Alexandria Citizen's Band

The Alexandria Citizens Band was organized in 1912 as the American Indian Guards Band, though there may be evidence of the Alexandria Band performing back as far as for George Washington's funeral in 1799. The original band consisted of about 40 young men, age 16 to 18, who were the sons of members of the Improved Order of Red Men. The band's first public performance was at Alexandria's George Washington Birthday Parade on February 23, 1913. In 1920 the band was reorganized as an adult community band under its present name.

Bandmaster John Pickeral Jr. directed the band through 2001, and has resumed leadership since 2006. Today's Alexandria Citizens Band has approximately 50 members ranging in age from 20s to 80s, with full concert band instrumentation. The band rehearses and performs year round, but its busiest season is in the summer, where the band performs in Old Town Alexandria and at Fort Ward Park. It also performs at local shopping centers, church functions, and retirement homes. The band members also comprise other ensembles, including a Swing Band and a clarinet choir.

Visit our website at www.band.alexandria.va.us/

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