Beginning in 1633, in the Colony of Virginia, drummers performed for marching practice during militia drills. In 1659, the Dutch supplied the militia of their new colony with drums. In 1687, the importance of music to the militia was further demonstrated when Virginia voted to purchase musical instruments for its militia.

Drummers received money for their services and public funds furnished their instruments. The first known band in the colonies was a band in New Hampshire in 1653 comprising of 15 hautbois (oboe) and 2 drums.

The 13th Army Band is one of the 71 Reserve bands stationed throughout the United States and territories.

Band members are Citizen-Soldiers who serve their communities as students, teachers, administrators, clerks, police officers - or any of the trades and jobs you find in every community. They are your neighbors, your barber, or the individual answering your questions at the store. What makes them unique? They serve their country as Soldier's whose military mission is music.