Members of the 287^th Army Band augmented Sgt. 1st Class Chip Grantland-2nd Bn, 722 Troop Command, and his crew of cannonades, as they performed with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, August 30th. Grantland’s crew included: Spc. Christopher Sama - Det 1, 262 Maint Co, Spc. Joseph Wingate- Det 1, 262 Maint Co, and Sgt. Edward Gott- Co B, 1/150 Aviation Co. Their participation was part of an annual salute to the military sponsored by Winterthur.

The evening’s concert included songs about freedom and America, and concluded with Tchaichovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with cannons and church bells.

"This is another great opportunity for the band to show that they can do more than just play music," said Sgt. Rich Prostack.

"It is a great misconception that band members aren’t really soldiers, that we don’t do PT or weapons qualification. This couldn’t be any further from the truth," said SFC Mary Righos.

The mission of Army bands is to provide music to enhance unit cohesion and morale and to musically support military operations. Army bands are integral parts of the public affairs office, civil affairs office, and military ceremonies. But, bands are also assigned a secondary mission, one for which they train and prepare for constantly.

These principal secondary missions are augmentation of security operations for command posts, or augmentation of perimeter security for enemy prisoners of war/civilian internee operations.

Bandsmen are expected to pass an APFT, meet the height and weight requirements of Army regulation 600-9, have knowledge of Common Task Training for their appropriate rank/skill level, qualify on an M-16 rifle, and be a proficient performer on their MOS instrument.

Many bandsmen have a dual duty of being proficient on a marching instrument as well as a sit down, concert instrument. And, at least 20% of the 287^th Army Band members are qualified to drive a tactical vehicle. Which helped when band members were called upon to help during the blizzard last winter, and more recently, Hurricane Isabel in September.

During April, the 287^th participated in a joint field training exercise (FTX) with the 722nd Troop Command Brigade. When the band wasn’t rehearsing, they were perimeter guards, gate guards, and food service augmentation.

The band also trained using NBC scenarios to supplement their mock skirmishes and rifle marksmanship training. Overall, it was an extremely successful, yet muddy weekend. So, with all this soldier training, where does the band find time to rehearse?

Band members are expected to meet a certain level of playing ability. Often, the band may only have one or two rehearsals before a parade or concert. So, it is the individual soldier’s responsibility to be proficient on his or her instrument(s) and to know his or her music/part. This standard of individual excellence has been key to ensuring a high musical integrity for the 287^th Army Band.

Now that you know a little about the 287^th Army Band, you may ask, "Where can I see them perform?" Currently we are participating in October in Wilmington’s Pulaski Days parade. We also have our annual Christmas concert at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, on December 15^th at 7pm.

If you, or someone you know may be interested in joining the 287^th Army Band or the Delaware National Guard, please contact SFC Mary Righos at (302) 326-7280. All performances by the 287^th Army Band are free and open to the public.