100th Army Band

09/17/2025

🎶 Spotlight on Service & Sound! 🎶 We're proud to feature SFC Meredith Melvin!

SFC Melvin is a talented musician with the 100th Army Band, skillfully playing both the euphonium and trombone. Her dedication to service is inspiring: she's served in the Army for the past 4.5 years, following 18 years in the Air Force!

Outside of her military commitments, SFC Melvin shares her passion for music as a 5th & 6th Grade Band Teacher in Yorkville, IL. While tuition and education benefits initially drew her to service, she stays for the important musical mission, amazing friendships, pride of service, and incredible travel opportunities like our D-Day 80th Anniversary tour in France.

One of her favorite memories with the band? Marching onto the stage of the legendary Grand Ole Opry! 💫

Fun Fact: SFC Melvin is an excellent cook and has traveled to over 20 countries, with Portugal, Spain, and Croatia being her favorites! She's also a proud fur mama to Otto, her beautiful 6.5-year-old long-haired Dachshund. 🐾

A truly accomplished Soldier-Musician, SFC Melvin has even performed for President Biden and with the prestigious Air Force Academy Band three times. We're incredibly proud to have her as part of the 100th Army Band family!



Image: SFC Meredith Melvin (pictured right, during the unit’s tour of Northern France for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day), standing next to another euphonium player of the French Military band after a partnered performance.

09/16/2025

We're thrilled to feature SGT Declan Bingham, a talented member of the 100th Army Reserve Band!

* Rank/Instrument: SGT Bingham showcases his skills on the saxophone.

* Years of Service: He's been serving our nation for nearly 4 years.

* Civilian Life: When he's not making music with the band, Declan is a dedicated student at Murray State University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Music Business. His goal is to become an audio engineer in Nashville, TN.

* Why He Serves: Declan joined the Army Reserve to continue playing music while securing a stable salary and supporting himself through college. He believes in the importance of serving those he loves and his community.

* Unforgettable Moment: His favorite memory is from annual training in Normandy, where the 100th Army Reserve Band performed "Stars and Stripes" alongside the French Navy Band. Connecting with fellow musicians from another nation and seeing the crowd's enthusiastic response was a truly special experience.

* Beyond the Band: While jazz saxophone is a passion, Declan is also honing his audio engineering skills. He's independently producing an album to release on streaming services, showcasing his talents to future producers.

More featured members coming this week!

09/10/2025

As we reach of the campaign, we pause to recognize National Su***de Awareness and Prevention Month. This initiative is meant to build a strong connection between the Army, the Army Reserve, and the community it serves.

We're honored to feature two talented alumni from the 100th Army Band, SSG Benjamin Garnett and SFC Todd Freeman. They have reunited for the Army’s Su***de Prevention Music initiative, a powerful series dedicated to su***de prevention and resilience.

Their collaboration produced the moving song "Silent Battles," written by SFC Freeman and featuring the vocals of SSG Garnett. The project offers a message of hope and strength to Soldiers and the wider community. We are incredibly proud of our alumni for using their musical gifts to serve a higher purpose beyond their time with the 100th.

***dePrevention

“Silent Battles” focuses on the hidden scars of post-traumatic stress. From the Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness (DPRR)

09/01/2025

On this , the 100th Army Band sends a heartfelt to the American workforce! We honor the dedication and commitment of every individual who contributes their hard work and talent to strengthen our nation.

As Soldier-musicians, we are proud to serve alongside our fellow Americans, many of whom are also part of our civilian communities as teachers, restaurant professionals, firefighters, and so much more.

Thank you to all who keep our communities strong and our nation moving forward. Enjoy a safe and well-deserved day of rest!

08/29/2025

You can almost hear the Chief thinking, “Is he really looking at me like I missed a beat?” Meanwhile, we're all just “admiring” his commitment to maximum volume on that snare… The 100th Army Band, always bringing the intensity (especially the Chief, when on the snare!).

🥁 : The snare drum has been part of military music for over 300 years! The snare drum is notorious for its sharp, cracking sound, which was originally used to communicate commands on the battlefield. So next time you hear that crack, just remember—it's not just music; it’s history!

08/26/2025

It’s more than just a melody!

Our trumpet section isn't just bringing the heat—they're continuing a tradition of vital service that goes back more than several centuries. 🎺🇺🇸 Here are some fun facts about the role of the trumpet in the military:

🎺THE MILITARY’S 1ST COMMUNICATOR: Before modern radio, the trumpet and its cousin, the bugle, were the battlefield's primary means of communication.

