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Event
234th Army Band - Astoria Concert
"Oregon's Own" 234th Army Band is proud to present an evening of patriotic, classical, and popular music. This family-friendly show features 40 talented musicians from Oregon and Southwest Washington.
American military bands have been present since colonial days. Prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, colonial soldiers marched to the sound of fife and drum. Later, in the Civil War, soldiers depended on musicians to entertain them, position them in battle, and spur them on to victory. Military bands play at both military and civilian official functions, entertain American troops worldwide, assist community relations between civilian and military, and have been decorated for their performance in battle. On June 20, 1919, "Oregon's Own" band was organized and federally recognized as the Band Section, Service Company, 162d Infantry Regiment. The band remained a part of the 162d Infantry Regiment until 1940. The band was inducted into Federal service on September 16, 1940 in Portland. Band members saw service in the South Pacific and received campaign participation credit for the Luzon, New Guinea and Southern Philippines campaigns. After receiving the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for service during World War II, the band was deactivated in 1946 on Okinawa, and redesignated the 234th Army Band on May 17, 1947. At that time, the 234th was organized and federally recognized in Portland OR, and attached to the state militia. Over the years, since 1947, the band has provided musical support for Oregon troops, toured the state, and entertained many Oregonians. The mission of an Army band is to "provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad." (Army Regulation 220-90)
There are many ways in which the 234th Army Band carries out this mission. On a regular basis, the band provides musical support at military functions, such as Military Academy graduations, change of command ceremonies, parades, and mobilization and demobilization ceremonies. Between small ensemble performances, funerals that call for a bugler, public performances, and ceremonial band missions, the 234th continues to be a busy unit. The 234th Army Band is frequently recognized as having the highest operational tempo in the reserve band system.
The 234th has also performed for gubernatorial inaugurations, opening ceremonies for the Oregon State Fair and State Games of Oregon, the Oregon Sesquicentennial Celebration, Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony, and dedication ceremonies for the Veteran's Hospital. In 2023, the Band traveled to Germany to backfill the US Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus during their annual block leave. Most members of the band have participated in non-musical humanitarian and disaster-relief missions as well, including firefighting and COVID-19 hospital augmentation missions. In 2005, soldiers from the 234th Army Band deployed to Louisiana to assist those who experienced the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and in 2021, members of the band participated in Operation Allies Welcome, assisting Afghan refugees following the Kabul Airlift. Among the band's favorite assignments is presenting music to communities throughout Oregon.
The 234th Army Band is truly "Oregon's Own."
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LocationLiberty Theater (View)
1203 Commercial St
Astoria, OR 97103
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
Accessibility
This event is accessible.
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