38th Infantry Division Band - Indiana Army National Guard

MIA/POW Remembrance Day - Indiana War Memorial

When service members take an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States, they do so knowing that they may be called upon to make great sacrifices to ensure and sustain our shared values. These Patriots accept these risks and rush to fulfill the mission, no matter how harsh and dangerous the conditions. They embody the best of the American spirit.

More than 80,000 American service personnel are missing from previous conflicts and 38,000 are estimated to be recoverable.

This Prisoners of War / Missing in Action Remembrance Day, we pay homage to those who are gone but not forgotten.

Our unit is back home from our summer tour in the northeastern side of Indiana! Over our travels, we performed in Anderson, Muncie, Hartford City, and New Castle, IN. We invited alumni from our unit back for a few performances and reached hundreds in our community.

This year was especially bittersweet as it was our current commander’s final annual training with the unit. CW4 Patrick Palumbo will be retiring in August 2024 and served 42 years with the Indiana Army National Guard. Congratulations, sir!

Where would you like to see us perform next?

Rain or no rain, we’re setting up for our show in New Castle (218 S. 15th St., New Castle, IN 47362) and will be ready to perform for you!

See you soon!

One more free show to finish out our summer tour tomorrow night at New Castle!

See you there!

The 38th Infantry Division Band has arrived to Hartford City and we are looking forward to performing for you!

Bring your family and friends with a lawn chair or blanket and join us at Weiler Plaza (104 W. Main St., Hartford City, IN 47348). The show is FREE to the public and begins at 7:00PM.

See you soon!

The 38th Infantry Division Band has arrived to Muncie and we are looking forward to performing for you!

Bring your family and friends with a lawn chair or blanket and join us at Canan Commons (600 S. Walnut St., Muncie, IN 47305). The show begins at 8:00PM.

See you soon!

RICHMOND CONCERT CANCELLED. Due to inclement weather, our outdoor performance this evening has been cancelled.

We have three more opportunities for you to join us!

June 27 - Canan Commons, 8:00PM (Muncie, IN)
June 28 - Weiler Plaza, 7:00PM (Hartford City, IN)
June 29 - Arts Park Pavilion, 6:30PM (New Castle, IN)

LOCATION CHANGE: Due to the weather, our concert location this evening has been moved indoors to Anderson First United Methodist Church (1215 Jackson St., Anderson, IN 46016). The concert start time is the same (7:00PM).

The Richmond concert has been cancelled due to inclement weather. HOWEVER, the Muncie concert should have very pleasant weather for the audience.

38th Infantry Division Band to perform Wednesday in Richmond, Thursday in Muncie The concerts, which are free and open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. in Richmond on Wednesday, and at 8 p.m. Thursday in Muncie.

Mark your calendars! 🗓️

The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to our nation.

Not everyone will be spending this day the same. Take a few moments to reflect about the people and meaning behind the day. We have these freedoms because of the brave men and women who selflessly served and continuously put the welfare of the nation and their fellow service members before their own. May the courage, devotion, and honor of our nation’s fallen heroes never be forgotten.

All gave some. Some gave all.

‘ I, ___, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.’

This Armed Forces weekend, we had the privilege of providing music support at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and witnessed the next generation of service members being sworn in. All of us in the unit heard the call at some point in our life and swore the same oath as these brave young men and women affirmed today.

We wish these individuals the best in their next phase at either basic training or boot camp, which will be the most mentally and physically challenging moments of their life.

Want to learn about how to audition for the 38th Infantry Division Band? Contact our unit Readiness NCO and visit our website below to begin your transformation!

SFC Angela Seeley, Readiness NCO
[email protected]
(317) 247-3300, Ext. 85376

https://www.in.gov/indiana-national-guard/indiana-army-national-guard/38th-infantry-division/38th-infantry-division-band/

This we’ll defend.

Looking for fun activities for you and your family this summer? We have not one but FIVE performances coming up!

June 25 - Davis Park, Anderson, 7PM
June 26 - Glen Miller Band Shell, Richmond, 7PM
June 27 - Canan Commons, Muncie, 8PM
June 28 - Weiler Plaza, Hartford City, 7PM
June 29 - Downtown New Castle, 6:30PM

Mark these dates down because you won’t want to miss it. We hope to see you there!

