Admiral John C. AquilinoCommander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Welcome and thank you for joining us for the 34th Annual Joint Military Concert! The band performing for you tonight proudly represents the more than two million active duty and reserve Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen working around the world, around the clock to keep our nation safe and free.

At this very moment, U.S. Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen are working alongside military and civilian partners from across the Pacific and around the world, supporting exercises throughout the region. Our military bands are a key component in many of these missions as they build and strengthen partnerships while fostering mutual understanding through school and community concerts, often performed side by side with local and partner nation musicians.

Our military’s asymmetric advantage has always been, and must continue to be our people; active-duty, reserve and National Guard personnel, DoD Civilians,

veterans, and family members. Tonight’s concert features music reminiscent of conflicts in the Pacific spanning back to World War II, highlights the vital support network provided by military families, and pays tribute to our active-duty and veteran personnel.

As the host of this year’s event, I am particularly grateful for the partnership of our brothers and sisters in arms from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Coast Guard. On behalf of all military personnel this Armed Forces Day, thank you for being here tonight, thank you for your unwavering support, and thank you for being a part of our family.

Carolyn Bremer 1957 – 2018

Francis Scott Key1779-1836

King David Kalakaua1836-1891

John Philip Sousa1854 - 1932

James Hosayb.1959

John Higginsb.1948

Michael Daughertyb.1954

Samuel Hazob.1966

Rossano Galanteb.1967

Irving Berlin1888 - 1989

Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II1885 -1945/1895 -1960

Milton Ager/Jack Yellen1893 -1979/1892 -1991

Robert W. Smithb.1958

Mark Camphouseb.1954

David Maslanka1943-2017

Early Light

The Star-Spangled Banner

Hawaii Pono’i

Bullets and Bayonets

Black Granite

Big Band Spectacular

Raise the RoofMU2(AW) Raymond Laffoon - Timpani

Soloist

Each Time You Tell Their Story

Resplendent Glory

I Wish I Was Back in The Army from the Movie “White Christmas”

SSG Justin Smith, SSG Christian Craw-ford, SGT Kristen Fleig, SPC Kira Mc-

Lean – Vocalists

All the Things You AreSPC Kira McLean – Vocalist

Happy Times Are Here AgainSPC Kira McLean – Vocalist

Inchon

Tribute

Hymn for World Peace

Service Song Medley

1995

1814

1874

1918

1996

1987

2003

2002

2007

1954

1939

1929

2001

1985

2017

Lieutenant Kelly CartwrightFleet Bandmaster, U.S. Pacific Fleet Band

Aloha! E komo mai! I want to take the opportunity to personally thank you for joining us for the 34th Joint Military Armed Forces Day Concert. The musicians you will hear this evening, among our nation’s finest, have chosen to serve their country and dedicate their lives to the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.

An event of this magnitude requires a significant amount of preparation. I would like to take this opportunity express my appreciation to those who have made this event possible. A huge mahalo to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office, especially Ms. HeideeLynne Keanu, whose dedication and insight have had a tremendous impact on tonight’s concert.

We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of U.S. Pacific Fleet Graphics, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Protocol Office, the Hawaii Theatre Staff, and our incredible colleagues from the 25th Infantry Division Band, the 111th

Hawaii Army National Guard Band, the Marine Forces Pacific Band, and the Air Force Band of the Pacific. There are many others who have supported us in making tonight’s concert a success and from each of us on stage, please accept our heartfelt gratitude.

Finally, thank you now and always for your unwavering support. Our Armed Forces cannot do what we do without you. My hope is that this performance will offer a glimpse into the pride and professionalism our military exhibits each and every day. Mahalo and enjoy the show!

Concert Program

Flute Sgt Brooke Bart, USMC Endwell, NY*MU2 Kyle Beltram, USN Tiverton, RISPC Sarah Austin, USA Dryden, NY

Piccolo MUSN Jordan Frazier, USN Franklin, TN Oboe *SSgt Amanda Kranendonk, USMC Atlanta, GASGT Denny Ganob, HIARNG Wahiawa, HI

English Horn MUSN Casey Knowlton, USN Arlington, TX E-Flat Clarinet MU2 Andrea Pharis, USN Haddon Heights, NJ

