The 44th Army Band at Spencer Theater

The 44th Army Band is New Mexico's "Musical Military Ambassador."  The unit's roots can be traced back to the "New Mexico Volunteers" of 1590, and served during significant periods of the nation's history, most notably during World War II as the 200th Coast Artillery Band. On April 9, 1942, the band surrendered to the Japanese thus earning the name "The Battling Bastards of Bataan." The band consists of: "Ballistic Brass" Ensemble, "Mariachi Nuevo Mexico," "M-9 Sax Pistols" Saxophone Quintet, "Green Chili" Roch Band, and "Zia Winds" Woodwind Quintet. 

Sponsored in part by: Susanne O'Malley, Betty & Jerry Leonard, Master Sergant-Ret. USAF Ty & Patricia Turner, Cecile & Fred Kinnan, Ingrid & Don Fowler, Melba Valdez & Don Jones, Donna & Jim Helms, Nancy and James Miller, Holly Braden & Jim Lester, Anonymous, Margana & Rob Huff, Debbie Myer, and Tex & Maryanne Crowell.