| Based on the band’s reputation, the Sibyl Center Activities Committee has campaigned to bring the 188th to Stanley for nearly two years. The committee is proud to now bring this acclaimed band to the area. The 188th Army Band is an award-winning National Guard Band having trained and performed in Washington, DC, throughout the United States and around the world.
The Army Band has been part of North Dakota’s military band history since before statehood. Organized in Valley City in 1887, it was headquartered in Lisbon from 1891 until 1959 when it moved to Fargo. The band had assignments in France during World War I and in the South Pacific during World War II.
During its history the band has undergone several name changes. Initially known as the First Dakota Infantry Band, it was then the 1st ND Infantry Band, the 164th Infantry Band, and the 294th Army Band.
The Band is now in its 48th year as the 188th Army Band, Fargo, North Dakota, making 116 consecutive years the state of North Dakota has had military music.
The band is comprised of three groups and, within those, several sections. Because of current military campaigns in the Middle East, the full band is not available for this appearance. Saturday night’s concert will feature the 188th’s exciting Dixieland group.
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