Clarinet MU1 Michael Jenkins, USN Arizona City, AZSgt Michelle Casey, USMC Portland, ORSgt Adam Chandler, USMC Wilmington, NCMU2 Amanda Fetherolf, USN Grove City, OHSgt Eric Potter, USMC Abingdon, MDSGT Crystal Redburn, USA Columbia, SCSgt Marcus Robinson, USMC Willingboro, NJSPC Daeniel Tiamzon, HIARNG Honolulu, HI*MUSN Lilly Haley, USN Concord, NH

Bass Clarinet MUSN Tomas Ramos-Martin, USN Lebanon, PA Bassoon *Sgt Dylan Richardson, USMC Joshua, TXMU3 Kaitlin Miks, USN Oceanside, CA Saxophone MU1 Andrew Francisco, USN Centreville, VA*TSgt Ryan Leatherman, USAF Des Moines, IASSG Marcus May, USA Navarre, FLLCpl Benjamin Ellingham, USMC Rochester, NY Horn MU1(SW) Christopher Bourgeois, USN New Orleans, LASSG Miriam Cornett, USA Aberdeen, SDSgt Kurt Lambert, USMC Houston, TXSgt Aaron Sanchez, USMC Houston, TX*MU3 Brian Kavolius, USN Charlottesville, VA

Trumpet TSgt Patrick Brush, USAF Billings, MTSSgt Aaron Carpenter, USMC Tioga, LASSG Robert Fleig, USA Jacksonville, NCSgt Caleb Franklin, USMC Lebanon, MOSGT Joshua Rux, USA Ozark, ALSPC Rommel Angelia, HIARNG Honolulu, HI*MU3 Michael Edalgo, USN Cordele, GA Trombone SGT Kyle Marion, USA Arlington, TX*MU2 Luke Reed, USN Charleston, SCCpl Senia Phillips, USMC Manheim, PA

Bass Trombone MU3 Jeremy Killeen, USN Highland Park, IL Euphonium *MU1(SW) Christopher Eddlemon, USN Paris, TXSPC Daniel Turchyn, USA Lake Orion, MI Tuba *MU1 Christopher Bettler, USN Richmond, KYSGT Colin McAllister, USA Las Vegas, NVCpl Dayton Young, USMC Cedar Park, TX Keyboard SSgt Adam Walker, USAF Wichita, KS Bass *SSgt Bryan Andrews, USAF Newark, OHMU2 Peter Mattice, USN Albany, NY Guitar SrA Guy James, USAF Santa Ana, CA Percussion CMSgt Stephen Larson, USAF Cleveland, OH1SG Brent Rubio, HIARNG Pearl City, HI*Sgt Benjamin Black, USMC Ringgold, GASgt Anthony Magaruh, USMC Roscoe, ILSGT Myron Zenker, USA Bizmarck, NDMU3(SW/AW) John McNamara, USN Kenilworth, NJSPC Timothy Morton, HIARNG Washington D.C. Timpani MU2(AW) Raymond Laffoon, USN Sacramento, CA

Vocalists SSG Christian Crawford, USA Oceanside, CASSG Justin Smith, USA Lawrence, KSSgt Adam Chandler, USMC Wilmington, NCSGT Kristen Fleig, USA Sioux Falls, SD*SSgt Rachel Wilson, USAF Colorado Springs, COSPC Kira McClean, USA Hampton, VAMUSN Tomas Ramos-Martin, USN Lebanon, PA Audio *MU2 Michael Caracciolo, USN Simi Valley, CASgt Jonathan Soeung, USMC Fontana, CASPC Jose Aquino, USA Norwalk, CT Conductors Maj. Michael D. Hoerber, USAF Phoenix, AZLT Kelly Cartwright, USN Carmichaels, PAENS David Harbuziuk, USN Naperville, ILCW4 Curtis Hiyane, HIARNG Mililani, HICW2 Matthew David, USA Jacksonville, FLWO Stephen Talbot, USMC Long Island, NY Enlisted Conductors MUCM(SW/IW) Guy Gregg, USN Phoenix, AZCMSgt Stephen Larson, USAF Cleveland, OH1SG Christino Moreno, USA Tucson, AZGySgt Christi Espinoza, USMC Erie, PA

LibrarianMU2(AW) Alyssa John, USN Hettinger, ND

Acronyms List

USA = United States ArmyCW2 = Chief Warrant Officer 21SG = First SergeantSSG= Staff SergeantSGT = SergeantSPC = Specialist

