The U.S. Army Field Band Prepares for Its Most Important Performance: Leading the Presidential Inaugural Parade

The U.S. Army Field Band Prepares for Its Most Important Performance: Leading the Presidential Inaugural Parade Interview the Drum Major and Key Members of the Army Field Band for Your Advance Coverage of the Inaugural Parade WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT: Media are invited to film b-roll and interview key members of the U.S. Army Field Band as they hold one of their last full marching band rehearsals before the presidential inauguration. One hundred and five members of the Army Field Band, the musical ambassadors of the Army, will lead more than 100 elements along the parade route. They will march as the lead formation in the parade celebrating the inauguration of the second term of President George W. Bush. In preparation for this quadrennial special event, the Soldier-musicians undergo rigorous training and rehearsals, ensuring that their professionalism and talent will shine as the beacon for all others to follow. WHO: -- Col. Finley R. Hamilton, Commander and Conductor (Hometown: Richmond, KY) -- Master Sgt. William Gabbard, Drum Major (Hometown: Pago Pago, America Samoa) -- Nine local musicians from the District, Maryland or Virginia area If you are interested in interviewing a Soldier from your area, call Carla Sims, 202-828-0739, for a complete list of Soldiers and their hometowns. WHEN: Jan. 18 - 19, 2005 from 1:30-3 p.m. WHERE: Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Media will be escorted from the Visitor Control Center entrance on Reece Road and Route 175. Visitors will be required to present the following items in order to get onto Fort Meade: -- Valid Photo Identification (Driver and Passenger) -- Valid Driver's License (Driver) -- Valid Vehicle Registration and Insurance (Driver) BACKGROUND: The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers Chorus, the Musical Ambassadors of the Army, has performed for more than 100 million people around the world for more than 50 years. As the senior military service, the Army has traditionally sent its Field Band to march as the lead formation in several presidential inaugural parades. CONTACT: Contact Carla Sims by Monday, 17 Jan. at 4 p.m. at 202-547-8313 (work) or 202-262-6679 (cell) if you are interested in attending a rehearsal to obtain b-roll and interview these Soldier- musicians. For more information on the U.S. Army Field Band, please visit our Web site at: http://www.army.mil/fieldband . Source: United States Army CONTACT: Carla Sims for United States Army, +1-202-547-8313, or +1-202-262-6679 Web Site: http://www.army.mil/fieldband ------- Profile: International Entertainment