On a humid evening, one can hear instruments strumming, soldiers singing, and the chants of the crowd as they enjoy an engaging performance on the beach by the Soldiers from the 78th Army Band based out of Joint-Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

“I think it is very important that we get out here and connect with the public,” said Spc. Emily Green. “Especially with music, music is a great way to connect with people.”

One of the army band’s biggest priorities is connecting with the community and building a bond that shows the people that the Army supports them and it gets the people to want to support the Army as well.

“Through us, they can have that support, and can kind of muster that strength and kind of commitment between all of us and just come together as a community,” Green said.

Mainly what people know about the Army is what they see on television. 

“It is important that the bands make the connection with the people to help them get a better understanding of what we are about,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Greeson.

The Army band does many social events that are military related such as military balls and social ceremonies. 

“The other side of it is really being that public face for the Army and the armed forces to the community,” said Greeson.

Many civilian folks support the Army Soldiers and are interested in what they do whether have military family or not.

“They can connect with us and kind of see what their military is doing for them,” said Green, a Littlestown, Pennsylvania native.