FORT McPHERSON, Ga.(July 8, 2010)-Maj. Domingos Robinson relinquished command of The Army Ground Forces Band to Capt. Treg Ancelet during ceremonies here, July 8.
Maj. Robinson has served as the commander and conductor of The Army Ground Forces Band since October 2006. His next assignment will be instructing the band officer courses at the Armed Forces School of Music at the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Va.
His most recent previous assignment had been as associate conductor of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own," where he served as director of The U.S. Army Band Downrange and The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.
While serving with The U.S. Army Band, Robinson led ensembles that participated in such events as the 55th Presidential Inauguration, the state funerals of President Ronald Reagan and President Gerald Ford, the White House arrival and departure for Queen Elizabeth II, the dedication of the National WW II Memorial, the nationally televised Kennedy Center Honors, "Christmas in Washington" and "A Capitol 4th" and performances with the National Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Akron Symphony Orchestra.
Maj. Robinson has a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Hartwick College and a Master of Music degree in Wind Ensemble Conducting from the New England Conservatory of Music. He is a member of The College Band Directors National Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.
Shortly before the change of command, Maj. Robinson was presented various mementos from the band, plus a Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his "conspicuous performance of duty" during his three years of leading the band.
Capt. Ancelet, a native of Houma, La., had been serving as the staff bands officer at Army Forces Command Headquarters here.
On hand to witness the occasion were his mother, Lorraine Ancelet of Houma; his aunt, Genevieve Ancelet, of Jennings, La.; and his sister, Laurie Curole and her sons Kyle and Joshua, of Houma.
"I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead one of the best bands in the Army," Ancelet said.
"I intend to carry on the tradition set by my predecessor in deeply caring for America, the Army and our mission of instilling patriotic pride in our country as we perform for Soldiers, their Families and our communities."
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern State University and a Master's Degree in Music from George Mason University, where he studied with Professor Anthony Maiello and served as assistant director of the wind ensemble.
Before assuming his FORSCOM duties, he was the deputy commander of the United States Military Academy Band, where he served as officer in charge of the "Hellcats," the Army's oldest established musical unit.
While serving at West Point, Capt. Ancelet led ceremonies on the famous parade field with "The Long Gray Line," musically supported funerals for some of the country's most recognized generals and conducted concerts at Trophy Point overlooking the Hudson River. He says he is proudest of leading the fight song as the football team charged into the stadium for the Army-Navy football game.
Capt. Ancelet's ensembles performed with Broadway legends: Tony Award-winning singer Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Mulan), composer and lyricist Charles Strouse (Annie, Bye Bye Birdie) and soprano Marni "the voice of Hollywood" Nixon as well as with the New York Philharmonic.
His other assignments included serving as executive officer and associate conductor of The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band and as executive officer of the Advanced Individual Training (AIT) Company, U.S. Army School of Music.
As just one of only three Army bands with a national touring mission, The Army Ground Forces Band travels the nation, performing at local, regional and national events. The band also conducts master classes and clinics for music students at high schools and colleges around the country.
The 64 Soldiers assigned to the AGFB have passed highly selective auditions and are among the finest musicians in the United States Army Band Program. The majority of the band's members have studied music at some of the finest universities and conservatories.
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