This weekend our soldiers completed the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Each event is designed to assess soldiers in practical exercises, or events, needed to perform combat duties. These events include:

— Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
— Standing Power Throw (SPT)
— Hand Release Push-Up (HRP)
— Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
— Plank (PLK)
— 2-mile run (2MR)

Out of a perfect 600 points, approximately 30% of the unit earned a score over 500! Congratulations to our soldiers and here’s to training for the next fitness test!

This National Medal of Honor Day, we reflect on the sacrifices of our nation’s honorees as well as their devotion to both team and country. They lead the way and live the warrior ethos:

I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.

Last week, the Brass Quintet had the privilege to provide music support at the Medal of Honor Memorial 25th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony at the Indianapolis Medal of Honor Memorial.

There were four recipients recognized at the ceremony:
— Retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sammy L. Davis
— Retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Britt K. Slabinski
— U.S. Army Lt. Col. William D. Swenson
— U.S. Army Master Sgt. Earl D. Plumlee

Multiple dignitaries were present, one of whom was Mike Pence, former Vice President and Indiana Governor.

As we enter into Women’s History Month, we would like to celebrate one of our own extraordinary female Soldiers and our current Executive Officer, Warrant Officer 1 Catherine Maloney. In August, WO1 Maloney will be making history by assuming responsibility as the first female commander of the 38th Infantry Division Band.

The following is an interview with WO1 Maloney on topics including her past, goals for the unit, and her perspective on leadership as a female in the military. The interview was transcribed and has been edited for length and clarity.

𝟏. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲? 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲?

I have a lot of family who are military, mostly Navy on my mom’s side. My dad and aunt are prior service (Army). The love and strong interest for it all started by going to the Midwest Clinics and watching the military premier bands perform. For years, I always thought I would love to be in the Navy Band, only to find out that they don’t really have Reserve or National Guard components available. It is a full time activity commitment and I was too excited about teaching at that time. I just thought afterwards that I would never do that. It wasn’t until I was at Midwest Clinic again and talking to a composer friend of mine. The dialogue went:

Friend: I just retired.
Me: I thought you were a teacher and you’re still teaching?
Friend: No, I just retired from the Army.
Me: Well hang on, how do you do that?
Friend: I was an Army Band commander in Vermont – you need to follow me!

He brought me from the Grand Mesa Publishing Booth over to the Army National Guard Bands booth. That’s just where it all started! It was literally by circumstance I even found out that there was an Army National Guard Band. While at Midwest, I received the contact information of Mr. Palumbo and the thought just kept nagging at me. I’ve always admired the armed services, particularly the tradition of the military bands. When I found out there’s a job for that, what cooler way to serve your country, with music and doing something you love.

𝟐. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?

I would credit my mom largely with that. I started piano lessons when I was really little (6 or 7 years old) and once you start, you always have it around you. If you grew up around it, you just always have a love for it.

𝟑. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬?

I’m just learning it and figuring it out. In general, I will say being a woman in the band world (Army or civilian side), there are certainly some uphill battles and nothing that’s overt where someone would take a look at you and say, “you have no place on the podium.” That doesn’t happen as much anymore. As a woman in the civilian side of the band world, you have to learn to be more assertive. Too often you are assumed to be a student teacher or an elementary music teacher (not that there's anything wrong with it but just that’s where you would find more female music teachers), so when you’re a band director at a marching band competition with all these guys and you’re sitting at the table largely ignored, you have to be confident enough to assert yourself. I learned that early on in my teaching career.

Coming into the Army, it was actually surprising how much more welcoming they were by asking, “What do you think? Let’s put you in this position. Do you have this skill set? Well, let’s use that.” Almost instantly. I came in as an E-4 and they asked, “You were a band director on the civilian side? Let’s get you on the podium.” Now, having a very short amount of time as a Warrant Officer 1, it’s never been anything discouraging in my experience as a female. If anything, more empowering.

We have our summer conference that we went to and were in a room of about 100 people. You have your 1SGs (plenty of females) and your Readiness NCOs (females). But, then when we did these breakout sessions and you’re looking around the room and it is just their bandmasters, I think I counted 3 or 4 of us that were women.

And again, sometimes you just have to assert yourself. It’s been a really positive experience in the Army where people value your opinion and what you can contribute.

𝟒. 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟑𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐃 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝?

There’s a lot where I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, am I really here doing this?” The one that sticks out is my very first mission.

