ABOUT THE BAND
“Go Army, Beat Navy”
The Army Spirit Band is a multi-faceted organization that supports the Corps of Cadets at large. The Army Spirit Band supports sporting events including: Army Football, Army Men’s/Women’s Basketball, Army Hockey, Army Sprint Football, Army Softball, Army Cross Country, Army Lacrosse, Army Men's/Women's Soccer, and Army Wrestling. In addition to sporting events the Army Spirit Band support the West Point Community through various outreach programs to include: Special Olympics, West Point School Book-fair, Hannibal's Birthday, and mentorship for O'Neil High School musicians. Starting out in the early 1900’s as a small hop band with a few violins, the Cadet Band has expanded throughout the years.
However, with the participation of the US Military Academy football team in Division I Athletics, the Cadet Band transformed itself into a Spirit Band that played at all football games, and helped cheer the Army team on to victory. By the mid-1980’s, the Cadet Band had secured its position as The Nucleus of Army Spirit at football games. From there, the Army Spirit Band increased its support to other venues and continued to grow.
The Army Spirit Band now prides itself on being cadet-run and administered, and accepts over 60 playing engagements every year. The Army Spirit Band travels across the continent to support fellow cadets and motivate Army fans across the full spectrum of Army sporting events. The Army Spirit Band has secured its own niche at the US Military Academy, and continues to be a source of motivation and inspiration for athletes, fans, and audiences of the Army team. From playing at home in beautiful Michie Stadium to “Rockin’ the Black & Gold” at Veteran’s Stadium in Philadelphia at the annual Army/Navy game, the Army Spirit Band can always be found at The Nucleus of Army Spirit and in the heart of the Corps of Cadets.