The Disneyland Resort kicked off its 4th of July entertainment offerings today with the California Army National Guard 40th Infantry Division Band. A portion of the band performed on the Hollywood Backlot Stage at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. This was followed by the full band performing on the parade route later in the day. The Daps Magic team stopped by Disney California Adventure to film the 1:00 PM set that included some rock songs and also a fun rendition of I Wanna Be Like You from The Jungle Book. The band is one of several military bands that are performing at the Disneyland Resort throughout the 4th of July week.
California Army National Guard 40th Infantry Division Band | 1:00 PM Set | Disney California Adventure
The California Army National Guard 40th Infantry Division Band finds it origins going all the way back to 1886 when the formation of the 7th Infantry Battalion, California National Guard Band in Los Angeles, CA. This band would undergo multiple name changes through the years before eventually becoming its current iteration in 1985. Throughout its history, it has been activated by the Federal Government four times. This includes Mexican Border Service in 1916, World War I in 1917, World War II in 1941 (Bismarck Archipelago, Luzon and the Southern Philippines), and the Korean Conflict in 1950.
The 40th Division Band has had the honor of performing for Presidents, Governors and numerous celebrities in the community. It has the duties of aiding the morale and esprit de corps of the California National Guard and also participates community programs and in concert with music groups and bands of other branches of the Armed Forces. The band is made up of citizen soldiers and its performances showcase this.
The main headquarters for the 40th Infantry Division is in Los Alamitos, California. However, there are subordinate units that are stationed throughout Southern California, Northern California, Arizona, Nevada, Montana and Colorado.
The 40th Infantry Division Band has performed at Disneyland Resort before. This year marks the third year in a row that the band has brought its music to The Happiest Place On Earth. Below is a video of the band performing during the 4th of July festivities in 2022:
What do you think of the California Army National Guard 40th Infantry Division Band? Have you seen them perform live before? What is your favorite piece that they perform? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
