The Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus of The U.S. Army Field Band hit the road recently for a short trip through New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.  These free-to-the-public performances had really great crowds and reminded us how much Americans support their Army.

At many concerts by the Musical Ambassadors of the Army, college and high school students get to sit in for one selection. Here, several students from Deer Park High School (on Long Island, NY) stand for their ovation.

After the concert, Soldiers station themselves in the lobby to thank the audience for their attendance and answer any questions. Here are a few of the highly motivated Deer Park students practicing their salutes.

At many of our concerts, we invite leading music educators to guest conduct the band.  This is Dr. Bill Berz from Rutgers University conducting the Concert Band in front of a huge audience in Holmdel, NJ.

The next concert was at the Saratoga (NY) Performing Arts Center.  Another big crowd despite a chilly night where the temperature dipped into the 40's by the end of the concert.  The audience came prepared for the cold weather, as you can see.

It's always great when our Soldiers can perform near their hometowns.  That was the case for me; I grew up very close to Saratoga where I heard many, many concerts by the Philadelphia Orchestra (that's their summer home).  Sergeant Major Tom Enokian also grew up in that area and during his solo he took off his uniform tunic to show his true colors to the delight of the audience.

The audience had a great time at this concert which ended with a big fireworks display.  One of their favorites was a medley of songs from "Mamma Mia."  Here is Staff Sergeant Pamela Terry, backed up by Sergeant Major Joan Mercer and Staff Sergeant Betsy Garcia.

Prior to many concerts, we have a Q&A session with the audience.  We got lots of terrific questions and it gives our bosses, the American people, a chance to ask about the Army, the Field Band, the music, and our Soldiers.  Here's a typical Q&A before the concert at Susquehanna University in Selingsgrove, PA.

 Every concert features at least one featured instrumental soloist.  This is Staff Sergeant Leah Forsyth performing a beautiful solo on the oboe.

When students sit in with the Concert Band, the one-on-one contact with a Soldier-Musician is a reallly important part of our outreach.  At Susquehanna we were joined by a group of university music majors.  Here one is chatting with Staff Sergeant Lauren Veronie, another ArmyStrongStories blogger.

After the concert is a chance to talk with the audience members of all ages.  This young man said he was playing in his school band and wanted to join the Army someday.

Staff Sergeant Christy LaBarca is one of our newest Soldiers.  She grew up not too far from Selingsgrove so members of her family came out to see her perform; the first time they've been able to do so since she joined the Musical Ambassadors of the Army.

We've now returned to our headquarters at Fort Meade, MD for more training (and more packing) before departing on a 40 day tour starting in New Mexico.  A group of us ran in the Army 10-Miler yesterday.  When asked how I did, I answered (truthfully) that I had finished first in my Army Field Band age group.  You can see a photo of the group on Master Sergeant Bill Gabbard's ArmyStrongStories blog.

Currently, "America's Big Band" - the Jazz Ambassadors, and The Volunteers (our rock band) are already on the road with the Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus soon to join them.  to see where the free performances will be, go to www.ArmyFieldBand.com .