By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

March 21, 1946, Gen. 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."

Whiting took the order to heart, creating The United States Army Field Band, and conducting it until 1960. Known as the "musical ambassadors of the Army," the Field Band travels thousands of miles each year on three major concert tours, and is considered by music critics to be one of the most distinctive musical organizations now appearing before the public.

Residents of Fayette County will get to see the U.S. Army Field Band at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 at Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville.

The Field Band is comprised of the Army's finest soldier-musicians. Many have studied in the nation's leading conservatories and schools of music and have performed with major symphonies and leading dance orchestras before joining the service. The Field Band also tours with The Soldier's Chorus, conducted by Lt. Col. Robert A. McCormick. The current commander and conductor of the Field Band is Col. Finley R. Hamilton.

The Field 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 band has toured around the world, performing on nearly every continent and sometimes performing with some of the world's best orchestras and musicians.

The Sandy Creek High School band is hosting the performance and admission is free. Tickets may be obtained by contacting Shanda Wells, 770-969-2840 ext. 200.

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