USMC = United States Marine CorpsWO = Warrant OfficerGySgt = Gunnery Sergeant SSgt = Staff SergeantSgt = SergeantCpl = CorporalLCpl = Lance Corporal

USN = United States NavyLT = LieutenantENS = EnsignMUCM = Master Chief Musician MUC = Chief MusicianMU1 = Musician 1st ClassMU2 = Musician 2nd ClassMU3 = Musician 3rd ClassMUSN = Musician Seaman(AW) = Aviation Warfare Specialist(IW) = Information Warfare Specialist(SW) = Surface Warfare Specialist

USAF = United States Air ForceMaj = MajorCMSgt = Chief Master SergeantTSgt = Technical SergeantSSgt = Staff SergeantSrA = Senior Airman

HIARNG = Hawaii Army National Guard

* = principal

Program Notes

Early Light (1995/1999) – Carolyn Bremer (1957-2018)

Originally written for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Early Light premiered in July 1995 and was later transcribed for band in 1999. Featuring material largely derived from “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the work is more than an optimistic homage to our national anthem. Composer Carolyn Bremer, a passionate baseball fan since childhood, drew upon her feelings of happy anticipation of hearing the anthem played before ball games when writing her piece. The slapstick heard near the end echoes the crack of the bat on a long home run.

Bullets and Bayonets (1918) – John Philip Sousa (1854-1932)

The man who would become known as “The March King” was born in Washington D.C. on November 6, 1854. To redirect him from joining a circus band, his father enlisted him as an apprentice musician in the United States Marine Band when Sousa was 13 years old. He would famously lead the organization from 1880 until 1892, when he resigned to organize his own band. During World War I Sousa was commissioned in the United States Navy and organized fleet bands at the Great Lakes, Ill. Naval Training Center. A prolific composer, Sousa wrote 136 marches, 15 operettas, 70 songs, and various other works.

Sousa marches often bear a dedication to people, places, or events. This march is no exception and bears the dedication “To the officers and men of the U.S. Infantry.” When written in 1918, the subjects of the title, Bullets and Bayonets, were a frightening reality to his soldier-countrymen then engaged in the struggle raging on the western front in World War I. The music, however, does not seem to generate a military posture. Frederick Fennell’s editing has preserved the scoring of the original, with its musical ideas, deceivingly simple yet solid and immediately rewarding to the performer and listener. Sousa’s fondness for the sound of drum sticks “on the hoop” of wooden snare and field drums is preserved within the trio.

-Program Note by Foothill Symphonic Winds

Black Granite (1996) – James Hosay (b. 1959)

Black Granite is a heroic symphonic march composed in 1996 by James Hosay, Arranger/Composer for the United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own) in Washington, D.C. This march is dedicated to the men and women who died in the Vietnam War, Hosay wrote, “The Vietnam War is an event that is controversial to this day. But let there be no controversy regarding the high level of valor, courage, and honor displayed by the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces during that conflict. Without regard to the politics behind their involvement, they served diligently and to the highest standards of military tradition. Many of them gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

-Program Note by the publisher

Big Band Spectacular (1986) – Various/arr. Jack Bullock (b. 1929)Featuring Rika Rossing, Choreographer/Dancer, Corbett Stern, Dancer

Big band is here to stay with Jack Bullock’s fantastic medley of some of the greatest big band tunes of all time. Titles are Racing with the Moon, Sing, Sing, Sing, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Johnson Rag, I’m Getting Sentimental Over You, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, Little Brown Jug, It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), Stomping at the Savoy, Don’t Be That Way, Eager Beaver, Moonlight Serenade, and Two O’clock Jump.As a prolific composer and arranger, Dr. Bullock has written more than 600 publications for a diverse group of ensembles, including concert band, orchestra, jazz ensemble and marching band. He is the co-author of the Belwin 21st Century Band Method, and was a contributing arranger for the recordings of Music Expressions, the innovative school music curriculum published by Alfred.