🎶THE SOUND OF DAILY LIFE: Bugle calls still punctuate daily life on many Army posts, even if they are sometimes broadcast over a PA system. Calls like "Reveille" and "Taps" serve as a timeless connection to our military's history.

What's your favorite military band tradition? Let us know in the comments! 👇

08/24/2025

Today’s mission was an absolute privilege and honor! 🎶

The provided the music for the 244th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade: Change of Command Ceremony.

to the Soldier Musicians that performed the traditional ceremonial music that enhances the atmosphere and promotes the importance of a time honored tradition.

Congratulations to the incoming and outgoing commanders. We were proud to be a part of this special day, honoring the unit’s legacy and ushering in its next chapter of success.

08/22/2025

Let’s meet another member of the 100th!

🎵SSG Christopher Van D**e 🎸

Meet one of the incredible Soldier Musicians making up the sound of the 100th Army Band, SSG Christopher Van D**e! This multi-talented musician performs on the guitar, trumpet, and bass, and even lends his voice to many ensembles within the unit. With 17.5 years of service, SSG Van D**e's dedication to music and country is AMAZING!

Beyond the band, SSG Van D**e excels as a Software Solution Architect in his civilian career. Talk about a diverse skill set! 💻 But even with a tech-driven career, he cherishes moments "off the grid" to camp backcountry and recharge, disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with nature.

One of his favorite memories vividly captures his musical passion: "My first gig was on a floating stage in TN for an innumerable number of people. It solidified my desire to join and play rock music. No job has met that stature since." Sounds like a truly epic experience! 🤘

We're incredibly proud to have SSG Christopher Van D**e in the 100th Army Band!

08/19/2025

🎺 Meet the faces behind the music! 🎶 Today we're featuring Staff Sergeant Brandon McKinley, a trumpet player & director of the Gold Standard Jazz Band in the 100th Army Band!

Beyond his military service, Staff Sergeant McKinley is a dedicated middle school band director, inspiring the next generation of musicians. He was driven to join the Army through his love for playing and sharing music with everyone.

One of his favorite memories with the band is leading the Gold Standard Jazz Band on a recruitment tour, culminating in a performance at the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Professional Development Conference. He fondly recalls how the experience boosted unit morale, fulfilled the Army Band's mission, and promoted military and music career opportunities.

Did you know? Staff Sergeant McKinley enjoys taking his Australian Shepherds, Theo and Mando, for walks every morning and evening – they love exploring nature and chasing each other! 🐾

08/18/2025

📸 to our recent historic trip to France & a little ! 🇫🇷

Members of the 100th Army Band, stood in front of a monument honoring the 507th Infantry Regiment in Picauville, France.

We had the incredible honor of performing in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, marking our first overseas trip since World War II, when the band served as the band of the 100th Infantry Division. It was truly a performance of a lifetime and a humbling experience to honor the fallen on both the American, French, & allied sides.

The performances were part of eight days of commemoration ceremonies, honoring the sacrifices made by so many during D-Day. It was a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the "Band of the Century" and our role in connecting the Army with the American public through the universal language of music.



(U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Mark Kersting, Retired, 100th AB)

08/15/2025

Huge shoutout to 2nd Platoon of the 100th Army Band for snagging the highest overall fitness score in our latest AFT (then ACFT)! 🏆

It's moments like these that truly highlight the incredible team spirit and dedication to physical readiness within our ranks. We love a little friendly competition, especially when it encourages us to push our limits, train harder, and earn those bragging rights until the next Army Fitness Test!

Being a Soldier-Musician in the 100th Army Band means being a well-rounded and resilient individual, both physically and mentally. Our commitment extends beyond the stage and into maintaining a high level of physical fitness, ensuring we are always ready to serve. The teamwork and camaraderie built through shared challenges, whether it’s performing or pushing through a tough PT session, are what makes this unit so strong.

08/12/2025

Ever wondered about the history and importance of the Drum Major?

: The role of a Drum Major in military bands originated in the British Army around 1650 with the Corps of Drums. They were originally responsible for defending the musicians, maintaining discipline, and ensuring proper drill and marching movements.

Today, while the duties have evolved, our Drum Major remains crucial. They are the visible leaders of the band, directing the tempo and marching pace with their mace, and ensuring the band's appearance and military decorum are top-notch.

Next time you see a Drum Major, like our very own Master Sergeant Eff leading a parade, remember the history and leadership they represent!