"The Governor's Band" 199th Army Band New York Army National Guard Bldg. 84, Camp Smith, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567-5000 Phone: (914) 788-7336

UNIT HISTORY

The 199th Army Band, also known as "The Governor's Band;" is the premier musical organization of the New York Army National Guard. "The Governor's Band" lineage dates back to 1853, when it was organized as the band of the famed 7th Regiment of Infantry, New York Militia. The Band is permanently based at Camp Smith, in Cortlandt Manor, New York. The 199th Army Band is presently the oldest active Band in the National Guard System.

The 199th Army Band is a reserve component of the United States Army. Members of the unit meet a minimum of 1 weekend a month and 15 consecutive days a year. The unit is comprised of musicians who are employed in various civilian career fields and come from many regions of New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland and Canada.

"The Governor's Band" performs extensively throughout New York State supporting community, civic, and military events. The 199th performs 40 performances on average and travels over 5000 miles a year. Performances include: the New York State School Music Association Conference, Albany, New York; Jerusalem 3000, New York City; EANGUS National Convention, Niagara Falls; New York Giants Half-time, Giants Stadium, Chautauqua Institution; departure and homecoming ceremonies for units throughout the State and with Mike Burstyn, Ira Heller, and Restless Heart. More recently, the band has performed high profile performances filling in for the 1st ID Band in Bamberg, Germany. opening ceremonies for NASCAR at Watkins Glen and a very successful concert for the All-Army Bandmasters Clinic and the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, VA. The 199th Army Band is lead by: Chief Warrant Officer Joseph A. Martellaro and 1SG Marcus Folts.

For more information on how you can become a member of the 199th Army Band contact:
SFC Peter Bellanca, Readiness NCO
peter.bellanca@ny.ngb.army.mil