-Program Note by the publisher

Raise the Roof (2007) – Michael Daugherty (b. 1954)Featuring MU2(AW) Raymond Laffoon, timpani soloist

Raise the Roof is inspired by the construction of grand architectural wonders such as the Notre Dame Cathedral (1345) in Paris and the Empire State Building (1931) in New York City. I create a grand acoustic construction by bringing the timpani into the foreground

and giving the timpanist the rare opportunity to play long expressive melodies, and a tour de force cadenza. I incorporate a wide variety of timpani performance techniques: extensive use of foot pedals for melodic tuning of the drums, placement of a cymbal upside down on the head of the lowest drum to play glissandi rolls, and striking the drums with regular mallets, wire brushes, maraca sticks and even bare hands. Raise the Roof is in the form of a double variation. The first theme of the double variation, played initially by the tuba, is presented in various timbral and rhythmic guises such as “guaguanco.” The second theme of the double variation, first heard in the flutes and then the timpani, is reminiscent of a medieval plainchant. The two themes are passed around in canons and fugues and other permutations throughout the ensemble to create elaborate patterns, as in a gothic cathedral. Raise the Roof rises toward a crescendo of urban polyrhythms and dynamic contrasts, allowing the timpani and the symphonic band to create a grand acoustic construction. Raise the Roof for Timpani and Symphonic Band was commissioned and premiered by the University of Michigan Symphony Band. The world premiere was performed by the University of Michigan Symphony Band, conducted by Michael Haithcock, with Andre Dowell, timpani, at the National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association, at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on March 30, 2007.

-Program Note by the composer

Each Time You Tell Their Story (2003) – Samuel R. Hazo (b. 1966)Featuring members of the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Honor Guard; TSgt Patrick Brush, Bugler

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native and composer, Samuel R. Hazo wrote this stirring work based on a poem written by his father, poet laureate of Pennsylvania, Samuel J. Hazo. Commissioned by the New Mexico Military Institute Regimental Bands, Roswell, New Mexico, the music honors the memory of all those who have given their last full measure of devotion defending the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

“No soldiers choose to die. It’s what they risk being who and where they are. It’s what they dare while saving someone else whose life means suddenly as much to them as theirs. Or more. To honor them, why speak of duty or the will of governments? Think first of love each time you tell their story. It gives their sacrifice a name and takes from war its glory.”

Resplendent Glory (2005) – Rossano Galante (b. 1967)

Buffalo, New York native Rossano Galante (b. 1967) is known for several short, energetic overtures for band including The Redwoods, Resplendent Glory, and Transcendent Journey. He studied with Jerry Goldsmith at the prestigious film scoring program at the University of Southern California. He continues to receive commissions from bands around the United States and to work as an orchestrator of film scores. Resplendent Glory is a romantic/heroic composition. The main theme of the work begins immediately, stated by trumpets, then passed to the woodwinds and horns. The theme then modulates with a morse-code like ostinato in the woodwinds to support the trumpet melody, and adding sporadic horn counterpoint. This flows into the B section where the trumpet melody is supported by horn triplets and woodwind runs. This section should sound very heroic. The B theme is then stated by trombones with woodwinds supporting the rhythmic harmony. Next, the A theme returns with more activity and counterpoint, followed by the transition to the C section of the work. This section has a very lush melody stated by woodwinds and horns. Oboes and clarinets take over the theme accompanied by an eighth note ostinato and a flute obbligato. After a tutti restatement of this romantic theme the main melody returns with full ensemble, ending with a big climax full of brass fanfares and woodwind flourishes.-Program Note by the publisher.

Gee I Wish I Was Back in Army (1954) – Irving Berlin (1888-1989)Featuring SSG Christian Crawford, SSG Justin Smith, SGT Kristin Fleig, and SPC Kira McLean, vocalists

Irving Berlin wrote this song for the classic musical film White Christmas. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen performed this song in a scene where they provide entertainment at a reunion of the 151st Division. It is a tongue-in-cheek view of the woes and joys of serving in the military.

All the Things You Are (1939) – Jerome Kern (1885-1945) and Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960) Featuring SPC Kira McLean, vocalist

This song was part of the musical Very Warm for May which debuted at the Alvin Theater on November 17, 1939. It became a jazz standard due to the song’s unique chord structure and melody. The ensemble will perform an arrangement that mirrors Nelson Riddle’s 1963 arrangement in Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Jerome Kerns Song Book.

25th Infantry Division Band

Constituted on October 12, 1943, the 25th Infantry Division Band is the most highly decorated line band in the United States Army. On January 1, 1944, the “Tropic Lightning” Band was activated in New Zealand and in May 1947, the band took its place at Schofield Barracks where it resides today.

