This week, the 1st Marine Division Band performed at the Disneyland Resort in front of some of its most famous icons. On the 4th of July, the band performed in Avengers Campus on the upper level of Avengers Headquarters in Disney California Adventure. This was followed by its participation in the patriotic flag retreat at Disneyland a couple of hours later.
On July 5th, the band returned to the Disneyland Resort for two performances. The first was in the middle of the afternoon in Paradise Gardens Park. With Pixar Pal-A-Round in the background, the band marched into the park and performed several patriotic pieces before marching away. The full performance can be seen here:
Later in the afternoon, the band performed in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The band came out by the Little Red Wagon before marching around the Hub and positioning in front of the castle for its performance. After several patriotic tunes, the band then marched through the rest of the park up to it’s a small world.
In the evenings of both nights, breakout groups performed at different places in the parks. These will be covered separately. Here is a look at all of Daps Magic’s 4th of July videos from this year at the Disneyland Resort:
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1st Marine Division Band
The 1st Marine Division Band was founded in 1940 during World War II. It was a part of the Pacific Theater of Operations. During the beginning of the war, the band had to put down its instruments and be front-line troops for four months during the first ground offensive against Japan. The Division was then relieved at Guadalcanal and sent to Australia for rest and rehabilitation. It was in Australia that the band also resumed musical duties. The band played so frequently in Australia during the war that it affectionately became known as “Australia’s Own.” After the war, the band returned to the United States.
During the Korean War, the band once again saw action. When North Korean forces swam across the Nakdong River and attacked, the band had to hold their own. The band continued to see action during the Korean War. It was also pulled into the Vietnam War. The band would often perform during the day and then at night have guard duty overlooking the encampment for the 1st Marine Division headquarters. The band did see combat when a North Vietnamese platoon crept up on them, leading to hand-to-hand combat. This led to three dead band members and four wounded.
During the Persian Gulf War, the band was the first one to be ordered to the Persian Gulf. It also ended up being the only band to go to Kuwait. During the war, the band provided perimeter security, swept for mines, cleared paths through bunker systems, and helped secure battlefields. All of this was done while also providing musical support. After a seven-month deployment, the band returned to the United States and performed for each unit that returned home. Operation Iraqi Freedom saw the band return to the Persian Gulf and provide security. The band also performed throughout Iraq to boost morale. The band returned to Iraq multiple times and had both security and musical missions on these deployments.
The 1st Marine Division Band is made up of approximately 50 Marine musicians. The band provides musical support to the 1st Marine Division. It also performs for other tenant commands aboard Camp Pendleton, the area, and throughout the United States. The band performs as a military marching band, wind ensemble, jazz band, popular music group, jazz combo, brass band, woodwind quintet, brass quintet, and saxophone quartet. Each year, the band has around 400 engagements. Through the years this has included 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, the State Funeral for President Ford, the Tournament of Roses Parade, annual performances at the Center for the Performing arts, in Escondido, California, the Swallow’s Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano, and also performances at the Disneyland Resort.
What do you think of the 1st Marine Division Band’s performances throughout the Disneyland Resort for the 4th of July this year? Which one was your favorite? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
