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MISSION STATEMENT
"Army Bands promote the Army and our national interests, enable commanders to shape the environment to accomplish their mission, and set the conditions that lead to trust and confidence in America’s Army and its readiness to conduct operations in peacetime, conflict, and war."
HISTORY
The 323d Army Band "Fort Sam's Own" was initially constituted on Jan. 15, 1944, as the 323d Army Band in Carlisle Barracks, Pa., to serve as the Army Medical Corps’ school band. In June 1946, Fort Sam Houston was established as the home of Army medicine, relocating both the Army Medical Corps and the 323d to Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
323d was re-designated multiple times throughout the years and also allotted to the Regular Army on Oct. 25, 1951, serving almost 25 years until its deactivation on June 25, 1975. The 323d was reactivated at Fort Sam Houston on Sep. 16, 1995, replacing the deactivated 5th Army Band, to support U.S. Army North, U.S. Army South, the Army Medical School and the Brooke Army Medical Center.
The 323d Army Band "Fort Sam's Own" was officially realigned under U.S. Army North on Oct. 19, 2011. It remains dedicated to bringing the Army story to the San Antonio community of Soldiers, Retirees, and Civilians.
REQUEST THE BAND
The 323d Army Band “Fort Sam’s Own” supports official military ceremonies on and off Joint Base San Antonio. Requests must be submitted no later than 90 days prior to the event. Requestors must fill out and submit form DD 2536 (see QR code below) to [email protected], or through our “Contact us” on our Facebook page (Fort Sam's Own | San Antonio TX | Facebook) to be processed for approval.
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ENSEMBLES
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Wind Ensemble (40 Musicians)
Specializing in classical music, marches, and show tunes, the wind ensemble is the largest musical group the 323d Army Band has to offer. This group provides musical support across a wide spectrum of local, national, and international events in support of Soldiers and their families to instill in our forces the will to fight and win. We also welcome opportunities for recruiting initiatives, music education programs, and community and international relations engagements in order to foster support of our citizens and to promote our national interests at home and abroad.
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Marching Band (20-24 Musicians)
The Marching Band is one of the oldest traditions in military history, providing morale and esprit de corps to all. We play an integral part in rendering honors at dignified ceremonies, honoring our noble fallen, and providing a distinctive flavor at tattoos throughout Texas. This ensemble traditionally performs at community events such Western Heritage Parade, Charro Days Parade, Battle of Flowers Parade, and other events in the San Antonio area.
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Seated Ceremonial Ensemble-Large (16-18 Musicians)
Maintains one of the oldest traditions in military history by providing morale and esprit de corps to all within earshot. We play an integral part in fostering stewardship between the military and our civilian communities.
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Mission Brass Quintet (5 Musicians)
Mission Brass is one of two of “Fort Sam’s Own” brass quintets. This ensemble has been delighting audiences for decades. Being one of the most versatile of the many ensembles that the band has to offer, this Mission Brass Quintet can function as a ceremonial element and is also capable of playing commercial-style music for entertainment. Repertoire and programming can be built for outreach to a large spectrum of audience members, from elementary schools to high schools, college, and the general public. Mission Brass Quintet also has the capability to perform appropriately for official military aggregations such as official ceremonies, military balls, and other service-related social events.
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Biohazard Brass Band (7-9 Musicians)
A high-energy, New Orleans-style brass band that specializes in a commercial, "top 40" genre of music, audience engagement, and entertainment. With 8-10 members, Biohazard has the capability to be mobile, or roam, which makes it a viable option for a marching band alternative in a parade or strolling event. While static, the performing team can utilize programming to best suit the attending audience and can easily be appealing to all ages. Ideal venues where the brass band can thrive are school assemblies, large MWR events, and outdoor public spaces with a lot of foot traffic.
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Intrepid Winds (5 Musicians)
Intrepid Winds is “Fort Sam’s Own” Woodwind Quintet. With just five members, Intrepid Winds is a compact performing group, perfect for indoor/outdoor settings, military ceremonies, and community outreach performances for all ages. The musical range of the group is very flexible, performing everything from traditional military music to classical repertoire and cinematic music. Intrepid Winds is well suited for more intimate venues where amplification is not required.
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35 to Nowhere (6-8 Musicians)
35 to Nowhere is “Fort Sam’s Own” premier popular music group. Borrowing their name from I-35 which runs along Fort Sam Houston, 35 to Nowhere is comfortable providing a high energy and driving performance. A group of 6-8 members, 35 to Nowhere performs a variety of music ranging from country, rock, funk and pop genres. They are the premier musical ensemble ideal for any fun time and feel-good occasion.
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After 5 (4-5 Musicians)
After 5 is “Fort Sam’s Own” Jazz Combo. After 5 is the ideal ensemble to provide music for military balls, cocktail hour, or any other setting which would benefit from a touch of sophistication. The After 5 Jazz combo is the group to request if you are needing swing, funk, traditional jazz, or smooth jazz.
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Vocalist
A professional vocalist may be requested to sing the National Anthem, God Bless America and many other patriotic selections at professional sporting events and military ceremonies and functions.