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126th Army Band

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126th Army Band

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The 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard, the "Governor's Own" as of 2013, has been entertaining the citizens of Michigan for over 60 years. Based in Grand Rapids, the band has earned praise from music critics and audiences alike. The band is assigned to the Michigan National Guard Headquarters in Lansing and is stationed at the Belmont Armory in Belmont. 

The band receives hundreds of requests annually and unfortunately can't accept them all. In order to request a band, please peruse the options available below and consult the FAQs at the bottom of the page. Requests should be completed, signed and submitted at least 120 days in advance of the event. Submitting requests 9-18 months out generally has a higher acceptance rate.

service members in uniform on stage with presentation screen above

126th Army Band

The band consists of 35 Soldiers, playing a variety of instruments, ranging from woodwind to brass to string. Members are skilled in a variety of instruments that include the flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, guitar and keyboard.

service members on stage performing music

Concert Band

The Concert Band is a full symphonic wind ensemble. This band is perfect for your patriotic concerts and festivals.

marching band on field

Marching Band

Mobile, responsive, ready to march.

man in uniform playing horn instrument

Jazz Guardians

This jazz combo captivates audiences with their vibrant swinging rhythms and melodic interplay, perfect for a performance or background music for an event.

bugler staring at american flag

Bugler

Sometimes all you need is one. Whether you need a dinner bugler or, alternatively, to pay the highest respects for our fallen soldiers - we would love to serve and assist.

woman service member wearing glasses plays piano

Pianist

Sometimes the perfect thing for your venue is a compact and simple musical group. Our pianists primarily perform for background dinner or cocktail music.

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Minutemen Brass Quintet

The Minutemen Brass Quintet is a group that can adjust rapidly to fit your venue and ceremonial needs. Their repertoire ranges from traditional classical to jazz to popular music.

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LIVEFIRE

This rock band covers popular music across several genres and decades. This group has an impressive history of delivering entertainment to military and civilian communities alike.

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NO BRASS, NO AMMO

This small group delivers an impressive performance and can serve as background music or as front stage entertainment.

service members in uniform playing instruments

Variation

We're a multi-talented group that changes and modifies its performance groups to fit a venue. Your performance may be some combination of the groups here - or something entirely different.

FAQs

  • How do I request support from the band?

    You must thoroughly complete a DD Form 2536. You must have the form completed and signed by the requesting organization.

  • How do I fill out a DD Form 2536 to request musical support?

    Here is a DD Form 2536 (Request for Non-Aviation Support) that includes guidance on how to complete the form: Sample DD Form 2536.

  • Where do I send the form?

    Requests for band participation should be submitted to the DMVA Public Affairs Office 120 days prior to the event. Submitting requests 9-18 months out generally has a higher acceptance rate.

  • Things to keep in mind

    Band participation is at no additional cost to the U.S. Government and on a non-interference basis with Department of Defense missions. Therefore, military contingencies and training requirements may preclude event participation at the last minute. Additionally, patriotic events that are free and open to the public and those events designed to enhance Armed Forces recruiting and retention efforts have a higher likelihood of being approved by the Department of Defense. If your event falls within both or either of these categories, please state so on your DD Form 2536 with a detailed explanation.