Bands of Sisters U.S. Women's Military Bands during World War II

Initially employed by the U.S. military to support bond drives during World War II, all-female military bands drew enough spectators for the bands to be placed on tour, raising money for the war and boosting morale. The strong bond fostered by youthful enthusiasm and the rare opportunity to serve in the military while making professional caliber music continued long after the war, and would come to last some sixty years. Based on interviews with more than seventy surviving band members, Bands of Sisters tells the tale of this remarkable period in the history of American women.

Jill M. Sullivan is associate professor of instrumental music education at Arizona State University.