A hushed silence falls over the concert hall. The conductor mounts the podium and raps his baton for attention. He sets the tempo and the 33rd Army Band begins another concert.
Under the direction of CW3 John D. Field, the unit is the official band of the United States Army, Europe. In this capacity, the band's primary function is to provide ceremonial music as required by the commander in chief, USAREUR.

The band was formed on June 25, 1949, in Mannheim, but moved to Heidelberg in December, 1952 to provide music for USAREUR headquarters, and has become known as America's finest military band overseas.

This reputation does not depend entirely on its ceremonies or parades, but is enhanced by its many concert performances in the Heidelberg area and throughout Western Europe. The resplendent appearance of the bandsmen in dress blue uniforms, and the glitter of highly-polished instruments coupled with the universal appeal of well-blended music make this unit a favorite with all audiences.

The band has performed at many noteworthy occasions including the late President John F. Kennedy's visit to Europe in 1963. The band also played for the annual NATO Taptoe in Arnhem, Holland; the 20th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy, France; and during the visit of Secretary of the Army, Stanley R. Resor, the 33rd, frequently referred to as the USAREUR Band, was chosen as the honor guard band. The band has also performed in most principal cities of Western Europe.

When not participating in international events, the band is frequently working on community relations projects. Its latest community relations concert was Dec. 5 in Phillipsburg, the home of the Bundeswehr's 210th Field Artillery. The band also participated in the annual USAREUR Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Headquarters, USAREUR Dec. 12.

Not content simply to maintain the status quo of superior concert hall and parade field performances established over the years, the hand has spawned a number of smaller groups. Two of these are a stage band, known as the USAREUR Dance Band, and a woodwind quintet. The stage band, led by the Enlisted Bandleader, MSG James A. Taylor, is frequently in demand in NCO and Officers clubs in the Heidelberg area. The woodwind quintet, organized and directed by SP5 Charles L. Clemens, is chiefly devoted to serious music.

At every performance, the band is greeted with hearty applause whether the audience is German, American, Swiss or international. In this respect, the 33rd Army Band is exemplary in substantiating the old adage that music is truly the international language.
 

EVENTFUL PARADE - One of the big moments in the band's history came when its members marched in Paris during the 50th anniversary of the WW I armistace in November, 1968.  At far right in the first row is the then French President, Charles de Gaulle.

SAXY SOUNDS - SP4 Art Gerardo keeps an audience happy with his rendition of a tune.

VERSATILE BAND  -  The USAREUR band displays its versatility by utilizing French Horns in its music.

A-ONE-AND-A-TWO-A - CW3 John D. Field, bandmaster of the 33rd, leads the musicians through a musical score.

BIG BEAT - SP4 John Reasoner sets the music's tempo with his bass drum.

AND THE BAND PLAYS ON - The band entertains members of the Bundeswehr's 210th Field Artillery and their guests in Phillipsburg.