Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 4/7/97
      Contact:                           Carol Dotson   95

ARMY FIELD BAND CONCERT MAY 5 AT PONCHATOULA HIGH
     HAMMOND -- The internationally famous U.S. Army Field Band and the Soldiers'
Chorus of Washington, D.C. will perform at the Ponchatoula High School Auditorium, Monday,
May 5 at 7:00 pm. 
     The performance is free and open to the public, however a ticket is required. 
To get a ticket, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope, with number of tickets requested (limit
4 per person) to the SLU Music Department, Attention: Army Field Band, SLU 815, Hammond,
LA, 70402 or call (504) 549-2196.
     The Army Field Band's performance is presented by the Southeastern Louisiana
University Music Department and Ponchatoula High School.
     The Field Band is composed of the Army's finest soldier-musicians. Many have studied at
the country's leading conservatories and schools of music and have performed with major
symphonies and leading dance orchestras before entering the service. All of the musicians have
been selected by a highly competitive audition for assignment to the Field Band. 
     The Soldiers' Chorus, an integral part of the band, is made up of 29 highly-trained and
talented vocalists under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Robert McCormick. The Chorus
presents its own arrangements of well-known compositions at each Field Band performance. The
Band's concert repertoire is designed to appeal to all audiences, offering classical, semi-classical
and popular selections, choral arrangements, novelty numbers and military marches on each of
its programs.  
     The Field Band was organized on March 21, 1946, when General Jacob L. Devers issued
the following order to Chief Warrant Officer Chester E. Whiting, the commander of the Army's
First Combat Infantry Band: "I want you to organize a band that will carry into the grassroots of
our country the story of our magnificent Army, its glorious traditions and achievements; and of
the great symbol of American manhood--the ground soldier."


                         --more--


ADD ONE/Army Field Band


     Whiting was the Field Band's commander until November 1960.  In his 14 years as
commander, Whiting guided the band and literally took it around the world.  Colonel Jack
Grogan Jr is the band's present commander and conductor. He is the seventh director in the Field
Band's history. 
     The band has earned considerable fame outside the United States on multiple tours
sponsored by the Department of the Army and the State Department.     
     On its tours within the United States the Field Band has performed at most of the
country's finest hall and amphitheaters. The band has appeared at the New York and Seattle
World's Fairs.  In addition to its concert tours, the Field Band is called upon to participate in a 
variety  of ceremonial events. The Band has marched in nine Presidential Inaugural parades,
escorted the President on special occasions and played for many visiting heads-of-state. 
     The Field Band, as the musical voice of the U.S. Army, is authorized to carry and display
the Army Flag.  This banner bears 172 streamers representing the campaigns in which the Army
has participated since its inception-- from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm.  In concert
and on parade, this standard is always found to the left of the American Flag.
     As impressive as the performance of their music is the outstanding appearance of the
musicians attired in the distinctive Army dress blue uniform.  Though in contrast to the dress of
the soldier in combat, the blue uniform has tradition dating back to the early 1800's, when it was
worn by the officers and men of the then young U.S. Army.
     


                         #                 #                 #