Unit Information

The mission of the 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull'' Band is to promote the interests of the state of Minnesota and enable commanders to shape the environment to accomplish their mission. Furthermore, the band strives to set the conditions that lead to trust and confidence in America’s Army and the missions of the Minnesota National Guard. Based in Rosemount, MN, all soldiers in this unit are a part of the “Red Bull” Concert Band. Personnel are then split into different Music Performance Teams (MPTs) to best fit the necessity of each mission.

The 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band provides music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad.

Officially organized 30 April 1900, the 34th Infantry Division Band has proudly served state and nation for over 114 years, seeing service in WWI, WWII and the Global War on Terrorism. Whether performing for the public, supporting military ceremonies, or entertaining US Service members and our allies the Soldier-Musicians of the Red Bull Band are honored to serve in one of the US Army's most respected Divisions.

The 34th Infantry Division Band is credited with participation in the following campaigns:

• • WWI

• • Tunisia 1942-1943

• • Naples-Foggia 1943-1944

• • Anzio 1944

• • Rome-Arno 1944

• • North Apennines 1944-1945

• • Po Valley 1945

• • Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraqi Sovereignty

In recognition of the achievements of the 34th Infantry Division Band the unit has earned the French Croix de Guerre (WWII), the Meritorious Unit Citation (Iraq), and the Colonel George S. Howard Citation for Musical Excellence.

The 34th Infantry Division Band maintains an active performance schedule, to include many free public performances throughout the state of Minnesota. The Red Bull Band has been a featured group at the Minnesota Music Educators Conference, the Minnesota Band Director's Association Summer Workshop, as well as the International Tuba Euphonium Conference where the band accompanied 6 internationally renowned soloists. Other events include: Minnesota State Fair, Minneapolis Aquatennial, St. Paul Winter Carnival, Anoka Halloween Parade, and Vikings, Twins, Wild, University of Minnesota Gopher and Timberwolves sporting events.

As a US Army Band, the unit is available upon request to perform concerts, clinics, classes, presentations and joint performances completely free of charge. Although the unit makes every attempt to support every request, due to the high volume of inquiries requests are granted on a first come-first served basis. It is recommended to submit requests as far in advance of the performance as possible, however, all requests will be considered. Please contact the unit for more information.

The 34th Infantry Division Band currently offers the following Musical Support Teams:

• • Red Bull Concert Band (50 musicians)

• • Red Bull Ceremonial and Marching Band (50 musicians)

• • Red Bull Jazz Band and Combo (20 musicians)

• • North Star Brass Quintet (5 musicians)

• • Red Devil Rock/Pop Band (5-10 musicians)

• • Cover Fire Country Band (5 musicians)

• • Rampage Brass Band (10 musicians)

• • M-Saxteen Saxophone Ensemble (5 musicians)

• • 34th Infantry Division Duty Buglers (4 musicians)

• • 34th Infantry Division Vocalists (5 musicians)

2022 Accomplishments

2022 began with a rebuilding and reconnection with civilian and military personnel after a time of low contact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This support was Soldier-focused to start, including the Camp Ripley Court of Honor and the Warhammer, RSG, & ECAB Ball events. Throughout the year, we were able to reconnect with civilians while providing music for events like the Camp Ripley Choral Retreat, several performances at Minnesota Twins baseball games, the Winona Steamboat Days Parade, and performances at the Minnesota State Fair. By the end of the year, support for musical missions throughout the state returned to full levels, unseen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

During the past year, the 34th ID “Red Bull” Band accomplished 32 successful missions in the state of Minnesota, supporting all areas of operation requested. The unit trained diligently in preparation for the updated Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), accomplishing a 93% pass rate. This year also brought updated unit-level training and qualifying under the new Individual Weapons Qualification (IWQ).

2023 Objectives

During the upcoming training year, the 34th ID “Red Bull” Band will continue to focus on its Soldiers and their Families and continually increase the musical standards of the Army Bands. This will be our Operational Readiness Evaluation (ORE) year, in which music leaders from the National Guard Bureau will evaluate every aspect of our readiness and training plans for the following five years. We expect to set the standard for National Guard Bands in all categories. Red Bulls, “Attack, Attack, Attack!”