History of the 111th Army Band

January 23, 2025

111th AB

111th Army Band

The 111^th Army Band was organized and federally recognized on 3 October 1919 in the Hawaiʻi National Guard at Honolulu as the Band Section, Headquarters Company, 1^st Infantry. After several reorganizations and re-designations, including assignment to the 24^th Infantry Division for 11 months in 1942 as the 298^th Infantry Band, the band was finally re-designated on 17 May 1947 as the 111^th Army Band.

111th Army Band Chronological History

During this fiscal year the Hawaii National Guard was not called upon for any active duty but furnished the usual band, guard and saluting batteries on occasions when considered necessary by the Governor.
– 1926-1927 Annual Report pp. 11

During the past fiscal year the two regiments have more closely functioned together in various phases of training. The two regi mental bands have been practicing together and can now function as one unit.
– 1937-1938 Annual Report pp. 8

On April 3, 1940, this Department received orders from the National Guard Bureau, War Department, to reorganize and redesignate the units in the Hawaii National Guard to conform with the new Tables of Organization 7-11 NG to 7-18, NG, inclusive. These changes took effect on May I, 1940. The units of the 298th and 299th Infantries were redesignated as follows: . .

Band Section, Service Company, 298th Infantry as Band Section, 298th Infantry (Rifle) T/O 7-11 NG.
– 1939-1940 Annual Report pp. 13-14

The regimental bands, under the new table, are no longer a part of Service Company. The bands are now functioning as separate units, each under the command of a staff officer.
– 1939-1940 Annual Report pp. 15

All Oahu units of the HNG paraded on Armistice Day, 11 November 1948. During Army Day. April 6, 1949 units on Oahu and Hawaii had window displays and held open house. Co, B, 299th Inf and the 111 th Army Band paraded at Kaunakakai, Molokai on 30 May 1949.
– 1948-1949 Annual Report pp. 22

The first was Armed Forces ‘Day which involved poster and window displays in Honolulu stores, news items and pictures in the local press, radio programs, and participation in the Armed Forces Day parade by elements of the 298th RCT and 111th Army Band, HNG.
– 1949-1950 Annual Report pp. 17

Kauai County Fair, 6-7 lviay. The 3rd Bn 298th Inf gave a demonstration of a platoon attack, the 199th Ftr Sq flew combat formations, and the 1 11th Army Band gave a concert during the fair.
– 1949-1950 Annual Report pp. 24

a. The 111th Army Band and the 3rd Bn 298th Inf (-Co’s L & M) participated in a parade on July 4th at Lihue, Kauai. Other units paraded in their own communities. . .

c. The Annual Armory inspections were officially opened at a ceremony on October 2nd for Major General Percy W. Clarkson, Deputy Commander USARPAC. The 111th Army Band and Hq & Hq Co 298th Inf rendered the honors.

d. In cooperation with the American Legion during the Armistice Day (November 11th) ceremony, the HNG furnished the 111th Army Band, a color guard National and organizational colors, two buglers, and a firing squad. . .

f. On February 19th the 111th Army Band and Hq & Hq Co 298th Inf rendered honors to Major General Raymond H. Fleming, Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
– 1950-1951 Annual Report pp. 18

All units of the 29Sth RCT on Oahu participated in the Annual Armed Forces Day Parade on May 17. Battery A, 4S3rd Field Artillery Battalion fired the National Salute at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on Memorial Day, May 30. On October l, a ceremony was held for the Deputy Commander of USARPAC at Ft. Ruger. The 120th Military Police Company and Illth Army Band rendered the appropriate honors. The Deputy Commander after inspecting the honor guard visited the 1st Bn 29Sth InL the 4S3rd FA Bn, the Medical Co and 111th Army Band
– 1951-1952 Annual Report pp. 17

The 298th RCT with the 111th Army Band participated in the 1955 Armed Forces Day Parade.
– 1955 Annual Report pp. 4

The 298th RCT with the 111th Candidate Course conducted at Fort Benning, Georgia. Army Band participated in the 1956 Armed Forces Day To support our school program, the Federal govern Parade.
– 1956 Annual Report pp. 6

111th Army National Guard Band plays in concert at Area "X," Schofield, during 1966 Annual Field Training. — 111th Army National Guard Band plays in concert at Area “X,” Schofield, during 1966 Annual Field Training.

