SUNY Fredonia will host a free concert in October with an ensemble once known as the Army’s “Million Dollar Band.”
The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus perform on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. in King Concert Hall. The free concert is presented by Rockefeller Arts Center and sponsored by The Observer, The Post-Journal and WDOE and 96 KIX Country.
While the concert is free, tickets are required. They are available online 24/7. Tickets may also be obtained on Monday, Wednesday or Friday by phone at (716) 673-3501 or in person at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center during the same hours.
The U.S. Army Field Band’s Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus, the army’s premier touring ensembles, are comprised of a 60-piece concert band and a 24-voice chorus, featuring highly trained musicians from renowned institutions across the country.
With over 75 years of performances, they tour nationally and internationally, presenting a program of classical, pop, patriotic, and show tunes that appeal to all audiences. In addition to formal concerts, they provide educational outreach and perform at high-profile events such as presidential inaugurations.
While musical excellence has always been its standard, The United States Army Field Band has not always been its name.
Near the close of World War II, Chief Warrant Officer Chester E. Whiting returned from overseas duty to help organize the 1st Combat Infantry Band at Ft. George G. Meade in Maryland. Composed entirely of soldiers with musical talents who had served in combat in all theaters of the war, the band began an immediate mission of bolstering support for their fellow soldiers.
Initially, the band toured for a year and a half performing in community outreach concerts that also supported the sale of war bonds. Its success earned the band the unofficial title "The Million Dollar Band."
