106th Army Band

The history of the 106th Army Band traces back from the Spanish-American War, through the Mexican Border War, and World War I. In 1920, the band was reorganized as a National Guard unit as part of the 5th Arkansas Regiment. The unit was stationed in Marianna, Arkansas, during that period. The band later moved to Conway and eventually North Little Rock. On October 25, 1927, the band was federally recognized to be part of the Arkansas National Guard, officially designated “Band, Service Company, 153rd Infantry” at North Little Rock. The band was inducted into federal service on December 23, 1940, and stationed in North Little Rock. During World War II, the band was deployed to the Aleutian Islands to help defend against the invasion of Alaska. Since World War II, the 106th Army Band has supported a music mission in Arkansas with frequent performances for both military and public audiences. The band has served as a replacement band for regular Army Bands across the nation and in Panama. The 106th Army Band also marched in the Inauguration Parade for President William (Bill) J. Clinton in 1993. The band has recently been to Guatemala to collaborate with the military there through the Army National Guard’s State Partnership Program.

The unit’s 44 members, from four states, serve in various capacities in the concert band, jazz band, ceremonial/ marching band, rock band, two brass quintets, and other small ensembles.

106th Army Band Conductors

CW2 William “Stony” Evans, Commander, Conductor

CW2 William “Stony” Evans began his military career on April 8th, 2002 when he enlisted into the Arkansas Army National Guard as a SPC with the 106th Army Band. He was commissioned in June of 2020 with the Adjutant General branch while attending the WOCS RTI Program at Fort Leonard Wood and Camp Cook, MO. He assumed Command of the 106th Army Band in August of 2020. He completed WOBC at the US Army School of Music in Virginia in November of 2021 and WOAC in November 2023. CW2 Evans earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Ouachita Baptist University. He earned a Master of Music Education from the University of Central Arkansas. Mr. Evans also holds a Master of Library Media and Information Technology degree from the University of Central Arkansas and a Master of Library Science from the University of North Texas. Mr. Evans was selected as the NGAA 2022 Company Grade Warrant Officer of the Year. For his full-time civilian job, he serves as the Assistant Director of the Saline County Library in Benton, Arkansas. He and his wife, Cindy, reside in Bauxite, Arkansas.

First Sergeant Kristopher F. Perkins

Senior Enlisted Leader

First Sergeant Kristopher F. Perkins enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard on March 8th, 2009. He attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, KY graduating 2nd in his class and was assigned to the 106th Army Band where he has served for 15 years. His military education includes Warrior Leader Course (Commandant’s List), Advanced Leader Course (Distinguished Honor Graduate and Distinguished Leadership Award), and Senior Leader Course (Commandant’s List). 1SG Perkins was also awarded the Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Musician Award in 2016. 1SG Perkins’ military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (6 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (3 OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Arkansas National Guard Service Ribbon, Arkansas Recruiting Ribbon, and the Arkansas State Partnership Program Ribbon. In addition to his military service, 1SG Perkins has completed 16 years in education, 6 years as a music educator and 10 years in school administration. 1SG Perkins currently serves as Head Principal of Lewisburg High School in Olive Branch, MS. He lives in Olive Branch, MS with his wife, Jennica, and his two sons, Jackson and Jordan.

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