The Alexandria Citizens Band is the oldest performing arts organization in the City of Alexandria. The band was organized in 1912 as the American Indian Guards Band. The original band consisted of about 40 young men, ages 16 to 18, who were the sons of members of the Improved Order of Red Men. The band's first public performance was at Alexandria's George Washington Birthday Parade on February 23, 1913. During World War I, a reduced number of members was able to hold the band together, with performances including send-offs of the troops at the railroad station. Until 1920 the group was known as the American Indian Guards.
In 1920 the band was reorganized as an adult community band under its present name. The re-organization was spearheaded by Lambert D. Sullivan, whose two sons, Earl and Jack, played in the band into the 1980s. Support for the band came from the business community as well as such fund raisers as lawn fêtes, raffles and shows.
Earl Sullivan (last row, third from left) played with the band through the 1980s. Dr. Nicklin, the founder, is seen at far left in the front row; Lambert Sullivan, who later reorganized the group, is holding the snare drum in the front row. At far right is the band's first director, Professor Pitt. (Photo courtesy Jack Sullivan)
From 1922 until approximately 1950, the band represented the Alexandria Fire Department at the annual state fireman's convention. The convention included a parade, in which each band headed its firemen's delegation, and a concert performance competition. In these years, the band won 12 first place awards, seven second and two third place awards.
Historical evidence has suggested earlier incarnations of the Alexandria Citizens Band. In an earlier form, the band played music at the funeral of General George Washington in December of 1799. There was also an Alexandria band entertaining Union troops during the American Civil War.
Although information about conductors and musicians prior to the 1990s is still being traced, in the modern day John Pickeral, Jr. conducted the band through 2001. Albert Hall conducted the band from 2002-2004. Tony Valenti picked up in 2004 for a short run with the band until 2005. John Pickeral then conducted the band until 2009, when Jack Dusek was selected to take his place.
The Alexandria Citizens Band today has approximately 35 members, men and women ranging in age from 20s to 80s, with full concert band instrumentation. The band rehearses and performs year round, but its busiest season is in the summer. Summer concerts are presented approximately every two weeks, on Friday evenings in Old town Alexandria. The band performs its first concert of the summer season in June at Fort Ward Park. It also performs at local community centers and retirement communities.
The band remains as a non-profit organization, and a significant portion of its operating capital comes from concert sponsors and the public in the community. The band is also a 2009 recipient of a grant from the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.
