Bandmaster James B. Anderson and the National Capital Band made their final rehearsal of 2009 into a special event at the Adult Rehabilitation Center in Hyattsville, Maryland. At the invitation of Majors Paul and Dawn McFarland, the band changed its rehearsal venue from Divisional Headquarters to the chapel at the ARC on Monday, 7 December 2009, using the latter part of the rehearsal time as a mini-concert for the residents of the center.

The National Capital Band traditionally begins each season with a retreat held at Camp Happyland. This year, the retreat was held on 11 - 12 September. The retreat is a time for the members of the band to participate in some intense rehearsals, trying out new items for the season's repertoire, and also spiritual and social refreshment through fellowship.