Colonel Hal J. Gibson, Director Emeritus of the United States Army Field Band and member of the National Band Association’s “Hall of Fame of Distinguished Conductors,” was the initial recipient of the “Al and Gladys Wright Distinguished Legacy Award” in 2021. On May 3 of this year, Colonel Gibson will celebrate his 102nd birthday with Marie, his wife of almost 79 years.

This remarkable milestone in the life of Col. Gibson finds him still active with local bands and band directors in Oklahoma City as well as with civic activities in Edmond, OK, where he and Marie now live. Col. Gibson’s legacy of contributions to our profession spans nearly eight decades of work with school bands, university bands, the United States Army Field Band, community bands, and professional ensembles. That legacy continues to impact teachers and students across our country.

The National Band Association and its thousands of members wish Colonel Hal J. Gibson the happiest of birthdays as he celebrates 102 years of service to our country and our profession. Most certainly he is the personification of why the “Al and Gladys Distinguished Legacy Award” was established, and, as the initial recipient of that award, his life’s work will continue to be a standard by which future recipients will be measured.

Happy Birthday, Colonel!