Musicians have always been a part of the military tradition and legacy – but for many years, being a musician wasn’t recognized as an official “job”.

The First Infantry Division Band has formally been in existence since 1943, and today’s soldiers are living out their dreams as professional musicians.

1SG Terrina Anderson, 1st Infantry Division Band senior enlisted and Acting Commander said she’s always asked ‘so what do you really do?’. “I play clarinet, and it’s awesome…we hire professional musicians, you have to be able to play an instrument we’re not going to teach you how to play and most people have a college degree or some college where they studied music.”

The 1st ID Band is one of a few military bands that have their own dedicated professional building. That level of professionalism has allowed them to be a fan favorite in the Flint Hills Region, especially in the four years that they’ve held Holiday Concerts in conjunction with the Junction City Community Band.

“We’re professional musicians, the Army recognizes that we deserve professional equipment, [and] professional facilities,” said Anderson.

This year’s Holiday Concert is titled the Fort Riley 100th Anniversary Holiday Revue. Junction City Community Band Director Victor Wong said it’s a special opportunity for them to join forces for the free community concert. “It’s a pleasure to be able to play with an adult band [and] it’s just a lot of fun for us.”

Twenty seven Fort Riley soldiers and seven members of the Junction City Community Band will join efforts. This event will feature theatrical excerpts and singing highlighting SFC Delvalle from the Military Police Battalion.

Wong, as well as Kansas State University Band Director Frank Tracz will serve as Guest Conductors during the Holiday Revue in lieu of First Infantry Division Band Commander, CW2 Matthew David’s absence due to deployment.

SPC Lawrence Evans, Holiday Revue Producer said that even from afar CW2 David is leading the band and offering his support. “Even though he’s not here to conduct, he arranged half the concert…this is how genius he is, he hears it and then writes it down in all of the parts for the concert – Home Alone, the White Christmas medley, the White Christmas overture, [and] Sleigh Ride the Ella Fitzgerald version.”

1SG Anderson said it’s “invigorating” to have a Commander that can lend his talents and leadership in that way. “It’s not required of him and certainly not all Commanders can do that, but he’s just really special in that he can provide us with stuff and it’s really motivating to the band…we have this perfect piece of music that’s just for us and it makes us sound really good.”

This year’s concert will feature holiday greetings from deployed soldiers including Fort Riley and 1st Infantry Division Commanding General Joseph M. Martin and CSM Joseph C. Cornelison.

Garrison Commander Colonel John Lawrence will be the guest emcee during Friday’s show, and 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Acting Senior Commander Brig. General Patrick D. Frank will host Saturday evening.

The Holiday Revue is Friday, December 16th and Saturday, December 17th at 7:30 pm at the C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City.

This event is free. For more information, contact the Box off at 238-3906.