Since its inception, the band has been awarded many decorations beginning in 1950. During the Korean War, the unit was awarded two Meritorious Unit Commendations for service from 1950 to 1952. During the Vietnam War, the unit was awarded two Meritorious Unit Commendations for service during 1966 and 1970. A Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was awarded for service October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945. Two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations, for MASAN-CHINJU as well as MUNSAN-NI are also held by the unit. For service during the Vietnam War, the Tropic Lightning Band was awarded three Republic of Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry with Palm for service from 1966 to 1968, 1968 to 1970, and 1966-1970.

The 25th Infantry Division Band is a regular participant in both military and civilian events on the Island of Oahu. The band also trav-els throughout the Pacific Region as a goodwill ambassador for the United States Government. This organization has performed in the Republic of Korea, Alaska, Australia, the Cook Islands, Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Republic of the Maldives. It was also the first US Army Band since World War II to perform in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). In 1955, the band deployed to Haiti in support of Operation Uphold Democracy. In the summer of 2003 and again during the winter of 2004-2005, the Tropic Lightning Band deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, performing for more than 18,000 soldiers and civilians from 21 different countries. In 2007, the Tropic Lightning Band earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006-2007. In November 2009, the band returned from a 12 month deployment in Tikrit, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The “Tropic Lightning” Band performs over 1,000 commitments a year. Highly visible commitments that the band regularly support include the King Kamehameha Day Parade, Honolulu Marathon, and the Great Aloha Run. In addition, the band has performed for many dignitaries and celebrities including former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr., the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Army, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the President of South Korea.

The “Tropic Lightning” Band is commanded by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew M. David and the enlisted band leader is First Ser-geant Cristino S. Moreno.

Happy Days Are Here Again (1929) – Milton Ager (1893-1979) and Jack Yellen (1892-1991)Featuring SPC Kira McLean, vocalist

The song was originally recorded in November 1929 by Leo Reisman and his orchestra with vocalist Lou Levin. In history, Franklin Delano Roosevelt used the original recording for his presidential campaign in 1932. Tonight, the combined ensemble will perform an arrangement that resembles George Williams’ rendition, recorded by Barbara Streisand in October 1962.

Inchon (2001) – Robert W. Smith (b. 1958)

On June 25, 1950, the North Koreans (NK) invaded the South. Striking in overwhelming force, without warning, they crushed the unprepared Republic of Korea (ROK) army. The NK were only contained by the entry of the United States, quickly supported by the United Nations. On September 15, the First Marine Division led the first major UN force strike in North Korean-occupied territory, with a surprise amphibious assault at Inchon. In five days of textbook-style campaigning, the division closed in on Seoul, the South Korean capital. In house-to-house fighting, the Marines wrested the city from its communist captors by September 27. On October 7, 1950, with NK forces in full retreat, the Inchon Seoul campaign was formally declared closed. Conceived and directed by General Douglas MacArthur, the assault at Inchon was a strategic masterpiece. Inchon, a musical work by Robert W. Smith, was inspired by this historic event. From the quiet sound of the waves on the lonely Korean beach to the landing of the helicopter on Hill 812, Inchon explores this clashing of cultures through sound. Inchon is dedicated in loving memory of the composer’s father, Staff Sergeant Benjamin F. Smith (US Army), a heroic veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts.

Tribute (1985) – Mark Camphouse (b. 1954)Featuring Sgt Devon Moore, Sgt Stuart Bultman, Cpl Evan Blankenship, Cpl Zachary Vasquez, LCpl William Emrich, LCpl Martin Palacios

Tribute was composed to meet a commission from the Leader and Commander of the United States Army Band, Colonel Eugene W. Allen and his wife, Claire, to honor all American women who have served their country in the armed forces. The work was premiered in April, 1985, at Radford University with the composer conducting the United States Army Band. Other significant pre-publication performances include those by the Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the direction of John P. Paynter. The work is ceremonial in character with two outer fanfare-like sections contrasted by a lyrical middle section. Tribute was runner-up for the 1986 Ostwald Award for band composition, sponsored by the American Bandmasters Association.

