CONTRIBUTED

The internationally famous U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus of Washington, D.C., is the official touring musical representative of the U.S. Army.

"The Arts Council of Moore County and Pinehurst Parks & Recreation Department invite you to 'stand up and cheer' as the group participates in Pinehurst's 'Military Family Appreciation Day' with a free concert Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Village Arboretum," says Chris Dunn, executive director of the Arts Council.

In conjunction with the Holly Arts & Crafts Festival that same day, the band activities begin at 2:30 p.m. with free popcorn, free kids' rides, free face painting, and a coloring station for children to draw a picture that will be sent to troops overseas.

"Food and beverages will also be available for purchase, but you may bring your own picnic," says a spokesman.

The concert will begin at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. In case of rain, the concert will be presented at R.E. Lee Auditorium on the campus of Pinecrest High School. Tickets are only required for the rainsite. To check the availability of the rainsite tickets, call the Arts Council at (910) 692-2787 or visit www.mooreart.org.

The band is under the operational control of the Army's Chief of Public Affairs at the Pentagon. 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.

The Field Band was organized in 1946, when 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 was the Field Band's commander until 1960, when he retired from the Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In his 14 years as commander, Col. Whiting led it on tours around the world.

Col. Thomas H. Palmatier is the band's present commander and conductor. He is the ninth director in the Field Band's history. He brings to this command more than 20 years' experience in military music.

The band is made up of the Army's finest soldier-musicians. Many have studied at the country's leading conservatories and schools of music, have performed with major symphonies, and taught at colleges and universities before entering the service. All of the musicians have been selected by highly competitive audition for assignment to the Field Band.

The Soldiers' Chorus, the vocal complement of the Field Band, is made up of 29 highly trained and talented vocalists. The chorus presents arrangements of well-known popular and patriotic compositions at each performance.

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. On tours of other nations, the band highlights the works of American composers, as well as presenting favorite selections of each host country.

The concert is sponsored by the Arts Council of Moore County, Dogwood Printing, Moore County Concert Band, Pinecrest High School, The Pilot, Pinehurst Business Guild, Pinehurst Parks and Recreation Department, STAR 102.5FM and WIOZ 550AM.

For information, call (910) 692-2787 or visit www.mooreart.org.