103rd Infantry Division Band

General History of Military Bands - Throughout history, bands were alongside military units to provide music for ceremonial functions. Drummers and buglers primarily engaged in sending signals. Larger ensembles provided inspirational music which improved troop morale.

Army bands with color and honor guards have carried the customs and traditions of the Army. The band, color and honor guards projected the lineage and traditions of their units into the public as they marched in a wide variety of traditional ceremonies. The accompanying flags, streamers, and arms portrayed the Army’s story. Bands consciously selected music to stir martial and patriotic emotions. The bands also commemorated the original function of musicians as signalers on the battlefield.

103rd Band History - The 103rd Infantry Division Band was activated on November 15, 1942. Most of its members participated in basic training at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. At Camp Howze, Texas they played march music during parades. The 103rd Band had twenty-eight members. Many members of the band played with the New York Symphony or other big bands of the pre-war era, including Tommy Dorsey and Jan Garber.

The 103rd Band held its first European concert in Saint Die des Vosges on November 24, 1944. During this event, Mayor Monsieur Evart named the town square in honor of the liberation of the town from German occupation. Another memorable concert event was when the 103rd band played in the American military review that marked the surrender of German troops at Innsbruck, Austria.

The Morning Reports for the 103rd Infantry Band are available here.