40th ARMY BAND

A tradition of excellence began in 1907 when the band was organized in Brattleboro, Vermont as the 1st Infantry Band, which became part of the 172nd Infantry, 43rd Division. The band was called up and served with the 43rd Division in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, it was briefly reorganized as the 43rd Division Band before coming by its present title in March, 1947 in Rutland, Vermont. The band had been stationed in Rutland (1947-1954); Proctor, Vermont (1954-1964); and Burlington, Vermont (1964-1990) before settling in at its present location, Camp Johnson in Colchester, Vermont, where the band enjoys its own custom-designed, state-of-the-art rehearsal facilities in the new Green Mountain Armory.

The band occasionally ventures beyond Vermont’s borders for special training and performance missions. In 1979 and 1985, the unit performed at the request of Vermont’s Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C., entertaining visitors on the steps of the Capitol and on the Ellipse in front of the White House. In May, 1990, the band was invited to play at the International Alpini Reunion Festival in Verona, Italy. As the only band representing the United States, the 40th Army Band led the festival parade before millions of spectators. The President of Italy and many government officials were on the reviewing stand as the band thrilled the crowd with “National Emblem.”

The prestigious Association of Concert Bands held its 1994 convention in Burlington and the 40th Army Band was selected by audition to perform a featured evening concert for this event. The band journeyed “south of the border” in 1995 to Fort Clayton, Panama where it replaced the 79th Army Band for two weeks of concerts and military ceremonies.

The band’s members pursue varied civilian occupations including technology, law, insurance, government, and education. Nearly one-third of the members have attained a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree in Music. In addition to the accolades the band has received for its music, it has also earned several state and national military awards for outstanding rifle marksmanship and overall military performance. With the Eisenhower Trophy, the Pershing Award, and the Adjutant General’s Match Trophy on hand, the unit can certainly live up to its nickname, the “40th Army Shootin’ Tootin’ Band.”

In December 1996, the band celebrated the start of its 50th anniversary year with a gathering of former and current members, This also marked the end of an era as twenty year veteran bandmaster, Verne Colburn, turned the baton over to David Myers in a formal change of command ceremony.

Mr. Myers and the band are proud to represent the Vermont National Guard and hope you will enjoy their performances.