For anyone who studies music, the experience often begins with a moment of inspiration. All musicians remember a performance that helped shape their early development, when he or she heard music that made them want to practice for hours. What if an aspiring musician could have the opportunity to be a part of that formative performance? Imagine the impact that could have on a student. Attend any concert by components of The United States Army Field Band and you are likely to see several young musicians getting this unique opportunity. One parent wrote, “I would like to thank you for inviting my daughter to play with you. She was absolutely thrilled and proud!”

Recent Field Band outreach activities have focused on connecting with young Americans and their teachers. These activities included performances by the Jazz Ambassadors at the Maryland All-State Jazz Conference, and by The Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Music Educators conferences, and the 2008 Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Consortium in Atlanta.

A central part of the Field Band’s mission is this strong commitment to music education. Through a combination of performances, high school and college clinics, and a variety of educational materials available online, the Field Band continues to be an indispensable resource for both students and educators. Capitalizing on the diverse talents of its members, the organization has also created an extensive series of reference recordings, including two recent releases, Mi Alma Latina and In My Dream: A Celebration of African-American Music. These recordings broaden the knowledge of young musicians while showcasing America’s diverse musical landscape.