Fort Sill Army band performing Dec. 16 at Sullivan Arts Center
TEXARKANA, Texas — The 77th U.S. Army band is making a stop in Texarkana on its nine-city tour to spread holiday cheer.
The band, based at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, will hold a free Christmas concert at Sullivan Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Dec. 16.
“It’s a great honor to go out into the community, get off base and represent the United States Army,” said Chief Warrant Officer 1 Martin Johnston. “Being able to play for a community, especially one that may not see soldiers in action or talk to soldiers, it’s a great opportunity to be able to do that.”
Johnston even hinted that there may be a surprise guest.
“I don’t want to spoil (it) too much,” Johnston said. “We may see a visit from the big man himself.”
Johnston said the performance will be the first time for the Fort Sill Army Band to visit Texarkana.
“We tried to expand and notice the gap in where there are military bases,” Johnston said. “You probably don’t get a lot of (Army) music in Texarkana, because there’s not a lot of other military bands that are in that area.”
The musicians will perform a rollicking mix of big band music, contemporary and traditional Christmas music and even some rock ‘n roll.
“Army bands have been raising the spirit of the American soldiers and the public for centuries,” said Maj. Gen. Kenneth Kamper, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general. “The holiday season would not be complete without hearing the sounds of the season from the 77th Army Band.”
Texas High School’s band director said the band will be the third service band that the school has hosted recently.
“All of the service bands are really fine groups with very talented musicians,” Arnie Lawson said. “They are very popular with everyone in town and usually perform for a full house. I hope everyone will take advantage of the opportunity for a great evening of wonderful music.”
For more information and updates on the 77th Army Band Holiday Concert Tour, visit the Fort Sill Facebook page.