The Haugh Performing Arts Center will host a free concert by the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus in honor of veterans on Nov. 6.
The group’s program, “Soundtrack of the Soldier,” will be at 7 on election night.
“As the director of the Haugh Performing Arts Center, (I) submitted a proposal for them to come play here at the Haugh,” Tina Mittler said.
“I was aware of the Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus and had hoped to bring them here at the Haugh because it’s the type of venue that they would normally like to play.”
The Army Ground Forces Band was formed in 1946 by Chief Warrant Officer Chester Whiting.
Originally known as the First Combat Infantry Band, it was comprised of soldier musicians returning from World War II.
The band spent the four post-war years touring across the country to boast support for the troops, performing for the American public and advertising war bonds.
In 1950, the Army Ground Forces were renamed, so too was the band, becoming the U.S. Army Field Band.
Now, after 72 years of performing, the Army Field Band has built a reputation for excellence that is known across the nation and over thirty countries.
As the oldest component of the band, the Concert Band in particular has also had the distinction of performing at several presidential inaugurations.
To further demonstrate their skill and professionalism, “What’s exciting about this concert is they will actually be doing a different program than normal,” Mittler said. “They still have a selection of patriotic songs, but there will also be the theme of this concert, is celebrating soldiers on film.” Selections include movies such “Lincoln,” “JFK” and “Saving Private Ryan” to name a few.
Free tickets were made available since Sept. 4 at the Haugh’s box office or at (626) 963-9411, however “as of now, we have sold out,” Mittler said. “It went out with our student brochere, and it was an incredibly popular program.”
However, there is still hope; on the night of the performance, any remaining or unclaimed seats will be available to the public by 6:50. That being said, it is important for attendees to be in their reserved seats by 6:45, or risk losing a seat.
