No matter the task, Army work ethic directs Soldiers to train to ensure missions are accomplished properly. On Sept. 1, Soldiers of the U.S. Army Ground Forces Band (AGFB) displayed that ethic by gathering in the Fort McPherson Post Theater to conduct a mission readiness exercise (MRE) for upcoming performances.
"We are retooling our performances to a more modern, progressive (and) entertaining show," said Sgt. Maj. Leander Singletary, AGFB sergeant major.
The shows the band are training for take audiences through the history of the Army from World War II through relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Singletary added.
The first week of upcoming shows will take place throughout southern Louisiana in areas affected by Katrina, said Singletary.
Louisiana locations where the band will perform include The National World War II Museum Sunday; at Southland Mall Monday; at high school clinics Tuesday and Wednesday; at Grand Isle for fisherman affected by the British Petroleum oil spill and relief workers cleaning the area Friday; and at a minor league baseball game Saturday.
"It shows the Army's good will and that the military stands behind the public," Singletary said.
Besides training for upcoming performances, the MRE allowed the community to get a frontrow view of how the AGFB trains.
"This is a rare time that we open our doors so people can see how we train," Singletary said. "This was a good chance to see how we put it all together and witness how a musical production is done."
Viewers also got to ask questions and learn about the band and its functions, he added, saying inviting the public to the MRE allowed Soldiers to "train as they fight" and gave them an audience to perform for and interact with.
"You never know what type of crowds you're going to get," Singletary said. "The crowd allows us to better adjust."
Larry Stevens, public affairs specialist, Army Forces Command Public Affairs Office, was in the crowd.
"I love the music," he said, adding he enjoyed the addition of a vocalist to the band. "It helps involve the audience more in the show and shows versatility."
The band is also incorporating background videos on the stage to supplement the jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and country music, Singletary said.
Overall, Singletary said the performance and tour will be able to tell the Army story to audiences.
"We're ambassadors for the American Soldiers and speak on their behalf through music," he said.
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