01 March 2013

U.S. Army Band Ensembles

The United States Army Band has been the premier musical organization of the U.S. Army since 1922 when Army Chief of Staff General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing directed that it be formed to emulate the premier European military bands he had heard during the First World War. The Band has been known as “Pershing’s Own” ever since.

The Band provides musical support for US leadership, including all branches of government and for a spectrum of national and international events in support of public diplomacy, community and international relations, recruiting initiatives, soldiers and their families, and music education programs. The U.S. Army Band was also widely known during its early years for radio broadcasts featured on several national networks.

The U.S. Army Band and it's smaller ensembles periodically offer selected recordings on their websites. Here are some of the releases and collections currently available.

click images to enlarge

Strings Selections US Army Strings - Strings Selections
Classical, Strings, Modern Composition, Peoples Music | changing selection of songs

The U.S. Army Strings, a premier ensemble of the U.S. Armed Forces, provide a musical backdrop for many of the country's most notable events. Their mission is to serve as musical ambassadors for high level military and government events at home and abroad, as well as in concert for public audiences. The elite musicians that comprise this ensemble have been trained at the most prestigious music conservatories and universities in the country. This versatile ensemble performs as The U.S. Army Strolling Strings, mixed chamber ensembles, and The U.S. Army Orchestra.
Live At Blues Alley US Army Blues - Live At Blues Alley
(at online jukebox)
Jazz, Blues, Swing, Big Band, Brass, Percussion | 11-song album + PDF booklet

The U.S. Army Blues is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Army. After informal beginnings in 1970, this 18-piece ensemble became an official element of the Army Band in 1972. Comprised of exceptional jazz musicians from across the nation, the Army Blues strive to fulfill their mission through public concerts, educational outreach, and the preservation of the tradition of America's unique art form: jazz.
Marches Of America US Army Concert Band - Marches Of America
(at online jukebox)
Marches, Military, Orchestra | 15 of 18-song album + PDF booklet

Headquartered in Washington, DC, The U.S. Army Concert Band has performed in concert venues such as Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Hollywood Bowl. The ensemble participates in ongoing, educational outreach and often appears at national and international music events.
Something Old, Something New US Army Blues - Something Old, Something New: Yours to Borrow From the Blues
Jazz, Blues, Swing, Big Band, Brass, Percussion | 9-song album + materials listed below

"Introducing "Blues + YOU": play-along tracks available online--free of charge--so musicians can practice with mp3 downloads in a variety of configurations! Tailored to intermediate and advanced players, this unique product will become an invaluable resource for both college and high school jazz programs. The newest recording from The U.S. Army Blues, Something Old, Something New: Yours to Borrow From the Blues has tools to use and tunes to enjoy!"

Materials include:
  • Complete arrangements with score and individual parts as PDF files
  • Separate full-band mp3 files minus lead trumpet, lead alto saxophone, lead trombone, and each rhythm instrument
  • Mp3 files of rhythm section only for solo or full horn section practice
Chorus Selections US Army Chorus - Chorus Selections
Male Choral, Classical, Vocal Pop, Folk, Military, Americana | changing selection of songs

In 1956 The U.S. Army Chorus was established as the vocal counterpart of The United States Army Band and is one of the nation's only professional men's choruses. From its inception, The U.S. Army Chorus has established and maintained a reputation of excellence in the performance of male choral literature. Beyond the traditional military music and patriotic standards, the repertoire of the Army Chorus covers a broad spectrum which includes pop, Broadway, folk, and classical music.
Christmas With The Chorus US Army Chorus - Christmas With The Chorus
Male Choral, Classical, Vocal Pop, Folk, Holiday, Nonsecular, Christmas, Winter | 18-song collection

license: US Government Public Domain

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