ARMY GROUND FORCES BAND TO PERFORM IN CAPE

The Army Ground Forces Band will perform a traditional band concert May 16 in Cape Girardeau.

The performance is free and will be held at 3 p.m. at Cape Girardeau Central High School auditorium.

The Army Ground Forces Band concert is the second military band performance in Cape Girardeau this year.

"Military bands love the Cape Girardeau audiences and appreciate the support sponsors offer," explained Kim McDowell, who is coordinating the band's visit.

In February, Wild Blue Country from the United States Air force Band of the Rockies performed a country and western concert in Cape Girardeau.

McDowell said parents of high-school band students do lots of behind-the-scenes work during the musicians' visits.

"That is also one of the reasons bands remember us and want to come back," McDowell said.

The Army Ground Forces Band includes 58 members and will perform traditional and patriotic band selections.

"These musicians are some of the finest professionals in the United States," McDowell said.

The band was organized in 1845 and its heritage spans the Mexican War, the Civil War and both world wars.

During the battle of Monterey, Mexico, the band was captured and turned an artillery battery against the enemy.

To commemorate this service, then President Zachary Taylor authorized the band to wear red piping on their uniforms.

Concert tickets are free. Advance tickets are available from the Southeast Missourian, the Cape Girardeau Central High School band department or the Army Recruiting Station.

Advance tickets allow early admittance to the concert. Doors open at 2:15 p.m. for ticket holders. Doors open at 2:45 p.m. for those without tickets.