I was fresh out of AIT and had been home for 2 weeks. I went for the first day back at my civilian job and all of a sudden an order came out that a general had passed away. I hadn’t drilled or seen the unit since my audition! I had gone straight through basic training followed immediately by the school of music. After being at work for one day, I had to look at my principal and say, “I’m being put on orders - I gotta go.”

So I left and showed up at the unit in uniform, super nervous and hoping I was wearing the right uniform with everything squared away. At AIT, they always told us that as soon as we step off that bus, we are on a mission and now it all makes sense. Here I am getting ready to step off this bus and I saw these things happening that I did not understand (the people lining up, the coordination for the ceremony). I remember standing in formation as we’re getting ready for the funeral march to the cemetery and sight-reading the funeral music. All the training at the Army School of Music stuck with me and I thought, “Okay, I’m doing this. It’s actually happening. I’m fresh out of AIT and already out doing missions. This is everything that I signed up to do.” How meaningful is that?

But then, we get to the cemetery and they bring the caisson forward. Just standing there, you could see how the duty and selfless service meant so much to the deceased family and relatives with the flag being folded, taps being played by one of our soldiers behind me, and the 21 gun salute. Moreso, how grateful they were for their loved one to be recognized. I remember clearly thinking and looking at them and thinking, “that’s why I’m doing this job.” What an honor. That’s when I knew, this is it - this is the right job for me.

𝟓. 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞?

I don’t consider myself an athlete at all, but I am very goal oriented. If I have to do this in order to get here – ok, got it. The physical stuff has always been a challenge for me. I went through basic combat training at 30 years old with a bunch of 18 year olds surrounding me - seems slightly ridiculous at the time, but it was probably the biggest challenge. You can only control what you can control.

On the mental side of things, I think it has been sometimes imposter syndrome. All things considered, I’ve not been in the Army that long. I found myself at BLC and there’s soldiers that have been in for 10+ years and I’ve been in for 2-3 years. Then I go to ALC and again, I’m the one in the room with not as many years of experience. There was the same story going to Warrant Officer training. A lot of those guys have been in 15+ years and with their experience, it’s easy to feel intimidated. I just remind myself that I have a lot more to bring to the table, but from a different point of view. It wasn’t all Army, but I had to get over questioning if I really belong here and if I was in over my head. That has certainly been a challenge.

I think what has been helpful is really awesome mentors. There are mentors who are there to remind you that you are in the right spot and that you’re asking the right questions. It’s better to ask than not ask.

𝟔. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥?

Honored and excited. Mr. Palumbo has been in command for so long that it’s big shoes to fill. First, I need to make sure I do a good job of continuing the work that has been done here at the unit. Once I find my footing, hopefully I can lead by example. No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, but being the first one in the state, that’s a big deal.

𝟕. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟑𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐃 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞?

So many, but we have to start small. This band is incredibly talented and full of amazing people who work hard. There is a history of this band being at 80+ members before they had to scale back to standards.

I would love to see more opportunities where we can be fully integrated with our recruitment and retention battalion as well as the higher headquarters level. We are very fortunate to have our battalion commander and a division who support us in our endeavors and we would like to find missions where there are opportunities to really show how we support our adjutant general’s initiatives and vision – this is a first priority.

Modernization is important with how we continue to evolve and develop programs and seek out missions that serve our public as well as our soldiers.

Another one is getting this band into more prominent performance venues within our community of musicians. We need to have a presence at IMEA outside of a booth. The plan would be to start small with MPTs doing clinics, and then the big picture is getting our full ensemble to be featured at that performance.

The big goal is trying to find opportunities with our state partnership program. There’s been a shift in understanding the roles of the three components of our active duty bands, reserve bands, and National Guard. We are so uniquely positioned in the National Guard to have a state partner and a program that is 30 years old. There are already developments happening with our state partners in Indiana, but somehow our band has not been a part of any of it. All of this is going to take some time.

𝟖. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭?

You know, you always hear this phrase, “When you go in, a unit is always at some level of readiness. When you leave, you’ve left it better than when you found it.” There are so many fantastic things already happening within this unit so I am focusing more on reflecting how I will make an impact and leave it in a better place, however many years down the line.

Shaping and moving the unit in a direction along those goals mentioned earlier just takes time, but we will start with very subtle adjustments. We have wonderful, strong leaders here. I’m just really looking forward to getting in, working with everybody, and implementing some of these visions that I have for us.