EISENHOWER TROPHY

The 111 th Army Band was selected as the most ou tstanding unit in the HARNG for calendar year 1968. Selection for award of this trophy was based on strength, attendance at ina ctive du ty training, annual field training, field training evaluation, annual general inspection and comma nd ma intenance ma nagement inspection. W01 Jules D. Castro commanded the unit during the period of the competition.
– 1969 Annual Report pp. 9

EISENHOWER TROPHY

The 111 th Army Band of the Hawaii Army National Guard was selected as the most outstanding unit of the HARNG for calendar year 1970. Selection criteria was based on personnel strength, training, and the results of the annual general inspection and command maintenance management inspection. The band was commanded by CW2 jules D. Castro.
– 1971 Annual Report pp. 5

The Eisenhower Trophy

The 111th Army Band, Hawaii Army National Guard, was selected as the most outstanding unit of the HARNG for Calendar Year 1974. Selection criteria was based on personnel strength, training , annual general inspection, and the unit maintenance management program. CW2 Jules D. Castro commanded this unit.
– 1975 Annual Report pp. 10

The Eisenhower Trophy

The 111th Army Band, was selected as the most outstanding unit of the HARNG for Calendar Year 1975. Selection was based on personnel strength, training, annual general inspection , and the unit maintenance management program. CW2 Jules D. Castro commanded this unit.
– 1976 Annual Report pp. 6

Members of the Royal Guard and the 111th Army Band marching down Pennsylvania Ave.

The 111th Army Band, HARNG, along with four members of the Royal Guard, Hawaii Air National Guard, participated in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20, 1977
– 1977 Annual Report pp. 4

The Royal Guard and 111th Army Band made numerous public appearances and color guards were provided for community functions.
– 1980 Annual Report pp. 15

The Royal Guard and the 111th Army Band made numerous public appearances.
– 1981 Annual Report pp. 16

The 111th Army Guard Band provided musical entertainment throughout the day adding a special touch to a special day for very special people.
– 1982 Annual Report pp. 14

The 111th Army Guard Band performed numerous times throughout the state carrying high the banner of professionalism
– 1982 Annual Report pp. 14

The 111th Army Band, Hawaii Army National Guard, performed numerous concerts to entertain the young and old.

In addition, 38 members of the 111th Army Band travelled to Fiji, Tonga and Tuvalu in June to provide music for military ceremonies during the World War II Commemoration.
– 1992 Annual Report pp. 9

In November 1992, 41 soldiers from the 111th Army Band deployed to Port Moseby on the island of New Guinea. They participated in ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of World War II.
– 1993 Annual Report pp. 13

1990’s Photograph — OPERATION REMEMBRANCE: WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATION ACTIVITIES — The Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band leads off the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ liberation day parade in the capital of Majuro, Feb. 5, 1994.

In February, the 111th Army Band participated in the 50th anniversary of World War II commemoration ceremonies on the islands of Majuro, Kwajalein, and Roi-Namur in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The band also participated in the World War II commemorations in Hawaii during July with performances at Ala Moana, parades in Waikiki and Kahuhri, Maui, honoring World War II veterans, and the dedication of the Korean/Vietnam War Memorials near the State Capitol.
– 1994 Annual Report pp. 12

The 111th Army Band continued its support of the World War II 50th anniversary commemorative activities. In June, the band performed at the 100th Battalion’s reunion activities at Camp Shelby, Miss.
– 1995 Annual Report pp. 13

In March 1996, the 111th Army Band became the newest unit assigned to the 103rd Troop Command. The 111th Army Band is a fully organized band with concert, jazz ensemble, and marching band capabilities. They provide music at parades, special events, and National Guard and active duty functions.
– 1996 Annual Report pp. 10

SUPER BAND AID - Musicians from the Hawaii Army National Guard's 111th Army Band perform at the yearly American Lung Association fundraiser held in February at Maui War Memorial Stadium. Sgt. 1st Class Wayne T. Iha photo — SUPER BAND AID – Musicians from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band perform at the yearly American Lung Association fundraiser held in February at Maui War Memorial Stadium. Sgt. 1st Class Wayne T. Iha photo

