Army band coming to town for patriotic inspiration

Think of them as the Army's patriotism unit, armed with trumpets, flutes and rousing American music.

Army bands have been stirring the souls of the citizenry since the United States took its first steps as a nation. In a few days, such a band will be marching into Yuma for two shows that the conductor says promise to entertain and inspire.

"These concerts are a good chance to get out and enjoy, as cheesy as this may sound, everything Americana - and American," said Warrant Officer Donna Clickner, commander and conductor of the 36th Army Band. "I think we have put together a variety of music that is going to appeal to most people. We're presenting something that everyone in the audience will enjoy. It's just a great patriotic show."

The 36th Army Band will perform Aug. 26 and 27 at the Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main St., both at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required. They are available at the Yuma Art Center, which is in the theater's overall complex. For more information, call 373-5202.

"We'll be playing music from American composers, including a lot of music that is related to the American military," Clickner said. "We're going to be playing some Bernstein, Gershwin and Copeland.

"A lot of what we're doing has a real snazzy feel, like 'New York New York' and 'A Gershwin Fantasy,' which includes a sax solo. It's pretty jazzy with a fascinating rhythm."

The 36th Army Band is stationed at Fort Huachuca in southeast Arizona and is the only active-duty Army band in the state.

Clickner said the band will be bringing close to 40 performers who range from active-duty soldiers to volunteer musicians. She explained that sometimes certain instruments are needed and civilians or retired military people will heed the call.

Many civilians mistakenly think that Army bands are made of soldiers who simply like to perform for fun, but Clickner reminds everyone that band work isn't just performers' joy - it's their job, too.

"This is what we've signed up to do. If your job in the Army is as pianist, that is your job. You are stationed with a band and you play music for a living."

She added that Army musicians are proud that they are carrying on such a long and historic tradition.

"This goes way back to the Revolutionary War and Gen. George Washington, the fife and drum marching into battle. It's continued through the ages as a morale booster for soldiers."

Army bands continue to entertain their troops, including those fighting in the current war.

"We're also always doing ceremonies, retirement ceremonies and when commanders change command," Clickner said. "We're steeped in history as far as keeping tradition going from day one.

"One of our biggest goals is to keep patriotism going. That's very important to me," she said. "To play this sort of music, to do American-based concerts to me is really exciting and obviously it will keep patriotism going with the public, which always supports us so well."

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Darin Fenger can be reached at
dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.