215th Army Band

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The 215th Army Band, also known as the The Governor's Own, is a U.S. Army National Guard Band based in Fall River, Massachusetts. For more than 60 years, the band has performed throughout New England and the world.

1 Heritage
2 Performance
3 Ensembles
4 Trivia
5 External links

[edit] Heritage

Prior to federal recognition, the 215th was known as the 104th AAA Band. Formed in Boston in 1950 with only 14 members, the band moved to Fall River in 1974. In 1993, many members of the newly deactivated 26th Yankee Division Band joined the 215th, which also assumed the 26th YD Band's lineage. The 215th is now a part of the 79th Troop Command, MAARNG. Primarily, the band performs across the state in concerts, parades, and state functions. Those who know the 215th know of their professionalism and dedication to their unit, the military, the nation, and to the community in which they serve.

The 215th, under the command of CW4 James M. Girard, is distinguished with many awards for military training as well as musicianship. Some of the military awards include the Eisenhower Trophy for the most outstanding company-size unit and a NATO Commendation from the Commander of the Icelandic Defense Force. The band has been the international musical ambassador for the State of Massachusetts on numerous occasions. During the 1986 Presidential Summit with the Soviet Union in Iceland the 215th was the only United States military band to perform for President Reagan. In 1989 "The Governor's Own" received honors for their successful tour of Jamaica and, in 1990 the country of Greece. In May 1995 the band traveled to The Netherlands to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. In 1996, 2000, and 2005 the band traveled to Fort Monroe, VA to back-fill for the United States Continental Army Band. In 2003 the band back-filled for the US Army Band Europe in Heidelberg, Germany and is expected to back-fill for the U.S. ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND BAND out of ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Maryland in July 2007.

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[edit] Performance

Military ceremonies comprise only a small part of the 215th Army Band’s performance schedule. Every year the band performs several free concerts and marching shows throughout the state, as well as a two week tour of duty either stateside or overseas. Performances include parades, civic events, concerts, military tattoos, small group ensembles, as well as performing the National Anthem at various sporting events.

[edit] Ensembles

Ceremonial Band
Concert Band
Magnetic North Pop/Rock Combo
Voices of Freedom
Fest Band
Commonwealth Brass Quintet
Steel Drum Band
New Orleans "Dixieland" Brass Band

[edit] Trivia

The U.S. Army currently employs over 5,000 musician-soldiers throughout the Continental United States as well as in many locations like Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, Belgium, Japan, and Korea!
Many American historic events occurred with the support of a military musical unit. Prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, colonial soldiers marched to the music of fifes and drums. During the Civil War, military leaders on both sides relied on military musicians to entertain troops, position troops in battle, and stir the troops on to victory.
Bands, such as the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and the 1st Infantry Division, received decorations for their performance in combat. Other bands have entertained at official functions, entertained troops, and traveled throughout the world aiding public relations inside and outside of the United States.

[edit] External links

Interests & Hobbies: Concert Band, Magnetic North Pop/Rock Band, Marching/Ceremonial Band, "Fest Band", Commonwealth Brass Quintet, Jazz quartet, Voices of Freedom vocal group, New Orleans Brass Band