Hudson Valley Welcomes 42nd Infantry Division "Rainbow" Band Performances

Media Advisory

Related Media

Members of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division Band perform April 13 at the unit change of command ceremony at West Point. The band has nine public performances this summer.

LATHAM, N.Y. (07/16/2013)(readMedia)-- The 42nd Infantry Division Band of the New York Army National Guard returns to the Hudson Valley this summer to perform at two concerts that are part of nine public performances for the unit's annual training this summer.

WHO: More than 30 New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division Band.

WHAT: Public concert performance for the unit's annual training.

WHEN/WHERE: The New York Army National Guard Soldiers will perform at the following public venues in Pine Plains and Newburgh:

Saturday, July 20 at Pine Plains VFW, Pine Plains at 2 p.m.

Saturday, July 27 Chadwick Lake Park, Newburgh at 5 p.m.

Media Opportunity

Video and audio of the band's musical performance for the public. Interviews with Soldiers prior or after the performance. For news media access to the musician Soldiers prior to their performance, contact Sergeant 1st Class Becky Rapp, 42nd Infantry Band administrator, 914-944-6552.

BACKGROUND

The 42nd Infantry Division Band is the musical ambassador for the 42nd Infantry Division, part of the New York Army National Guard. The band's base of operations is Camp Smith, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.

The 42nd Infantry Division Band deployed for a tour in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. While on deployment, Soldiers provided music and entertainment to the troops, musical support for soldier memorials, musical assistance to the Chaplain Corps and conducted Iraqi military and police graduations. The Rainbow Band also supported security operations.

The 42nd Infantry Division Band consists of 34 talented musicians from all over New York State. Band members are called upon as Army National Guardsmen to provide entertainment for civic and military ceremonies, parades and concerts and perform a variety of music including classical, concert pieces, marches and patriotic selections, rock, pop, and jazz. The mission of the band is to furnish music wherever and whenever while serving our nation and our community.

The 42nd Infantry Division Band has a variety of performing groups which include Concert Band, Marching/Ceremonial Band, Brass Quintet, Woodwind Quartet, Jazz Combo, Latin Band, Stage Band, Rock Band and Buglers. The majority of the band's skilled musicians are adept at more than one instrument, enabling the band to perform with great flexibility and versatility for any type of military and civic function.

The 42nd Infantry Division Band has a long proud history dating back to the First World War, providing music to troops and civic events from its founding right up to the present day. While the majority of the band's performances are within New York State, the 42nd Infantry Division Band has been called upon to travel to Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Germany and elsewhere.

The 42nd Infantry Division Band is under the command of Chief Warrant Officer Three Mark L. Kimes and First Sergeant Leslie G. Saroka.