Ceremonial Band

Ceremonial music has played an important role in public gatherings and military events for hundreds of years. Military leaders have always been keenly aware of music’s power to bring solemnity and dignity to a ceremony, raise the morale of troops, and preserve cherished traditions. Thus, military bands have a long and illustrious history of performing signals, alarms, and other outdoor ceremonial and concert music. Today, the United States Air Force Band of Liberty’s Ceremonial Band continues this proud tradition. Located at Hanscom Air Force Base, near the Revolutionary War battlefields where Colonists took up arms in defense of Liberty and gave birth to our great nation, the Ceremonial Band plays an integral part in fostering our American heritage.

The Ceremonial Band performs patriotic music for military functions, ceremonies and civilian parades throughout the unit’s eight-state area of responsibility. The group marches each year in the Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts Patriots Day parades and provides military musical support at the New York City Ellis Island Medals of Honor festivities. The Ceremonial Band has also performed for President Ford’s funeral, appeared at the Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, and on national television with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra in the debut performance of conductor Keith Lockhart.

Whether providing solemn musical support for the state funeral of a President, participating in a military ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, performing the National Anthem for a community Veteran’s Day observance, marching in a “Welcome Home” troop parade, or commemorating “the shot heard ’round the world” at Minute Man National Park, the men and women of the United States Air Force Band of Liberty’s Ceremonial Band serve as a clear and present reminder of the pride, spirit and determination of the American people.