In March 1996, the 111th Army Band became the newest unit assigned to the Troop Command. The 111 th is fully organized with concert, jazz ensemble, and marching band capabilities. Recognized as one of the premier military bands in the Pacific, the band provides music at parades, special events, National Guard and active duty functions throughout the year.
– 1997 Annual Report pp. 8

IN THE SWING Hawaii’s First lady Vicky Cayetano sings with the Hawaii Army National Guards 111th Army Band during the annual Department of Defense Christmas concert. Sgt. 1st Class Wayne T. Iha photo

The 111 th Army Band is fully organized with concert, jazz, ensemble and marching band capabilities. The band provides music at parades, special events and, National Guard and active-duty functions throughout the year.
– 2003 Annual Report pp. 8

The 111th Army Band is fully organized with concert, jazz, ensemble and marching band capabilities. The band provides music at parades, special events and, National Guard and active-duty functions throughout the year
– 2004 Annual Report pp. 8

I WANT TO BE IN THAT NUMBER --- Members of the 111th Army Band perform in the 2005 Merrie Monarch Parade in downtown Hilo. The parade also recognized the homecoming of Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers from Co. C, 193rd Avn. — I WANT TO BE IN THAT NUMBER — Members of the 111th Army Band perform in the 2005 Merrie Monarch Parade in downtown Hilo. The parade also recognized the homecoming of Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers from Co. C, 193rd Avn.

The 111th Army Band is fully organized with concert, jazz, ensemble and marching band capabilities. The band provides music at parades, special events and, National Guard and active-duty functions throughout the year
– 2005 Annual Report pp. 9

The 111th Army Band is fully organized with concert, jazz, ensemble and marching band capabilities. The band provides music at parades, special events, and National Guard and activeduty functions throughout the year
– 2006 Annual Report pp. 10-11

The 111th Army Band is fully organized with concert, jazz, ensemble and marching band capabilities. The band provides music at parades, special events, and National Guard and activeduty functions throughout the year to promote troop morale, unit Esprit de Corps, and also to promote civil/military relations.
– 2007 Annual Report pp. 10-11

The 111th Army Band continued to support numerous organizations with their musical talent. The highlights of the year included public performances on Oahu during annual training. They performed at Ala Moana, Windward Mall, Waikiki and the 29th IBCT’s departure ceremony at the Aloha Stadium.
– 2008 Annual Report pp. 12

The 111th Army Band is fully organized with concert, jazz, ensemble and marching band capabilities. The band provides music at parades, special events, and National Guard and activeduty functions throughout the year to promote troop morale, unit Esprit de Corps, and also to promote civil/military relations.
– 2008 Annual Report pp. 10

The 111th Army Band, located in Waiawa, is fully organized with concert, jazz, ensemble and marching band capabilities. The band provides music at parades, special events, and National Guard and active-duty functions throughout the year to promote troop morale, unit Esprit de Corps, and also to promote civil/ military relations.
– 2009 Annual Report pp. 8

The 111th Army Band continued to support numerous organizations with their musical talent. Their December National Guard Ball concert highlighted a year of performances throughout the islands.
– 2009 Annual Report pp. 13

FOR THE TROOPS – Hawaii Army National Guard’ 111th Army Band marches and plays at the Military Ohana Parade in May. Sgt. 1st Class-R Wayne T. Iha photo

The 111th Army Band continued to support numerous organizations with their musical talent. Their December National Guard Ball concert highlighted a year of performances throughout the islands.
– 2010 Annual Report pp. 13

The 111th Army Band, located in Waiawa, is fully organized with concert, jazz, ensemble and marching band capabilities. The band provides music at parades, special events, and National Guard and active-duty functions throughout the year to promote troop morale, unit Esprit de Corps, and also to promote civil/ military relations.
– 2010 Annual Report pp. 9-10

The 111th Army Band continued to support numerous organizations with their musical talent. Their December National Guard Ball concert highlighted a year of performances throughout the islands.
– 2011 Annual Report pp. 12

The 111th Army Band, located in Waiawa, is fully organized with concert, jazz, ensemble and marching band capabilities. The band provides music at parades, special events, and National Guard and active-duty functions throughout the year to promote troop morale, unit Esprit de Corps, and also to promote civil/ military relations
– 2011 Annual Report pp. 8-9

