Theft thwarts U.S. Army Field Band's Veterans Day performance plan

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The United States Army Field Band is trying to keep the show going after several instruments were stolen as they passed through Houston.

Eight high-end brass instruments were stolen from their van, parked inside the garage at the Double Tree Suites near the Galleria. Soldiers in the Brass Quintet had to cancel their Veterans Day performance at Texas A&M Kingsville.

"It's very disheartening," SFC Ward Yager says. "Everybody ran out to the van to see what was there. A few items were tossed around and a few items had been left, so it was obviously very quick."

According to the Houston Police Department, one band member went back to the van just before 11pm Monday -- too late to catch the thief, but just in time to see the damage.

"Our French horn player has had that - it's an Army-issued instrument - but he's had it for 16 or 17 years," Yager says, "That's what he's played on all around the world. It really affected all of us."

However, in true Army style, the soldiers are pushing forward, continuing their tour across the country.

"Instead of performing, we went and did master classes with the students," Yager says, "They played for us and we worked with them."

Some musicians are able to use back-up instruments and spares. The full 100-member band and choir is traveling to San Antonio next. They hope whoever stole their instruments has a change of heart.

Below is a list of the stolen instruments, along with their make and model as well as the serial number.

Instrument -- Make/Model -- Serial number

B-flat Trumpet -- Blackburn -- 676

C Trumpet -- Blackburn -- 143

Piccalo Trumpet -- Scherzer Rotary -- 316181scherzer99

C-Tuba -- Hirsbrunner HBS-390 -- 44355

French Horn -- Engelpert Schmid Eb Alto Triple -- 1172

Trombone -- Edwards Tenor Trombone -- 505003

Bass Clarinet -- Buffet Prestige -- H41614

Alto Clarinet -- Buffet RC Prestige -- H43483