The Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award acknowledges U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard enlisted musicians, and honors the memory of Colonel Finley R. Hamilton, U.S Army (Ret), who succumbed to cancer while serving as President of the National Band Association (NBA). The recipients of this distinguished award exhibit outstanding musical and leadership excellence.

The Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award is awarded in honor of Colonel Finley R. Hamilton who served 35 years in the Army Bands Program retiring from service as the Commander and Conductor of the United States Army Field Band. This award captures Colonel Hamilton’s dedication to the musicians of the armed forces and his tireless championing of outstanding musician leaders in service bands from all branches.