The 111th Army Band continued to support numerous organizations, highlighted by National Guard Ball concert.
– 2012 Annual Report pp. 12

The 111th Army Band, located at the Waiawa Armory, is fully organized with concert, jazz, ensemble and marching band capabilities. The band provides music at parades, special events, and National Guard and activeduty functions throughout the year to promote troop morale, unit Esprit de Corps, and also to promote civilian/military Hawaii Army National Guard relations. Comprised of musical performance teams, the band may also perform in saxophone quartets and brass ensembles.
– 2012 Annual Report pp. 9

111th Army Band

The band is headquartered in Waiawa, Hawaii. Its mission is to provide music throughout the full spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad.
– 2013 Annual Report pp. 11

111th Army Band

The band is headquartered in Waiawa, Hawaii. Its mission is to provide music throughout the full spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad.
– 2014 Annual Report pp. 11

111th Army Band

The band is headquartered in Waiawa, Hawaii. Its mission is to provide music throughout the full spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad
– 2015 Annual Report pp. 11

111th Army Band

The band is headquartered at Waiawa, and is commanded by CW4 Curtis Y. Hiyane. Its mission is to provide music throughout the full spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad.
– 2019 Annual Report pp. 11

111th Army Band

The band is headquartered at Waiawa, and is commanded by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Curtis Y. Hiyane. Its mission is to provide music throughout the full spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote national interests at home and abroad. In FY20:

Celebrated its 100th Anniversary on Oct. 3, 2019.

29IBCT Change of Command held Oct. 5. 2019.

Participated in the Waianae Christmas Parade on Nov. 30, 2019.

Farewell ceremony and reception for Maj. Gen. Logan on Jan 12. 2020.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 13

The 111th Army Band perform “Na Koa” at the Officer Candidate School Commissioning and Graduation Ceremony on Sept. 10, 2023 at the Regional Training Institute in Waimānalo. – Hawai‘i National Guard photo

111th Army Band (111th AB)

Commanded by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Curtis Hiyane and 1st. Sgt. Brent Rubio. 111th AB is located at Waiawa Armory, Pearl City. Its mission is to promote the Army and our national interests, enable commanders to shape the environment to accomplish their mission, and set the conditions that lead to trust and confidence in America’s Army and its readiness to conduct operations in peacetime, conflict, and war. 111th AB’s current mission essential tasks are to provide musical support to military ceremonies and conduct music outreach.

Concert Band: The 2023 Music Fellowship Workshop Concert was held June 23, 2023 at Ka Makana Ali‘i in Kapolei to conduct musical outreach to the community of young musicians across Oahu.

111th AB Musical Performance Team “Nā Koa”: A live performance at the Officer Candidate School Commissioning and Graduation Ceremony at the 298th Regiment Multifunctional Regional Training Institute in Waimānalo was held Sept. 10, 2023 to provide musical support to HIARNG Ceremonies.

111th AB Musical Performance Team “Drive On”: A live performance at the Basic Leader Course Graduation Ceremony at the Regional Training Institute in Waimānalo was held on April 27, 2024 to provide musical support to HIARNG Ceremonies

The 111th Army Band performed at a University of Hawai‘i football game in 2024. – Hawai‘i National Guard photo

111th Army Band (111th AB)

The 111th AB is headquartered at Waiawa Armory in Pearl City. Its mission is to conduct missions that promote the Army and our national interests, enable commanders to shape the environment to accomplish their mission, and set the conditions that lead to trust and confidence in America’s Army and its readiness to conduct operations in peacetime, conflict and war.

The 111th AB prepared and successfully completed its seventh annual three-day Music Fellowship Workshop joined by 75 talented musicians from across the island.

111th AB’s Marching Band participated in the Waianae community Christmas parade, Pan-Pacific festival parade and the Kailua Fourth of July Parade.

111th AB’s small music performance team “Drive On”, participated in the first ever USINDOPACOM Commanderhosted Battle of the Bands showcasing HIARNG’s band along with other military

– 2025 Annual Report pp. 24

The 111th Army Band provided music throughout the program, ranging from the Navy Hymn to big band music.

