Say Goodbye To the 77th Army Band During Farewell Concert in Lawton, Oklahoma

Civilians and military personnel will gather together to offer a heartfelt goodbye to Fort Sill's own 77th Army Band this month before the group officially disbands in October. A Farwell Concert for the 77th Army Band will take place at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the McMahon Memorial Auditorium in Lawton, Oklahoma.

After rumors were circulating that the 77th Army Band was being terminated, KSWO received an official confirmation of the 77th Army Band's disbandment on July 10. Below is the statement on the 77th Army Band KSWO received from the Fort Sill Public Affairs Office:

Army Senior leaders have decided, based on the Army’s needs, that four Army bands will be deactivated, including Fort Sill’s 77th Army Band, which is scheduled for inactivation in October, 2024.

The 77th Army Band has a storied history of excellence and service, and their contributions to Fort Sill and the Lawton community have been invaluable. The band will continue to support the local community as much as possible during this transition.

We understand this news may disappoint many, and we are committed to supporting the band members during this transition.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of Fort Sill and our Soldiers.

The announcement was disheartening to both Lawton civilians and Fort Sill military personnel. The 77th Army Band has been stationed at Fort Sill since 1955 and has since provided professional music to various events on Fort Sill and free concerts off post in the Lawton community and across Oklahoma. The 77th Army Band had annual concerts in Lawton, including a Veterans Day program and holiday concert, plus it participated in educational opportunities/concerts with Cameron University.

Sept. 20 will be the 77th Army Band's final public performance.

The Farewell Concert for the 77th Army band will take place Sept. 20 at the McMahon Auditorium. Doors are set to open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. The Farewell Concert for the 77th Army Band is free and open to the public.