𝟗. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲?

Never take no for an answer. If somebody says you aren’t capable or you can’t do something, ask them, “why?” Then find ways to make it happen. I’ve always been that way and probably rubs people the wrong way.

Be confident in who you are as a person. Sometimes you just have to assert yourself (especially in a very male dominated career field regardless of Army or civilian side), be confident in saying, “no, this is what I believe,” and of course, be willing to listen.

Take advice, find people to be your mentors, attach yourself to them, and ask them questions. I was literally just on the phone with one of my mentors a few days ago. I think that’s important as a woman and being able to listen to what people want to change or their opinion on how they view certain topics so that you can start to formulate your own thoughts.

Our team is at North Central High School for Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Solo and Ensemble.

If you are here, stop by our table to say hello and learn of the amazing opportunities with the Indiana Army National Guard and our band! 🎷

Soldier Spotlight! ⭐️

Meet SPC Jesse Evans.

SPC Evans is a saxophonist with the 38th Infantry Division Band as well as a Band and Orchestra Educationional Representative at Sweetwater. He earned his Bachelors of Music in Music Education from Valparaiso University and Masters of Music in Music Education from Boston University.

One fun fact about him: he and his family are avid backpackers and are working on completing the Appalachian Trail in sections.

SPC Evans is currently in Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at the U.S. Army School of Music (USASOM). He is set to graduate on Thursday, March 14.

We’re looking forward to having him back with the unit!

This February, we celebrate Black History Month and reflect on those who have paved the way in United States history. Today, we highlight the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Harlem Hellfighters,” from the New York National Guard.

The 369th Infantry Regiment was not only the first all-black National Guard unit, but was one of the first Army regiments to have all black officers.

In addition to being one of the few black combat units during World War I, the regiment was also known for their band, led by Lt. James Reese Europe. The 369th regimental band was credited with introducing jazz music to audiences across Europe.

We honor the achievements, selfless service, and contributions of Black Americans that have shaped our nation and we pay tribute to their ongoing legacy.

Come on out to the Carmel Christmindlmarkt on December 10 for Military Appreciation Day! Our Brass Quintet will be providing music support for the ceremony honoring active and retired military members.

According to the event website, all military personnel can receive a coupon for free hot chocolate at Guest Services, courtesy of Urick Concessions and redeem that coupon at Hut #48.

More information can be found here: https://allevents.in/carmel/carmel-christkindlmarkt-military-appreciation-day/200025792876821

Oftentimes we provide additional support for ceremonies and military funerals in the form of “Taps” to honor fallen heroes. Over the weekend, SPC Gonima performed “Taps” at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential site for a ceremony paying tribute to our veterans, past and present.

The use of “Taps” is unique to the United States military, as the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies and memorial services. “Taps” originally began as a signal to extinguish lights. Today, it is sounded at the final call every evening on military installations and at military funerals.

“There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.”
— Oliver Wilcox Norton

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Jari Villanueva, Taps Historian

Within the unit, personnel are divided among various Music Performance Teams (MPTs) to best fit the needs of missions. Our Jazz Combo is a small versatile ensemble, composed of five members of the band, who perform a wide variety of music ranging from blues to fusion and beyond! Last weekend, this MPT had two missions: the Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series and a Veterans Day Celebration Dinner.

We were greeted by Mike Schofield, a former trumpet player in the unit from around 1985-1998, during the dinner at Northridge Gracious Retirement Community.

This weekend the 38th Infantry Division Band supported our community and military families in multiple locations. Our first mission that we will showcase is from the Indianapolis Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade at the Indiana War Memorial.

Today, as we observe Veterans Day, we reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of all the men and women who answered the call to serve our Nation.

The 38th Infantry Division Band had the honor of paying tribute to our heroes at the Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument in downtown Indianapolis. This monument is the official memorial to the Hoosiers who have served, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and has come to symbolize both the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.

Veterans Day recognizes all who have worn the uniform and swore an oath to protect our country in both peace and wartime.

Reach out to a Veteran in your life and share your appreciation!

Another successful Annual Training is in the books.

Thank you for coming out to see us, and we will continue updating for future missions!

Our soldiers are amazing, both on and off mission.

If you are interested in learning more about the 38th Infantry Division Band or would like resources about joining our unit, do not hesitate to reach out!

Here are some more photos of our time this tour
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