126th Army Band
Wows Them in Ontonagon
 
Ontonagon - Thurday June 26th

The 126th Army Band gave their first performance of their 11 concert western U.P. tour. The band opened in Ontonagon last night and will complete their concert tour at the  Ironwood Theatre July 7th at 7:00pm. Amazingly this concert is free, however, it would be a great event at any cost.

(photo above the band warms up early in the afternoon)
People entering the theatre were greeted by music performed by the Brass Quintet whose members include;Members include: SFC Tim Bender NCOIC (Trumpet),
SPC Pat Buzzard (Trombone), SPC Will Karsten (Tuba), SPC Lisa Peterson (French Horn) and SPC Jeff Bender (Trumpet). The126th Army Band under the direction of
CW2 Jon R. Montgomery covers all the bases to insure that the audience receives more than they could ever expect.
 
above  Band conductor/Commander Chief Warrant Officer Jon Montgomery and members of the band take a bow at the conclusion of the performance
CW2 Jon MontgomeryChief Warrant Officer Jon Montgomery is a native of Reed City, Michigan, and serves as the Commander and Director of the 126 Army Band, Michigan Army National Guard. Chief Montgomery holds a degree in Music Education from Aquinas College.

Chief Montgomery entered the Army in 1989, as a saxophonist with the 126 Army Band and also served with the 108th Army Band in Phoenix, AZ. After a rigorous selection process, he was awarded command of the 126 Army Band in 2003. Upon graduation of Army Warrant Officer School at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he attended the Warrant Officer Band Leader Course at the US Army School of Music, Norfolk, Virginia.

As a professional jazz saxophonist, Chief Montgomery has performed with: The Temptations / The Four Tops / Aretha Franklin / Lou Rawls / Oak Ridge Boys / The Grand Rapids Symphony / The Silver Bullet Band / Lou Christie / Bob Hope / The Drifters and many others.

In addition to commanding the 126 Army Band, Chief Montgomery is a music teacher and band director in the West Michigan area.

Chief Montgomery's many awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Michigan Broadsword Service Medal and Arizona Service Ribbon.

 
FIRST SERGEANT: 1SG James Zwarensteyn

1SG James ZwarensteynFirst Sergeant Jim Zwarensteyn's many years of continuous service to the United States, State of Michigan and the 126 Army Band leaves no doubt that he has the experience, professional knowledge and education needed to lead our band's enlisted corps.

1SG Zwarensteyn enlisted in 1969, and since, has been awarded many military awards including, but not limited to, the Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Achievement Medal. He is a graduate of the Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer's Course.

During 1SG Zwarensteyn's tenure he has performed many duties including Section Leader, Ceremonial Band Director, Concert Band Director and Drum Major. While performing with or directing the band he has traveled to England, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Australia, Trinidad and the list goes on.

1SG Zwarensteyn holds a Masters degree from Central Michigan University and teaches music for the Sparta School District. He lives in Comstock Park, Michigan, with his wife Cathy and daughter Jill.
 
As expected the audience was treated to many military marched and patriotic songs, but the band includes rock, Latin, and other popular music in their concert. It was an great evening of entertainment.

(photo above the trombone section takes the lead in Corea's Spain/LaFiesta)
In photo above Sgt. Craig Dorin changes pace and gets lots of laughs as game show host, asking questions of audience participants. Below Sgt Dorin changes pace again as an accomplished singer, belting out blues number, Flip, Flop, Fly  (Jake/Elwood)
 
Sgt. Amy Gould (flutest) and SSG Andrew Schwaillier (Euphonium) demonstrate their versatility as vocalist singing "God Bless America"
The band plays a Medley of Military Service Songs. Members of the audience stood as the song representing their branch of services  was played. Drum Major Sgt J. Denslow saluted those audience members stood up
 
The band has performed throughout the United States, London, Italy, Trinidad & Tobago, Australia and Latvia for all branches of the Armed Forces and the State Department. For more information, check out our photo gallery or contact our unit administrator.

As the official military band of Michigan, unit members have enjoyed performing for many of the official State functions, such as the Governor's Inauguration, official visits of United States dignitaries including the President of the United States, and numerous foreign leaders.
 

The 126ths Remaining Schedule
Date: June 26, 2008
Event: Patriotic Concert
City: Ontonagon, MI
Location: Ontonagon Theater
Time: 7:00pm

Date: June 27, 2008
Event: Patriotic Concert
City: Houghton, MI
Location: Michigan Tech University Rozsa Center
Time: 7:00pm

Date: June 28, 2008
Event: Patriotic Concert
City: Crystal Falls, MI
Location: Crystal Theatre
Time: 7:00pm

Date: June 30, 2008
Event: Patriotic Concert
City: Calumet, MI
Location: Agassiz Park
Time: 7:00pm

Date: July 1, 2008
Event: Patriotic Concert
City: Iron Mountain, MI
Location: Municipal Lot - Hughitt and Iron Mountain Streets
Time: 5:30pm

Date: July 3, 2008
Event: Patriotic Concert
City: Marquette, MI
Location: Mattson Waterfront Park
Time: 6:00pm

Date: July 4, 2008
Event: Parade
City: Baraga, MI
Location: Downtown (4th of July Parade)
Time: 3:00pm

Date: July 4, 2008
Event: Patriotic Concert
City: Covington, MI
Location: Cultural Event Center Pavillion
Time: 9:00pm

Date: July 6, 2008
Event: Patriotic Concert
City: Escanaba, MI
Location: Ludington Park Band Shell
Time: 2:00pm

Date: July 7, 2008
Event: Memorial Ceremony
City: Bessemer, MI
Location: E.J. OAS Field - Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall
Time: 3:00pm

Date: July 7, 2008
Event: Patriotic Concert
City: Ironwood, MI
Location: Ironwood Theatre
Time: 7:00pm