1ID Band
The 1st Infantry Division Band is the musical ambassador for the United States' premier fighting force. The Big Red One Band's represents the 1st Infantry Division for military ceremonies and the communities that support the American Soldier. Capable of performing a variety of music, the 38-member ensemble frequently entertains audiences with light overtures, marches, show tunes and big band music of the 40s and 50s.
Current Performing Groups
Concert Wind Ensemble
Provides musical support to a wide spectrum of local, national, and international events in support of Soldiers and their families, public diplomacy, community and international relations, recruiting initiatives, and music education programs; in order to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, to foster the support of our citizens, and to promote our national interests at home and abroad.
Appropriate Use: Feature Performances (Non-Marching)
Number of Soldiers: 32-41 personnel
Requirements: Large space or Stage (tent preferred if outdoors), depending on venue and musical selections power requirements might exist.
Marching Band
The First Infantry Division Marching Band has one of the oldest traditions in military history, providing morale and esprit de corps to all within earshot. We play an integral part in fostering stewardship between the military and our civilian community.
Appropriate Use: Community Parades, Large Military Field Ceremonies
Number of Soldiers: 20-26 personnel + 1 Drum Major + 1 Commander
Requirements: None
Seated Ceremonial Band
Add a touch of class to any ceremony. Predominately plays marches, but also able to play chart topping hits.
Appropriate Use: Outdoor Ceremonies (Non-Marching), Graduations, Educational Outreach
Number of Soldiers: 16-24, 1 Conductor
Requirements: Medium space or stage (tent preferred if outdoors), Depending on venue and musical selections power requirements might exist.
Rock Band, Popular Music Experience
This multifaceted popular music ensemble plays a wide variety of music to include classical rock, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, and contemporary pop. The six member group is suited for performing at medium to large public events to include military open houses, Morale, Welfare and Recreation events, and community parks. Optionally, this group can function in several acoustic ensembles.
Appropriate Use: Parties Large and Small, Brigade or Battalion Organizational Day, Festivals, High School Assemblies
Number of Soldiers: 7 personnel + 2 production assistants
Requirements: 20'X20' area, 2 separate 20amp 120 volt circuits for electronic instruments, amps, and sound support.
Brass: Brass Band, Popular Instrumental Music
This brass band can bring the energy to your next event or party. Performing both New Orleans style and New Age Brass band music with BRO flair and always entertain. The Bro Brass encompasses the volume of the Rock band and the improvisation from the jazz combo while remaining more mobile and needing less sound support.
Appropriate use: Parties Large and Small, Brigade or Battalion Organizational Day, Festivals, Small High School Gatherings, Military Balls, Dining Ins and Dining Outs
Number of Soldiers: 10 personnel and depending on the size of the event, 2 production assistant
Jazz Combo, Popular Instrumental Music
This group's expansive repertoire includes timeless jazz selections, fusion, neo-soul, dance, latin, and top 40 hits of the past decades.
Appropriate use: Parties Large and Small, Brigade or Battalion Organizational Day, Festivals, Small High School Gatherings, Military Balls, Dining Ins and Dining Outs
Number of Soldiers: 10'X10' area, 2 separate 20 amp 120 volt circuits for electronic instruments, amps, and sound support
Brass Quintet
Whether toe-tapping entertainment, educational workshops, or performing the traditional ceremonial role, the Brass Quintet performs a wide variety of musical genres for small and large crowds alike. We provide music for indoor graduations, retirement ceremonies, and summer/holiday concert series to the community both on and off post. Needing little logistical support and requiring a small area, our ensemble may be the perfect fit for your next event.
Appropriate Use: Small Ceremony Support (Non-Marching), Festivals, Elementary and Middle School Musical Outreach
Number of Soldiers: 5 personnel
Requirements: Small space, 5 Chairs
Woodwind Quartet
When a small quiet group is required needing little logistical support and requiring a small area, our ensemble may be the perfect fit for your next event.
Appropriate Use: Small indoor ceremonies (Non-Marching), social gatherings and musical outreach in schools.
Number of Soldiers: 5 personnel
Requirements: Small space, 5 Chairs
Events
The 1ID Band is available for performances on Fort Riley and in the surrounding communities making up the Midwest region, as well as national events throughout the United States. The band is flexible and can adjust performances and parades for your community.
The following are examples of events in which the 1ID Band has participated:
- K-State/Fort Riley Day, K-State's Wagner Field
- Welcome Home/Veteran's Salute, Junction City
- Veteran's Day Parade, Manhattan
- Christmas Concert, Marquette
- Holiday Concert, K-State's McCain Auditorium
Historical note of interest:
One notable example of the use of bands in Vietnam was the "Thunder Road" incident, which received national publicity. Major General John Hay, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, ordered his band to march down "Thunder Road" for a distance of one mile while playing the march Colonel Bogey. This road was critical to the division, but was under control of a North Vietnamese Army regiment located less than a mile away. The enemy confused by the action, withdrew from the area. The 1st Infantry Division Band fulfilled a remarkable combat mission without firing a shot.