Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Hernandez | Sgt. Jonathan Solby (left) and Sgt. Daniel Estes (right), trombonists with the 323d...... read more read more
FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – Throughout the halls of a vintage brick building, a medley of musical instruments echo in harmonious symphony. However, these halls will soon fall silent, as the musicians of the 323d Army Band, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, make preparations for their final reunion concert “As Time Goes By,” scheduled for Sep. 24 at the historic Alamo in Downtown San Antonio.
The storied 323d Army Band, also known as “Fort Sam’s Own,” approaches its impending dissolution by fall of 2018. Consequently, this move also signifies the end of an annual tradition – the reunion concerts.
“The final reunion concert is kind of our last hurrah,” said Spc. Kyle Noonan, a bassoonist with the 323d Army Band. “It’s a chance for us to celebrate the time that the band has been here before we disband.”
“We have 52 musicians, so we’re a little bit larger than the average Army band,” said Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Ward, the bandmaster commander of the 323d Army Band. “However, we’re getting smaller and smaller as we get closer to our inactivation on October 15, 2018.”
For every reunion, the unit invites former band members, active duty and retirees, and any other Army musicians to perform in their ensemble.
“What makes this event special is the honor to get all of the people who have ever served at Fort Sam Houston as a part of this band, from the Fourth Army, Fifth Army, and the MEDCOM Band,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Jones, a music performance team leader of the 323d Army Band. “We bring all of these folks together in addition to our band that we have on active duty, and we all make this performance happen. I also realized that no matter if they are retired or on active duty, Soldiers will always act like Soldiers, and I want people to experience that bond.”
According to Jones, the final reunion concert will leave a lasting impression upon the residents of San Antonio.
“This is a piece of tradition that people will remember, and for years the people of San Antonio will always remember this band…and show what the Army music program has to offer,” Jones said.
| Date Taken: | 09.07.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.07.2017 17:19 |
| Story ID: | 247382 |
| Location: | FORT SAM HOUSTON, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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