Bands of Sisters
Subtitle
U.S. Women's Military Bands during World War II
On Saturday, November 14, 1944, radio listeners heard an enthusiastic broadcast announcer describe something they had never heard before: Women singing the "Marines' Hymn" instead of the traditional all-male United States Marine Band. The singers were actually members of its sister organization, The Marine Corps Women's Reserve Band of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Today, few remember these all-female military bands because only a small number of their performances were broadcast or pressed to vinyl. But, as Jill Sullivan argues in "Bands of Sisters: U.S. Women's Military Bands during World War II," these gaps in the historical record can hardly be treated as the measure of their success.
Bio
Jill Sullivan is an associate professor of instrumental music education in the School of Music in ASU's Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Praise for this book
Bands of Sisters presents a wonderfully informative look at the long-overlooked contributions of women's military bands during World War II. Jill Sullivan's careful and exhaustive research provides both a great read and an invaluable addition to our wind band legacy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to all who are interested in the history of bands and band music in America.
Dr. Paula Crider President, The American Bandmasters Association; Professor Emerita, The University of Texas
Jill Sullivan's diligent research brings to light a previously undocumented and unique contribution to the war effort. Her Bands of Sisters is a fascinating read which finally credits the efforts of thousands of women military musicians during World War II.
Colonel John R. Bourgeois Director Emeritus, The United States Marine Band, "The President's Own"
