313th Army Band performed in Mardi Gras 2022 parade

By Capt. Katherine AlegadoMarch 7, 2022

313th Army Band performs during the 2022 Rex Parade
1 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from the 313th Army Band out of Huntsville, Alabama, participate in the Rex parade on Mar 1, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The bands performance not only displays the talent of the soldiers but can also be used as a recruitment tool and build relations with the local community. (Army Reserve image by Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan). (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army Band performs at the Rex Parade
2 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from the 313th Army Band participate in the Rex parade on Mar 1, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bands performance not only displays the talent of the soldiers but can also be used as a tool for recruitment opportunities and build relations with the surrounding communities. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Gabriel Prado) VIEW ORIGINAL
313th Army Band performs during the 2022 Rex Parade
3 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from the 313th Army Band out of Huntsville, Alabama, participate in the Rex parade on Mar 1, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The bands performance not only displays the talent of the soldiers but can also be used as a recruitment tool and build relations with the local community. (Army Reserve image by Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan). (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan) VIEW ORIGINAL
313th Army Band performs during the 2022 Rex Parade
4 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Luigi Baccala, with the 313th Army Band out of Huntsville, Alabama, prepares to give the band direction during the Rex Parade on Mar 1, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Rex Parade, or the Rex Procession has been the highlight of Mardi Gras day since the Rex Organization was formed and first paraded in 1872. The bands participating in this event not only displays the talent of the soldiers but can also be used as a recruitment tool and build relations with the local community. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army Band performs at the Rex Parade
5 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from the 313th Army Band participate in the Rex parade on Mar 1, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bands performance not only displays the talent of the soldiers but can also be used as a tool for recruitment opportunities and build relations with the surrounding communities. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Gabriel Prado) VIEW ORIGINAL
313th Army Band performs during the 2022 Rex Parade
6 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Kevin Carter, with the 313th Army Band out of Huntsville, Alabama, practices on the tenor saxophone before marching in the Rex Parade on Mar 1, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Rex Parade, or the Rex Procession has been the highlight of Mardi Gras day since the Rex Organization was formed and first paraded in 1872. The bands participating in this event not only displays the talent of the soldiers but can also be used as a recruitment tool and build relations with the local community. (Army Reserve image by Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan). (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army Band performs at the Rex Parade
7 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from the 313th Army Band participate in the Rex parade on Mar 1, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bands performance not only displays the talent of the soldiers but can also be used as a tool for recruitment opportunities and build relations with the surrounding communities. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Gabriel Prado) VIEW ORIGINAL

NEW ORLEANS – The 313th Army Band marched through the historical Rex parade route, entertaining Mardi Gras attendees with medleys from the Army Song to New Orleans style brass band classics Mar. 1.

Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," is celebrated each year in many parts of the world through music, dancing, and parades. This year marked the 150th year of the Rex parade, making it the longest-running parade in New Orleans history. Soldiers of the 313th Army Band also shared significant experiences in this year's parade festivities.

Sgt. Rashada Smith, a clarinet player from Montgomery, Alabama, stated, "I've been a part of the 313th Army Band for 17 years. This is the 12th time I've marched in the Rex parade, but it's always new and exciting."

The 313th Army Band has years of musical talents and performance experiences throughout its formation. While Soldiers shared excitement in performing together again in a parade, especially as part of the highlight of New Orleans Mardi Gras, Spc. Eyona Matthews, a piccolo player from Mesa, Arizona, shared a different level of excitement.

"I'm really excited about participating in a parade as I've never played in a parade. The ability to perform in front of an audience, especially as a U.S. Army Soldier is really special to me," said Matthews.

Leading the band's parade formation were Sgt. 1st Class Cory Wills, first sergeant of the 313th Army Band, and Command Sgt. Maj. Renee Smith, command sergeant major of the 81st Mission Command Support Group.

As the band marched their way through the historical streets of Uptown New Orleans, cheers erupted to the familiar tunes of the Army Song, bringing joy and a sense of patriotic pride to parade attendees of all ages. Catching Smith's attention was an enthused young child who shared with Smith how the Army band was his favorite and how much he loved them.

"Aside from recruiting purposes, parade performances give our Soldiers a chance to showcase their professionalism and skills, allowing the public to see the U.S. Army from a different perspective," said Smith.