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Capt. Daniel F. Toven assumed the duties of commander of The Army Ground Forces Band during a change of command ceremony today.
The Army Ground Forces Band provides musical support for U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) (www.forscom.army.mil).
Capt. Toven had been serving as the staff bands officer with FORSCOM's G-1 (Personnel) directorate.
"I am honored and humbled to be standing in front of you as the incoming commander of this world-class organization," he told all those attending the ceremony.
Capt. Toven told the FORSCOM commander, Gen. David M. Rodriguez, who attended the ceremony, "As your band, we will strive to accomplish our mission by always living the Army Values, by embodying the professionalism of the American Soldier, and by striving for excellence in everything we do."
Speaking to the band members, he said, "We are so fortunate to be able to put our passion for music at the service of our great nation. It is obvious that you care deeply about what you do and always strive to be the best Soldier/musicians you can be.
"I look forward to joining you in that pursuit of excellence--to working with you to find new and innovative ways to engage our audiences, both military and civilian, and taking the Army story and the story of the American combat Soldier to the American people.
"We have the skill and the means in the challenging times ahead to inspire and educate our audiences about the rich heritage of our Army as well as the continued relevance of our ground forces in the future fight."
Capt. Toven is from Union City, Pa., and has served in the U.S. Army since 2003.
Before assuming his new command, he served as executive officer of the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus, and he has also served as associate bandmaster of the U.S. Army Field Band in Washington, D.C.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Trombone Performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He also received a Master of Music degree in conducting from the Eastman School of Music.
The Army Ground Forces Band and its various ensembles travel the nation, performing free concerts at local, regional, and national events. The band also conducts master classes and clinics for music students at high schools and colleges around the country.
The 64 Soldiers assigned to The Army Ground Forces Band have passed highly selective auditions and are among the finest musicians in the Army Band Program.
