joined the ranks of the Soldiers' Chorus in 1974. In the early 1960s, the early stages of a permanent big band began to take shape. The Satin Brass and Studio Band were the first big band component, which performed separately from the Concert Band. In 1969, the Studio Band was recognized as a full-fledged performing component, and was later named the Jazz Ambassadors. The Six-String Soldiers is a six-member band focused on contemporary popular music with an emphasis on bluegrass and country. It was formed in 2014 to replace the former resident bluegrass band, The Volunteers. == Commanders ==

Ltc. Domingos Robinson (2024–present) Col. Jim R. Keene (2015–2024) Ltc. Paul Bamonte (2014–2015) (as acting commander) Col. Timothy J. Holtan (2011–2014) Col. Thomas H. Palmatier (2007–2011) Col. Finley R. Hamilton (1999–2007) Col. Jack Grogan (1991–1999) Col. William E. Clark (1979–1991) Maj. Samuel J. Fricano (1974–1979) Ltc. Hal J. Gibson (1968–1974) Ltc. Wilmont M. Trumbull (1966–1968) Ltc. Robert L. Bierly (1960–1966) Ltc. Chester E. Whiting (1946–1960) == Notable members ==

Source: • Steve Gadd – drums • Raymond Harry Brown – trumpet/flugelhorn • Jay Saunders – trumpet/flugelhorn • Enrico di Giuseppe – tenor • Joshua Hecht – bass • Paul Horn – flute == References ==