_History of the Guam Territorial Band
In 1976, and probably even years prior, the Governor's Youth Band, was organized as a marching band to perform for the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Since then, the band has been an active part of musical life on Guam providing a service to the community. The Guam Territorial Band, as it is now known, is the Official Band of Guam.
The Band is continuing its service to the People of Guam. Graduations, Military Change of Commands, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Military Birthday Balls, Opening Ceremonies, Official Visits, and Village Fiestas are among the many venues the band has served over the years. Additionally, the band performs an anniversary concert in November and several public concerts during the summer and Christmas season – many of them free and open to the public.
The Band has had the distinct honor of performing for many heads of state and elected officials to include:
1986 -- President Ronald Regan
1997 – President Kuniwo Nakamura, Republic of Palau
1998 – President William Jefferson Clinton
2002 – President Fidel Ramos, Republic of the Philippines
2012 – Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court of the United States
The Band also serves as an educational outreach for those who desire more than what their school band programs provide. The Band has become a second home to many of the youth members through the years and has served as an anchor for those who experience the trials of teenage and college life.
The membership of the Band spans a vast age range from early adolescence through senior citizens. Each fall, an audition is held to maintain the high quality of musicianship. New members are welcome at anytime through the year.
OFFICIAL TOURS
Washington D. C. – 1976
CNMI – c. 1980
Australia – 1993, 2005, 2014
New Zealand – 1993
South Korea – 1995
The Republic of Palau – 1997
The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland) – 1998
Yaizu City, Japan – 1999Sydney, Australia - 2005
New York City – 2007, 2012
Toronto – 2007
Beijing & Shanghai - 2008
Elizabeth City, North Carolina – 2012
*Upcoming Planned Tours
HONORS AND AWARDS
1998 – 2nd Place – Marching Unit Category Lions Parade (UK)
2003 – Ambassadors-At-Large for Guam
2005 – Gold Award – Sydney Opera House
2007 – Silver Award – Carnegie Hall
2008 – Guam Delegation – Beijing Olympic Band
2012 – Showcase Ensemble – Carnegie Hall
2014 – Gold Award – International Music Festival – Sydney, Australia
2014 – Command Performance – International Music Festival – Sydney, Australia
The Band is continuing its service to the People of Guam. Graduations, Military Change of Commands, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Military Birthday Balls, Opening Ceremonies, Official Visits, and Village Fiestas are among the many venues the band has served over the years. Additionally, the band performs an anniversary concert in November and several public concerts during the summer and Christmas season – many of them free and open to the public.
The Band has had the distinct honor of performing for many heads of state and elected officials to include:
1986 -- President Ronald Regan
1997 – President Kuniwo Nakamura, Republic of Palau
1998 – President William Jefferson Clinton
2002 – President Fidel Ramos, Republic of the Philippines
2012 – Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court of the United States
The Band also serves as an educational outreach for those who desire more than what their school band programs provide. The Band has become a second home to many of the youth members through the years and has served as an anchor for those who experience the trials of teenage and college life.
The membership of the Band spans a vast age range from early adolescence through senior citizens. Each fall, an audition is held to maintain the high quality of musicianship. New members are welcome at anytime through the year.
OFFICIAL TOURS
Washington D. C. – 1976
CNMI – c. 1980
Australia – 1993, 2005, 2014
New Zealand – 1993
South Korea – 1995
The Republic of Palau – 1997
The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland) – 1998
Yaizu City, Japan – 1999Sydney, Australia - 2005
New York City – 2007, 2012
Toronto – 2007
Beijing & Shanghai - 2008
Elizabeth City, North Carolina – 2012
*Upcoming Planned Tours
HONORS AND AWARDS
1998 – 2nd Place – Marching Unit Category Lions Parade (UK)
2003 – Ambassadors-At-Large for Guam
2005 – Gold Award – Sydney Opera House
2007 – Silver Award – Carnegie Hall
2008 – Guam Delegation – Beijing Olympic Band
2012 – Showcase Ensemble – Carnegie Hall
2014 – Gold Award – International Music Festival – Sydney, Australia
2014 – Command Performance – International Music Festival – Sydney, Australia