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Echoes

of West Point

Stories of the West Point Band, its people, and its music

Overview

Established in 1817, the West Point Band is the Army’s oldest band and the oldest continuously-operating unit at West Point, tracing its lineage to the field musicians assigned by George Washington when he established the post in 1778. Since that time, the band has evolved into one of the most capable and versatile professional performing groups in the world. Through its 2,600 annual missions, the West Point Band continues to serve the nation as a piece of America’s living history.

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music

Roy Harris Symphony for Band

The West Point Band is proud to release its recording of the Roy Harris Symphony for Band, a monumental work commissioned as part of the United States Military Academy's sesquicentennial celebration in 1952. Through this recording, the West Point Band invites listeners to explore and appreciate the significance of this iconic composition, shining a light on a lesser-known masterpiece in American musical history.

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moments

The West Point Graduation March

The graduation parade is the most involved Academy pass in review of the year, in which the entire Corps of Cadets convenes on the Plain to witness the transfer of seniority from the graduating class, known as the “firsties,” to the junior class, the “cows.”

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people

Passing the Baton: The Lineage of the West Point Band Drum Majors

The position of drum major at the U.S. Military Academy is as time-honored and rich in tradition as the history of military music, with drum majors leading formations at West Point since 1777. Traditionally at West Point, the drum major came from the ranks of drummers.

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people

Retired Sergeant Major Lee Anne Newton

When Retired Sgt. Maj. Newton joined the West Point Band in 1980, she was the first female Hellcat; in 2003, she became the band’s first female Sergeant Major.

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moments

A Celebration That Changed Band Music Forever

In 1952, the West Point Band commissioned 13 new works for military band in celebration of West Point’s 150th anniversary.

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music

To You, America!

After almost 70 years, we’ve brought William Grant Still’s ode to America back into the limelight with a newly discovered recording, along with the story behind its development.

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People

Francis Johnson and Richard Willis

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are featuring some incredible American artists and patriots with ties to the West Point Band. Read about American musician Francis Johnson, whose work as composer and esteemed band leader placed him in the halls of history as a pioneer for American musical identity.

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People

Architects of the West Point Band: Willis, Egner, and Resta

In anticipation of the band’s official recognition as a unit by Congress in 1817, musical life at West Point had evolved to the point of not only a full-time band, but also an appointed Teacher of Music to train and lead them.

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Moments

The Fairest of the Fair 

From its inception in 1817 until 1974, the West Point Band and all cadet musical activities were led by a series of innovative and dedicated musicians under the title of Teacher of Music.

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People

Ol’ Bentz, The Bugler

If you talk to any cadet about life at West Point, you are bound to hear about quiet mornings interrupted by the sound of a lone bugler playing reveille at 0530. Bugle calls have sounded across West Point since the days of the American Revolution.

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people

Percy Grainger at West Point

There's perhaps no name more auspicious in the wind band world than that of Percy Grainger, whose monumental work Lincolnshire Posy represents to many the pinnacle of craftsmanship for wind ensemble.

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Music

A Tale of Two Touchdowns

The history of two Army Football favorites: “Slum and Gravy” and “Gridiron Grenadiers”

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moments

Performances in History

Throughout its over 200-year legacy, the West Point Band has performed for some incredible historical figures, including American leaders, and monarchs, dignitaries, and figureheads from across the globe. 

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people

Echoes of West Point

There are so many fascinating and noteworthy leaders in the band’s history, all of whom have incredible legacies we can’t wait to share with you. But for now, let’s introduce you to the band’s sixth Teacher of Music, Charles Rehm.

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moments

Hijinks, Shenanigans, and a Mule

Unlike most military bands where musicians rotate from one band to the next, West Point Band members will work together at West Point for their entire careers. So inevitably, there will be some friendly pranks and fond memories along the way.

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people

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Virginia Allen

As Commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command Band in Atlanta, Retired Lt. Col. Allen was the first woman to command and conduct an active-duty military band that integrated women and men. She later became the first female conductor of the West Point Band when she held the role of Deputy Commander and Associate Conductor from 1988 to 1992.

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Moments

Bicentennial Museum Exhibit

Explore this digital collection of items that were displayed at the West Point Museum's exhibit commemorating the West Point Band's 200 years of service to the Academy and the nation.

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