FREE Concert Air National Guard Band of the Southwest

Coming to the GMA, don’t miss this FREE concert rom the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest. The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest, historically known as the 531st Air Force Band, has over a forty-year history of sustaining the traditions and heritage that has become the hallmark of military bands. This thirty plus member unit maintains a high degree of musical performance flexibility in order to accommodate a wide variety of tasks in support of official military functions and community relations programs.

Air National Guard Bands are the active duty band’s counterparts in the Air National Guard. ANG bands enjoy a rich history of service to the Air Force. Most were constituted as active duty bands in the Army Air Corps during World War II. They were deactivated and re-designated as ANG bands in the early days of the Air Force. ANG bands belong to a state’s National Guard. The Governor is Commander-in-Chief and the Adjutant General supervises band operations to ensure that performances are spread equitably throughout the band’s area of responsibility. ANG musicians are part-time guard members with full-time civilian careers. They rehearse and perform one weekend a month and perform an annual concert tour. ANG bands are a perfect opportunity for musicians who wish to serve their country on a part-time basis. There are 5 ANG bands located throughout the Continental United States.