NMA Reunion -- We Approach the Coda

 This has been a wonderful, busy, rewarding reunion.

Our "on the road" reunions tend to be smaller than our Virginia Beach "homeport" get-togethers. But small does not mean "bad." To the contrary, a roadshow reunion attracts members who have difficulty traveling to the East Coast. To put it simply: You'd be surprised to learn how many MUs are from Kansas.

Everyone worked hard this week. Many of us played in both the dance band and the concert band. Chops were sometimes tired, but hearts worked overtime. Last night's Concert Band performance succeeded not only in entertaining the audience but in presenting a varied musical experience. Picture the American Legion March followed by Don Keller's smooth and soulful flugelhorn rendition of "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most."

The reunion continues. In a few hours, we'll meet one last time for dinner, dancing, and, likely, a bit of speechifying. We don't have an active-duty band to play for us, but Ray Ascione has formed an NMA ceremonial band that will serenade us with a patriotic opener for the evening.

And tomorrow, we'll say goodbye. Many members have early flights home, and will say farewell tonight.

No, the reunion isn't over, but my postings now come to a close. I, too. must leave in the morning and won't have time to contact you. But I'll be home soon, unpacking and already reminiscing about the hard work, sea stories, and music that marked the 2025 NMA Reunion.

And when I'm settled in back home, I'll have time to post a more complete report.

Fair winds, friends from Kansas City. See you soon...

Frank

 

Fri. Afternoon - NMA Reunion -- Liberty Call

Don Keller and Randy Martell are
planning something or other.

We're done rehearsing. The NMA Concert Band had a long session this morning in preparation for tonight's concert, and with that: Liberty.

Our first free afternoon offers the opportunity for sightseeing, relaxation, and leisurely dining. While the hotel restaurant here is quite good and convenient, I've seen groups of MUs gathering in the lobby and lounge in preparation for a trip to experience the cuisine for which this town is noted.

Let's face it: Kansas City is the Meat Capital of the United States.

Wed Afternoon -- NMA Concert Band

 Our concert band probably isn't the biggest band in Kansas City, nor is it the most famous.

But, in a certain way, it's the best; so good that people fly in from across the country just to play in it.

Conductor Ray Ascione herds the cats. 

It's a pay gig, though the compensation doesn't come in dollars. We're paid with the satisfaction that comes from sitting down with our shipmates and doing our very best to support each other. That's what you'd expect, and what you'd need, from this diverse group of full-time professionals and community concert band volunteers.

This is not to say that our first rehearsal was perfect. A band that plays together but once a year can take some time to settle into a comfortable groove. 

The payoff will come at our Friday-evening performance. It's always amazing to realize what we can accomplish in just a few days. We may not have much rehearsal, but we've got a lot of experience.   

Wednesday a.m.-- NMA Reunion is underway.

Passing hotel guests often ask how we can possibly play this early in the day. 

My answer is simple: "Haven't you ever heard the term 'Morning Colors?'"

Tuesday Night -- Reunion Prep

Storms have delayed fllights across the Midwest. Since Kansas City is the literal definition of "The Midwest," some of our friends haven't arrived yet.

But, loyal shipmates stand the watch, prepared to welcome our comerads with open arms.

Jim Heyward and Art Swanson aren't only Navy Band alumni; they toured the country as civilian musicians. 

Charlie Sweet tries to figure out whatever Doyle Church is trying to figure out.

Tuesday Afternoon II -- NMA Reunion Blog

I checked into the Kansas City Airport Hilton late yesterday afternoon. It was evening before I'd unpacked and cleaned up, so I headed downstairs to look around to see if anyone was here yet.

I didn't have to look for long.

Don Keller and Rany Martell discuss trumpet
mouthpieces. Some people find this sort of
discussion absolutely fascinating. These
people are called Don Keller and Randy Martell.