257TH ARMY BAND HISTORY
The 257th Army Band, “The Band of the Nation’s Capital,” is the official musical ambassador for the D.C. Army National Guard. The band boasts a proud lineage going back to the organizational lineage and association with the legendary Corcoran Cadets, the D.C. militia that inspired John Philip Sousa to compose his march of the same name. Noteworthy performances include musical support for the Inauguration of President Obama, performances in Greece, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Panama, consecutive appearances at the Great American Brass Band Festival and concert tours throughout New England, Texas and the Mid-Atlantic. Although centrally located among the finest military bands in the world, The 257th Army Band is officially recognized as “The Band of the Nation’s Capital”.
Within the 257th Army Band, there are several musical groups which play a variety of music including classical, jazz, rock and many others. In addition to our concert band, we have multiple music performance teams, including: jazz combo, rock band, pop ensemble, brass quintet and duet teams. This allows us to perform many different types of concerts and ceremonies.
To request the D.C. National Guard 257th Army Band, event organizers should submit a completed General Support Request Form DD2536.
WANT THE D.C. NATIONAL GUARD AT YOUR EVENT?
As a proud part of the District of Columbia community for more than two centuries, District of Columbia National Guard Capital Guardians welcome the opportunity to connect everyone who lives, works in or visits the Nation’s Capital with the mission, capabilities and people of our Army and Air National Guard. We welcome public requests for flyovers, military bands, color and honor guards, equipment displays and speakers. Note that while we would like to support all qualifying requests for support, there is no way we could do so. If we are able, we will make every effort to take part.
FOR NON-AVIATION SUPPORT REQUESTS
To request D.C. National Guard support that does not involve aviation assets – requests for Armed Forces musical unit, personnel, color/honor guard, guest speaker and/or exhibit/equipment participation in public events – you must complete and submit a DD Form 2536, “Request for Armed Forces Participation in Public Events (Non Aviation)” https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd2536.pdf.
*Events may not be supported if they promote specific ideological positions or beliefs, current controversial topics, campaigns, or political posturing (direct or indirect) to lobby for a particular cause or legislative decision.
Deadline: This form must be completed and submitted no later than 30 days in advance of your event.
Email the completed form to the D.C. National Guard Public Affairs Office at ng.dc.dcarng.mesg.pao1@army.mil by the required deadline of 30 days in advance of your event date.
NOTE: We are not able to support all events though we will make every effort to do so as long as that support does not interfere with our District or federal missions and does not violate applicable policy or law. D.C. National Guard support or participation in an event may be cancelled by the D.C. National Guard, the U.S. Air Force or the U.S. Army without notice.
Public Affairs Office Location
The DCNG Public Affairs Office is located at the D.C. Armory, 2001 E. Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003.
To contact the DCNG Public Affairs Office
Thank you for your interest in military support for your event. We take pride in supporting our local communities and hope to be able to promote the positive attributes of military service at your event.