ISLAND NOTES -The 111th Army Band performed in Tuvalu, an independent nation located north or Fiji, July 6. The popular band travelled to Fiji and Tong a in early July to participate in World War II commemoration activities.

ON DECK -- 111th Army Band musicians entertain on the deck of the U.S.S. Schenectady, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of a World War II battle fought in New Guinea. Performing are (left to right) Sgt. Nolan D. Santa Ana, Staff Sgt. Mark K. Akaka, Sgt. Lambert T.L. Lum, Staff Sgt. Balligui Vinluan, 1st Sgt. Ronald E. Bright, Sgt. 1st Class Melvin N. Miyashiro, Sgt. Donald J. Noguchi, and Sgt. Stuart J. Hayshi. — ON DECK — 111th Army Band musicians entertain on the deck of the U.S.S. Schenectady, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of a World War II battle fought in New Guinea. Performing are (left to right) Sgt. Nolan D. Santa Ana, Staff Sgt. Mark K. Akaka, Sgt. Lambert T.L. Lum, Staff Sgt. Balligui Vinluan, 1st Sgt. Ronald E. Bright, Sgt. 1st Class Melvin N. Miyashiro, Sgt. Donald J. Noguchi, and Sgt. Stuart J. Hayshi.

1st Sgt. Ronald E. Bright gets the audience at the annual State Department of Defense Christmas concert in the "family affair" spirit. The 111th Army Band's first sergeant received a plaque from fellow members. Bright is scheduled to retire next September. — 1st Sgt. Ronald E. Bright gets the audience at the annual State Department of Defense Christmas concert in the “family affair” spirit. The 111th Army Band’s first sergeant received a plaque from fellow members. Bright is scheduled to retire next September.

State DOD Christmas concert held page 4-5 — 1st Sgt. Ronald E. Bright gets the audience at the annual State Department of Defense Christmas concert in the “family affair” spirit. The 111th Army Band’s first sergeant received a plaque from fellow members. Bright is scheduled to retire next September.

DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME OLD SONG AND DANCE-- Then-Sgt.1st Class Ron Bright and soldiers of the 111th Army Band ham it up for their audience. — DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME OLD SONG AND DANCE– Then-Sgt.1st Class Ron Bright and soldiers of the 111th Army Band ham it up for their audience.

Hawaii National Guard's 111th Army Band leads off the Republic of the Marshall Islands liberation day parade in the capital of Majuro, Feb. 5. — Hawaii National Guard’s 111th Army Band leads off the Republic of the Marshall Islands liberation day parade in the capital of Majuro, Feb. 5.

The 111th Army Band salutes as they pass the reviewing stand

FINAL FAREWELL --Staff Sgt. William A. Simmons plays "Taps" as Hawaii Guard F-15 Eagles fly the missing-man formation during the National Guard Association of the U.S. plaque dedication, Sept. 1. Simmons, from the Hawaii Guard's 111th Army Band, was preceded by a Hawaii Guard 21-gun salute firing squad standing in the background at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. — FINAL FAREWELL –Staff Sgt. William A. Simmons plays “Taps” as Hawaii Guard F-15 Eagles fly the missing-man formation during the National Guard Association of the U.S. plaque dedication, Sept. 1. Simmons, from the Hawaii Guard’s 111th Army Band, was preceded by a Hawaii Guard 21-gun salute firing squad standing in the background at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

Sgt. Chris H.W.O. Faildo plays at Hawai'i Remembers, a concert at the Waikiki Shell saluting the WWIl veterans workers, and volunteers, Sept.1. — FINAL FAREWELL –Staff Sgt. William A. Simmons plays “Taps” as Hawaii Guard F-15 Eagles fly the missing-man formation during the National Guard Association of the U.S. plaque dedication, Sept. 1. Simmons, from the Hawaii Guard’s 111th Army Band, was preceded by a Hawaii Guard 21-gun salute firing squad standing in the background at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME--The Hawaii Army National Guard's 111th Army Band flew to Camp Shelby, Miss. to support the U.S. Army Reserve's 100th Battalion reunion at the camp they went to basic training, June 1995. The band continued their support of the World War II commemoration activities. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Wayne T. Iha — HOME AWAY FROM HOME–The Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band flew to Camp Shelby, Miss. to support the U.S. Army Reserve’s 100th Battalion reunion at the camp they went to basic training, June 1995. The band continued their support of the World War II commemoration activities. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Wayne T. Iha

