FORT BRAGG, N.C. – The official band of the U.S. Army Reserve Command performed for the first time for USARC Soldiers, civilians, and guests during the change of command ceremony, June 9, 2012.
The 338th Army Band, located in Columbus, Ohio and Livonia, Mich., and under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Martin Marks, traveled with nearly all of its 80 members for the ceremony.
As the band marched past, guests were seen tapping their feet to the music, adding to the ceremonial splendor of the event.
While the band is located far away from Fort Bragg, their appearance at the change of command is part of the education process of letting USARC employees know they are the official USARC band.
“We’re really just starting this process of educating USARC about us,” said Sgt. Maj. Wayne Buckley, who oversees all Army Reserve bands. “We’re getting used to it ourselves.”
Their previous USARC engagement was playing for the Christmas Ball.
“This (change of command) is really first steps of hopefully many more to come,” Buckley said.
The band consists of the drill band for ceremonies and parades, a concert band, the Thunderbolt Stage Band, and Generations Pop Group.
Band members perform for military and civilian audience in Ohio, Mich., and other locations across the United States.
“To have live musicians there contributing and interacting with the event is far superior to ‘press play’,” said Warrant Officer Teresa Hudson. “It means it’s important. It means it’s special. It elevates the event.”
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ron Kuntz, says it’s about making a connection with the audience.
“Anytime you’re performing, whether it’s a ceremony or performing for the public, it’s making that connection,” Kuntz said. “As a bandmaster, I know we’re making a connection. You see tears and emotions. Afterwards, people are flocking to us to say how much they appreciate us being there.”