Editors note: This article was written for the Fort Meade Soundoff ! and was published in the March 26, 2020 edition. It can also be found online at ftmeadesoundoff.com

A free concert with world-class musicians and the best commute time ever.

It sounds like a deal too good to be true.

Yet that is exactly what The U.S. Army Field Band is offering in an effort to keep people connected and entertained during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Field Band’s weeklong “We Stand Ready” Virtual Concert Series kicked off Friday night with the concert “This We’ll Defend,” featuring the Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus.

During their concert on Saturday, the Six-String Soldiers paid tribute to Kenny Rodgers, who died earlier that day, with a rendition of the famed country singer’s signature song, “The Gambler.”

Throughout the concerts, the Field Band addresses the audience, says hello to those tuning in to the livestream and, in some cases, even takes a few song requests.

The Field Band performs each concert from its headquarters at Devers Hall on Fort Meade.

This free concert series comes at a time when people around the world are social-distancing and confined to their homes due to COVID-19.

“The talents of our team of Soldiers are unparalleled and the American people deserve and, frankly, need to hear this message of unity now more than ever,” said Col. Jim Keene, U.S. Army Field Band commander.

“We remain committed to accomplishing our mission, inspiring people and increasing morale on behalf of the Army and are fortunate to have a platform that will allow us to readily reach so many people.”

Smaller Ensembles

Don’t worry. The Field Band is doing its part to stay healthy, too.

Smaller ensembles perform the livestream programming in order to stay in line with all the protocols on social distancing.

If you caught Friday night’s performance and are wondering why the Soldiers were sitting so close together, that’s because it was a rebroadcast so that the Concert Band could still be included in the programming.

Commentators were added to connect with the audience throughout the rebroadcast.

COVID-19 brought the Field Band’s spring tour to a stand-still with no solid timeline for getting back on the road.

“While we certainly regret the decision to cancel our performances, the health, safety and welfare of our audiences, venue staffs, and our own Soldiers and their families remain our top priority,” Keene said.

“We look forward to finding different ways to continue to provide meaningful programming to our audiences until we are able to get back out into communities.”

Since the Field Band isn’t preforming as much, members have some free time and have been finding other ways to have a positive impact during the pandemic.

About 20 Soldiers from the Field Band are pitching in at the Fort Meade Commissary throughout the week— five Soldiers at a time. They help to stock the shelves during the morning’s stocking hours when there are less shoppers. This allows the Field Band to maintain the proper protocols for members’ safety and the safety of others.

The Field Band is committed to providing live, daily programs during this pandemic.

The new schedule begins Friday. Livestreams start at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 1 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Today’s broadcast at 1 p.m. features the “Army Soundtrack,” music through history that kept Soldiers united.

To view The U.S. Army Field Band’s new programming as well as any performances you may have missed, visit the website: armyfieldband.com.

Virtual Concert Schedule

• Today at 1 p.m.: “Army Soundtrack: Music through history that kept Soldiers united.”

• Friday at 7 p.m.: “America the Beautiful” (with director commentary)

• Saturday at 7 p.m.:: “American Road Trip: Six-String Soldiers celebrating and connecting the country through song”

• Sunday at 1 p.m.: “The Falling and the Rising: A musical drama telling the real stories of Soldiers”

• Monday at 1 p.m.: “GI Jazz”

• Tuesday at 1 p.m.: “From Rosie to the Rangers: A tribute to women in service”

• Wednesday at 1 p.m.: “Hooah Cappella: Service to country and community”

• April 2 at 1 p.m.: “Field Band Top Five: Our most popular Field Band videos of all time”