The 188th Army Band - ND Army National Guard

06/22/2026

Our last tour stop was the Sibyl Center in Stanley, North Dakota. It’s been an awesome week, and we feel privileged to play for so many great people in wonderful communities throughout our beautiful state.

Cover Down Brass Ensemble and Flashbang Variety Band were the featured groups in Stanley.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day to the 188th Army Band dads! We appreciate you giving selflessly to your families and to our unit.

Today is the last day of Annual Training, so these guys will get home to their families real soon! 🇺🇸

06/20/2026

The 188th Army Band spent a wonderful day with the campers and staff at the International Music Camp. Nearly all of our Music Performance Teams had the opportunity to perform for this week’s campers, sharing a variety of musical styles and showcasing the versatility of Army musicians. Thank you Tim and Christine Baumann for being wonderful hosts, and to all of the campers and staff for the warm welcome and enthusiasm throughout the day!

06/20/2026

The 188th Army Band had the privilege of playing a concert in Cando at the historic Audi Theatre. The Concert Band, along with Top Down Saxophone Quartet and No Brass No Ammo Woodwind Ensemble performed for a wonderful audience on Thursday evening.

Thank you to the Cando Arts Council and American Legion Post 79 for hosting us! 🇺🇸

06/19/2026

Congratulations are in order for Specialists Matthias Bercier and Ben Peske!

Spc. Bercier received an Army Achievement Medal for earning a place on the Commandant’s List at Basic Leader Course. To qualify for this honor, Soldiers must be in the top 20% of their class.

Spc. Peske graduated from the Army School of Music as a 9M (percussionist) and has earned the official title of Army Musician. He received the 188th Army Band unit coin from 1st Sgt. DeAnn Fylling.

Congratulations, Soldiers! 🇺🇸🎶

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Spc. Ben Peske, who graduated from the United States Army School of Music today!

Spc. Peske is a percussionist who hails from Bismarck, ND. His hometown family and friends will get to see him perform one month from today, when the 188th marches the Mandan 4th of July parade! 🎆🇺🇸

Fun fact: Spc. Peske is also a talented pianist and bass guitar player! 🎸 

05/31/2026

Pictures from the beautiful North Dakota Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Program. The Cover Down Brass Ensemble is honored to support this event each year. 🇺🇸

Members include Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Johnson (Tuba), Staff Sgt. Gus Tandberg (NCOIC, French Horn), Sgt. Ben Helfrich (Musical Director, Trombone), Sgt. Natalie Helfrich (Trombone), Sgt. Andrew Bergan (Trumpet), Sgt. Jaden Rohrich (Trumpet), and Spc. Anson Chojnacki (Trombone)

📸 : Sgt. Amanda Fox, 188th Army Ban

05/30/2026

Our unit has the privilege of supporting the ND Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Program each year. This year was particularly special for 188th Army Band siblings Sergeants Ben and Natalie Helfrich, as they had the honor of singing the national anthem together!

People around North Dakota spent today paying tribute to fallen servicemembers. Veterans, friends and family gathered Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery for a Memorial Day ceremony.

05/11/2026

What a weekend! Every two years, the 188th hits the road to march in the Bismarck Band Night Parade and the Williston Band Day Parade.

The community support shown in these two cities is incredible. From start to finish, the roads are packed with people of all ages! 

The marching band is under the leadership of drum major, Staff Sgt. Zachary Fischer.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms who support our Army Band family!

We celebrate the mothers serving in our ranks, the wives holding down the homefront while their Soldiers are away, and the moms of our troops who continue to encourage and support them every step of the way.

Thank you for all you do! 🌺🌹🌼