The U.S. Army Field Band is currently transforming the way the group interacts with and stays connected to audiences, students, and educators across the country. It is a change that will help the Musical Ambassadors expand their reach and more effectively carry out their mission, says Commander and Conductor Colonel Thomas Palmatier: "A few years ago, as I looked at how we tell the Army story throughout the grassroots of America, it was apparent that, while our Soldiers' performances were incredible, we weren't as effective in communicating with our audience beyond our live performances."

With a new and improved website scheduled to launch in the coming months and a robust and active social media presence, the Army Field Band is already expanding its reach and spotlighting the group's many outstanding Soldier-Musicians. A critical part of the Army Field Band's transformation has been the addition of the unit's first full-time video producer.

Originally from Vernon, New Jersey, Staff Sergeant Jared Morgan began his Army career as a member of the 63rd Army Band in the New Jersey National Guard, where he served as a French horn player and audio technician. During his tenure with the 63rd Army Band, he landed a spot as an audio technician with The United States Army Soldier Show. It was there that he met current Volunteers lighting technician Staff Sergeant James Little, on whom he made a powerful impression with his work. It was based on Staff Sergeant Little's recommendation that Staff Sergeant Morgan came to be a part of the Army Field Band. "Staff Sergeant Little and I had worked together at Army Entertainment," said Staff Sergeant Morgan. "When he heard that Colonel Palmatier was looking for someone to do full-time video production here at the Army Field Band, he recommended me because he was familiar with my work."

As a member of the Army Field Band's Production Team, Staff Sergeant Morgan will produce a wide range of videos, including promotional spots, full shows for broadcast, and educational materials, as well as media designed for live concerts and the web. "The Army Field Band sounds great on its own, and it's my job to make them look just as great on television and the web," said Staff Sergeant Morgan, who recognizes the importance of his unique role in these new, exciting, and media-rich times. "Audiences are becoming accustomed to visuals that compliment a performance," he said. "Traditionally you would see this at rock and pop concerts, but I don't see why we can't tastefully bring that to what we do here."