In 1956, the U.S. Army Chorus was established as the vocal counterpart of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" and is one of the nation's only professional, all male choruses. From its inception, The U.S. Army Chorus has established and maintained a reputation of excellence in the performance of male choral literature. Beyond the traditional military music and patriotic standards, the repertoire of the Army Chorus covers a broad spectrum which includes pop, Broadway, folk, and classical music. The U.S. Army Strings, a premier ensemble of the U.S. Armed Forces, provides a musical backdrop for many of the country's most notable events. Its mission is to serve as musical ambassadors for high level military and government events at home and abroad as well as in concert for public audiences. The twenty elite musicians that comprise this ensemble have been trained at the most prestigious music conservatories and universities in the country. Free of charge.