257th Army Band

The 257th Army Band, the Band of the Nation's Capital, is a military band of the United States Army Reserve posted in the U.S. capital of Washington, serving as the principal band that is tasked for public duties within the capital city of the United States should the United States Army Band be unavailable. It is also considered to be the official musical ambassador for the District of Columbia Army National Guard of which it is a part of. The band operates under the command of Chief Warrant Officer Sheila Klotz, the Director of all Army National Guard Bands, and First Sergeant Brian Jones, an Assistant Professor at George Mason University.

Background


The 257th Army Band's history goes back to Corcoran Cadets militia which operated in D.C. in the 1800s. Through a series of mergers of that unit's band with other organizations with marching bands such as the 121st Engineers in 1921, and the 260th Costal Artillery Unit in 1939, the band was consolidated in 1959 as the 91st Army Band in 1959, before getting its current name and title later on in the century.

Traditions
The location of the band gives it the unique ability conduct performances for events of state and national importance, such as the United States presidential inauguration, the burial of the Unknown Solider in 1921, and musical support for the state funerals of former presidents. Unlike the United States Army Band, which is a United States Premier Ensemble, it primarily engages in events that help in the Army's relations with the community. Despite it being in the capital for most of the year, the band also on occasion conducts concert tours to states such as Texas, and countries such as Jamaica. Since its inception, the band has annually taken part in the National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue, leading the joint honor guard platoons of the armed forces.

Leadership
The following nine officers make up the leadership of the band:


 * Band Commander: Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Wood
 * Band First Sergeant: First Sergeant Brian Jones
 * Brigadier Brass Team Leader: Sergeant First Class John Marcellus
 * Readiness NCO: Staff Sergeant Eric Kuper
 * Capital Sound Team Leader: Staff Sergeant Ronald Vazquez
 * Capital Messengers Team Leader: Staff Sergeant Alisha Colema
 * Training NCO: Sergeant Michael Smith
 * Supply Sergeant: Sergeant Brandon Lebe
 * Drum Major: Sergeant Andy Waiters