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USAF Band Commander Weighs in on Band’s Upcoming 75th Anniversary

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Kevin Cerovich
Washington, D.C. --  The United States Air Force Band's commander, Colonel Larry Lang shares his thoughts on the band's upcoming 75th anniversary.

The Band will highlight its unparalleled heritage in a series of public concerts and events this summer from June 8th through June 12th.

The United States Air Force Band traces its beginnings to September 24th, 1941 when the War Department created AG 320.2, constituting and activating 59 Army Air Force Bands across the nation. 75 years later, The United States Air Force Band carries on this legacy of service and excellence.

With more than 26 years of service, Lang has been the commander and conductor of numerous Air Force bands across the globe. Speaking in particular about The United States Air Force Band in Washington, D.C., Lang expounds, "We've had so many fantastic leaders along the way, from Colonels George Howard and Arnald Gabriel; plus all of the great enlisted leaders who have shaped the Band into what it is today."

"We're actually older than the Air Force," says Lang. When the Army Air Corps became the United States Air Force in 1947, The United States Army Air Corps Band likewise became The United States Air Force Band. "Even in the beginning, the trend was to find the very best players from the best symphonies and the best dance bands from around the country. I don't know if that was common among the other services at that time but it has been our standard ever since."

Many of the events scheduled for this June are designed to highlight the profound artistry of the band's former members by featuring them with current members and as separate alumni groups. "It's amazing to be a part of this legacy," says Lang.

"There were 59 bands assigned to the Army Air Corps back in 1941 and we were just one of many at the time; but we were considered The Army Air Corps Band, even back then," explains Lang. "It's astounding how much change there has been over the years. All of those 59 bands are gone now except two: us and The Heritage of America Band at Langley Air Force Base."

However, tenure can't lead to complacency.  "A long history doesn't guarantee a long future," says Lang. "Innovation has been a large part of my tenure here. I want to make sure we remain relevant to the Air Force and to our nation. We've got to keep moving forward and living up to our mission to Honor, Inspire and Impact in the 21st century."

A large part of continuing relevancy in today's force is the deployment mission. "The idea of reaching an international audience has always been there, right from the start," says Lang. "Deployments are a major part of that. The United States Air Force Band's legacy is modeled, in part, after the innovative course charted by Major Glenn Miller and his Army Air Forces Dance Band. Though not a member of The United States Air Force Band, Miller and his band deployed throughout World War II which eventually cost him his life. This story is close to the hearts of all those who love military bands.

"We didn't have any bands in Vietnam. Our (band) deployments only started back up again in the early 1990's. This mission is a kind of revisiting of our roots with the legacy Glenn Miller," explains Lang. "Miller constantly wanted to bring a touch of home to the troops of his day and that's what we strive to do as well. It's so meaningful to help people remember our great country and the reason they're fighting so hard to sustain the freedoms we enjoy."

"Our career field as a whole is very strong," declares Lang. "All of this came from the original cadre of excellence that was established by this band. The bar has been set incredibly high and none of us want to drop the ball."

In addition to the current personnel of The Air Force Band, over 200 alumni are coming to the 75th anniversary celebration. Some of the special concert events will feature The Airmen of Note performing with an alumni contingent, and the Ceremonial Brass giving a special salute to its former members at Arlington National Cemetery.

"This is going to be a very special event. In addition to the more than 200 alumni, we have almost every former commander planning to attend. All the way back to Colonel Gabriel" says Lang. Gabriel, whose military career began as a machine gunner on the beaches of Normandy in World War II, is as close to a patron saint as one can be in The Air Force Band.

"In remembering our former members, whether they served four years or thirty, they made an impact and they will be honored here," expounds Lang. "We're a family that has stayed together for a very long time. These few days in June are going to be the culmination of 75 years of work."