United States Military Academy Band

Free concert at Mountain Laurel Center Bushkill - The United States Military Academy Band, the famous parade and concert band of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., will offer a free concert at the Mountain Laurel Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, July 29 at 8 p.m. Parking is $5 per vehicle, and seating is reserved, on a first-come, first-served basis. The U.S. Army’s oldest active band, the West Point Band traces its roots back to the fife-and-drum bands of George Washington’s troops during the Revolutionary War. With the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy in 1802 came the demand for a permanent band that would drill the cadets and provide an audible order to their duty day. Today’s band consists of four components: the Concert Band, the Hellcats (the drum and bugle field music unit), the Jazz Knights, and the Support Staff. These combine to form the Marching Band.The soldier-musicians of this organization are recruited by the Army and selected through a competitive audition process especially for service in the band. They are chosen from among a cross-section of the nation’s finest music schools and conservatories. For additional information about the Mountain Laurel Center, please call 570-426-2080 or visit www.mountainlaurelcenter.com.