-Program Note by the composer

Hymn for World Peace (2014) – David Maslanka (1943-2014)Featuring ENS Brandon Horacek, CSM Jonathon Blue, YN1 Frank Mulvaney, SSgt Hania Agurcia, Sgt Devon Moore

In his lifetime, composer David became one of America’s most original and celebrated musical voices. Although he written music for various ensembles across the musical landscape, he is especially well-known for his contribution of more than 50 works to the wind ensemble canon, including seven of his nine symphonies. Annually Maslanka’s music is programmed by professional, collegiate, and secondary school wind ensembles around the world

Hymn for World Peace arose from the simple thought that if we want world peace, we can begin as individuals to ask for it. Given the complexity of world problems this may seem like a naïve and even simple-minded idea. Yet peace has to begin somewhere, and the reality is that is has to start in each one of us. It is not possible to hate while making music, and making music as a community is one of the powerful tools for peace.

-Program Note by the composer

111th Army Ground Forces Band

Organized in the National Guard of Hawaii and Federally recognized 3 October 1919 at Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiʻi’s Own, 111thArmy Band has been serving our Nation and Hawaiʻi’s military and civilian communities for nearly 100 years. The mission of the 111thArmy Band is to provide music throughout the full spectrum of military operations and instill in our Soldiers the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad. On order, the 111thArmy Band provides National Guard Domestic Operation support throughout Hawaiʻi.

U.S. Pacific Fleet Band

Under the operational control of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Pacific Fleet Band is dedicated to providing top quality musical support throughout a 100 million square mile area of responsibility for official functions, morale and retention programs, community outreach performances, and Navy recruiting initiatives. Annual band highlights include deployments in support of Pacific Partnership, the largest humanitarian and disaster response preparation mission in the Indo-Pacific, and public outreach performances throughout the region.

Proudly representing the United States Navy in Hawaii for more than 75 years while remembering the many accomplishments of all Navy musicians throughout the band’s long and storied history, the professional military musicians of U.S. Pacific Fleet Band continue to be outstanding ambassadors for the nation and an extremely effective outreach organization for U.S. Pacific Fleet.

The most recognized and highly decorated Navy Band associated with Hawaii was Unit Band 22. This was the band stationed aboard USS Arizona (BB 39) at the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.

Today, U.S. Pacific Fleet Band is an organization comprised of highly skilled and versatile Navy professionals dedicated to representing the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet throughout the Indo-Pacific. The pride and professionalism that has become synonymous with U.S. Pacific Fleet Band is a large part of the traditions past, present, and future of the United States Navy.

Keep up with U.S. Pacific Fleet Band on social media by using your smartphone’s camera to scan the codes below!

U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific - Hawaii

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is home to the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific - Hawaii. It was more than thirty years ago when Hickam was home to the 501st Air Force Band. The 35-piece unit performed for base and community functions from 1947 to 1975. During the draw down following the Vietnam War, the band was deactivated. However, in 1995, a need was seen to bring an Air Force band back to the Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, and the 15-piece United States Air Force Band of the Pacific - Hawaii was born!

The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific - Hawaii is led by Chief Master Sergeant Steven C. Fitts. Chief Fitts is a trombone player and the Band Manager of the United States Air force Band of the Pacific-Hawaii, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Chief Fitts oversees the training, manning and utilization of 15 band members as they travel and perform their mission throughout the Indo Asia Pacific region.

Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band

The exact origins of the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band are unclear. It is believed that sometime before the 1920’s Marines not assigned as musicians, but having musical talents, collaborated on their off duty time to rehearse and perform for base dances, social functions and military ceremonies. These activities eventually led to the establishment of the band c. 1918. The band itself is one of the oldest American military units in Hawaii, even older than Marine Corps Forces Pacific itself. Pictures indicate that the first title of the band was simply “Marine Post Band”. The band played for official military ceremonies and provided entertainment for social events. The Post Band spent the next 75 years at Marine Barracks Pearl Harbor. When the Navy established Pearl Harbor as its own, the name of the band changed to “Marine Barracks Band”. Other titles over the years include the “Pacific Area Marine Band, Territory of Hawaii” and the “Pacific Area Drum and Bugle Corps”.In September 1944, by order of Lieutenant General H.M. “Howlin’ Mad” Smith, the band was renamed the “Fleet Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band” and was attached to Marine Corps Forces Pacific.

In 1993 the band moved from Marine Barracks, Pearl Harbor to its present location at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Ha-waii. Today, as it was in the past, the band is a versatile organization comprised of Marines with a wide range of musical talents. They come from all across America to do what they love - play music and bear the title “United States Marine”.