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The Navy Music Program offers a variety of event support options ranging from larger Ceremonial and Parade Bands to smaller ensembles such as Brass Bands, Popular Music Groups, Brass and Woodwind Quintets, and National Anthem Vocalists.
Navy Bands may perform for public and civic events if the event is of general interest or benefit to a local, state, or national community. Bands may not participate in events that are commercially sponsored, are designed to increase business traffic or raise charitable donations, or are associated with religious or ideological movements, such as Christmas parades, beauty pageants, or political gatherings.
Requestors may be asked to fund a band's travel, lodging, and per diem expenses for performances outside of their locality.
Requests can be made by following the directions below and submitting a DD 2536 form.
Navy Bands can support a wide variety of public and civic events, but the performance type generally falls into one of two categories.
Approximately 15 to 20 minutes in length, patriotic openers serve to initiate the formal portion of a military, civic, or governmental event. In this setting, a band may perform a program of military and patriotic selections prior to the formal presentation of the Colors. The musical program must include the national anthem unless the ceremony includes a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. During patriotic openers, a band may not provide music for entertainment, such as dancing music, cocktail/dinner music, or concert and show music.
Whether in a traditional concert hall, outdoor venue, or parade, the event must be free and open to the public. Bands may perform at fairs, exhibitions, and similar events with admission fees if the performance is incidental to the primary event, and no additional fee is charged to hear the band play.
A general list of things to consider when making a request.
Use DD Form 2536 - Request for Military Support in Public Events (non-aviation).
Send completed DD Form 2536 to bandsupport@us.navy.mil
Once received, we will review your request to determine whether regulations permit a Navy Band to support the event.
If the event is eligible, we will forward your request to the corresponding regional Navy Band for further coordination.
If the request is ineligible, you/your organization will receive an email explaining why support cannot be provided.
For questions about the eligibility of a specific event, please contact our Band Support Officer at 901-874-5804 or by email at bandsupport@us.navy.mil
If eligible, a representative from the corresponding regional Navy Band will be contacted for coordination. Note that even though a request may be deemed eligible, it is not confirmation of participation in your event.
Please understand that events are covered based on availability of the unit to participate and will only be authorized when such support does not interfere with mission or training programs.
In all cases, military and other operational commitments take priority, and can cause previously scheduled appearances to be cancelled. It is the requestor's responsibility to keep a dialogue with the unit to maintain logistics and verify the unit is still able to attend the event in the days prior.
Submit a DD Form 2536 to bandsupport@us.navy.mil
Community and civic organizations may request ceremonial support from the Navy to render military honors at eligible events.
Color Guards add dignity to any military-related activity, parade, or civic event by showing respect to our Nation and those who have served.
To have your event considered for support, please fill out a Request for Military Support in Public Events (non-aviation) DD Form 2536 and email it to bandsupport@us.navy.mil. Requests should be received at least 30 days prior to the date of your event to allow adequate processing.
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