GIVING OUR BEST -- Hawaii Army National Guard's 111th Army Band assist in Veterans Day celebrations on Oahu and Kauai in November. Photo by Sgt. Lance M. Kamisugi — HOME AWAY FROM HOME–The Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band flew to Camp Shelby, Miss. to support the U.S. Army Reserve’s 100th Battalion reunion at the camp they went to basic training, June 1995. The band continued their support of the World War II commemoration activities. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Wayne T. Iha

Singers from the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard squared off in a head-to-head competition on KITV's Hawaii Stars, which aired Sunday, August 25. Singing their hearts out for the judges were Staff Sgt. Lambert Lum, Sgt. Nolan Santa Ana, and Spc. Samuel Hesch of the Army and, Tech. Sgt. Blane Kato, and Staff Sgts. David Heuliff and Allison Bruce-Maldonado warbled for the Air Guard. The Army Guard took home the over-all winner's trophy. Doing it his way is Sgt. Nolan Santa Ana, a percussionist, guitarist and arranger for the 111th Army Band. Photo by Capt Charles Anthony — Singers from the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard squared off in a head-to-head competition on KITV’s Hawaii Stars, which aired Sunday, August 25. Singing their hearts out for the judges were Staff Sgt. Lambert Lum, Sgt. Nolan Santa Ana, and Spc. Samuel Hesch of the Army and, Tech. Sgt. Blane Kato, and Staff Sgts. David Heuliff and Allison Bruce-Maldonado warbled for the Air Guard. The Army Guard took home the over-all winner’s trophy. Doing it his way is Sgt. Nolan Santa Ana, a percussionist, guitarist and arranger for the 111th Army Band. Photo by Capt Charles Anthony

SUPER BAND -The 111th Army Band lead off the parade for the Maui Superkids competition, Feb. 22, at the War Memorial Stadium, Kahului, Maui.

ALL STAR CAST – Patricia Lei Anderson Murray, Hawaii Air National Guard’s Staff Sgt. Allison Bruce-Maldonaldo and Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, help celebrate Christmas with the Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band.

WE WERE THERE - Sgt. Samuel L. Hesch, a tuba player with the 111th Army Band, sings the National Guard theme song when we were needed "We Were There" at the native American convention saluting Alaskan veterans. — WE WERE THERE – Sgt. Samuel L. Hesch, a tuba player with the 111th Army Band, sings the National Guard theme song when we were needed “We Were There” at the native American convention saluting Alaskan veterans.

BALLOONY TUNES - Sgt. Ronald Batula Jr., a brass musician with the 111th Army Band, blows balloon toys for the youth of the native American village of Nondalton, Alaska. Batula made more than 50 balloon toys in the remote village on the coast of Six Miles Lake. — WE WERE THERE – Sgt. Samuel L. Hesch, a tuba player with the 111th Army Band, sings the National Guard theme song when we were needed “We Were There” at the native American convention saluting Alaskan veterans.

OVER THE RAINBOW -The 111th Army Band plays at Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson's retirement ceremony. — OVER THE RAINBOW -The 111th Army Band plays at Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson’s retirement ceremony.

HIGH STEPPIN' Led by drum major Staff Sgt. Lambert T.L. Lum, the 111th Army Band performs at Fort DeRussy's Kuroda Field in March. The Hawaii Army National Guard band, commanded by Warrant Officer Curtis Y. Hiyane, played for the second time at the fourth annual Twilight Tattoo. — HIGH STEPPIN’ Led by drum major Staff Sgt. Lambert T.L. Lum, the 111th Army Band performs at Fort DeRussy’s Kuroda Field in March. The Hawaii Army National Guard band, commanded by Warrant Officer Curtis Y. Hiyane, played for the second time at the fourth annual Twilight Tattoo.

HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION - Hawaiian Santa's grand entrance via golf "sleigh" lead by "reindeer" began the 2001 Hawaii National Guard Christmas concert featuring the 111th Army Band. Sgt Wendy M. Hirasa photos — HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION – Hawaiian Santa’s grand entrance via golf “sleigh” lead by “reindeer” began the 2001 Hawaii National Guard Christmas concert featuring the 111th Army Band. Sgt Wendy M. Hirasa photos

Post inaugural concert at lolani Palace - 111th Army Band, Hawaii Army National Guard — Post inaugural concert at lolani Palace – 111th Army Band, Hawaii Army National Guard

111TH Army Band mentors Honor Band students for Central Oahu Music Festival

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Okubo rehearses alongside Raistlin Ramos at the Pearl City Cultural Center in Pearl City, Hawaii on June 12, 2016. Okubo and Ramos were preparing for a performance as part of a community outreach mission put on by the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paul D. Berzinas/Released)

The Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band participates in a music fellowship concert with Hawaii students in Pearl City, Hawaii on June 12, 2016. The concert was the culmination of an outreach effort made by the soldiers of the 111th Army Band in order to facilitate an exchange of knowledge between students and National Guard soldiers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paul D. Berzinas/Released) — U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Okubo rehearses alongside Raistlin Ramos at the Pearl City Cultural Center in Pearl City, Hawaii on June 12, 2016. Okubo and Ramos were preparing for a performance as part of a community outreach mission put on by the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paul D. Berzinas/Released)

Hawaii Army National Guard Pfc. William I. Brady of 3rd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 299 Cavalry Regiment and Staff Sgt. Krysta M. Waters of the 111th Army Band are announced as the Enlisted and NCO winners of the Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 4, 2018. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Matthew A. Foster/ Released)

Hawaii Army National Guard Soldier, Staff Sgt. Charifel Mateo, a Musician with the 111th Army Band, 103rd Troop Command performs the leg tuck (LTK) event during the Army Combat Fitness Test, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 2, 2021. The LTK measures upper and lower body explosive power, flexibility, and dynamic balance assisting with tasks like a buddy drag, throwing a hand grenade and employing progressive levels of force in man-to-man contact.

The Hawai‘i Department of Defense Office of Veterans’ Services celebrated Veterans Day with a concert at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand on Nov 10. The Hawai‘i Army National Guardʻs 111th Army Band performed musical selections to honor each of the uniformed services.

FY 1923 – FY 1926 Warrant Officer Rudolph Maygrove
FY 1934 – FY 1938 Warrant Officer William Merrick
FY 1940 W.O.C.S. Kiehm
FY 1957 – FY 1966 Chief Warrant Officer Carl Baptiste

FY 1957 – FY 1966 Chief Warrant Officer Carl Baptiste
FY 1967 – FY 1986 Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jules Castro
FY 1987 – FY1997 Chief Warrant Officer Gerald Nichols
FY 1998 – FY 2025 Chief Warrant Officer 4 Curtis Hiyane

Unofficial Unit Insignia

111th Army Band Lineage and Honors

Organized and Federally recognized 3 October 1919 in the Hawaii National Guard at Honolulu as the Band Section, Headquarters Company, 1^st Infantry

Reorganized and redesignated 1 April 1921 as the Band Section, Service Company, 1^st Infantry

Redesignated 17 August 1923 as the Band Section, Service Company, 298^thInfantry

Reorganized and redesignated 1 May 1940 as the Band, 298^th Infantry

Inducted into Federal service 15 October 1940 at Honolulu

(298^th Infantry assigned 1 October 1941 to the 25^th Infantry Division; relieved 3 July 1942 from assignment to the 25^th Infantry Division and assigned to the 24^thInfantry Division; relieved 12 June 1943 from assignment to the 24^th Infantry Division)

Reorganized and redesignated 1 June 1944 as the 111^th Army Ground Forces Band

Inactivated 30 January 1946 at Honolulu

Reorganized and Federally recognized 10 September 1946 in the Hawaii National Guard at Honolulu as the 111^th Army Ground Forces Band

Redesignated 17 May 1947 as the 111^thArmy Band

Location subsequently changed to Fort Ruger; on 12 February 1996 to Pearl City

Campaign Participation Credit

World War II
- Central Pacific

Decorations

None

Last updated April 2012