Taps

Taps. Taps. Lights out. All hands return to their racks and maintain silence about the decks.

Taps.

Ritardando

I am double-exhausted, triple-tired and still having a ball.

The dinner/dance has just ended, an affair that will long be remembered for the stirring performances by LCDR Kevin Bissell's Fleet Forces Band and a dance band of old MUs in suspenders sitting next to active duty MUs in crackerjacks.

Now, after a four memorable 25-hour days, it all winds down. Ambrose Clark and a staltwart crew of volunteers are tearing down the bandstand. Folks who won't see each other tomorrow are saying their farewells in the lobby.

We've taken the D.S and are heading towards the coda.

Tomorrow I'll start posting pictures. I'd do it know, but the reunion isn't really over; people are filing into the lounge for hugs, farewell toasts and perhaps a last chorus of "A Train."

The Thumpston legacy

Because MUCM Jim Thumpston, longtime Head of Advanced Courses at the School of Music, is gone now, it was a welcome surprise when his daughters, Laura Ann Thumpston and Charlotte Gomez, stopped by the hotel. Clearly, Jim passed on to his children his high standards of performance and low tolerance for those who fail to follow clear instructions.

Here, Laura Ann and Charlotte chastise me for a harmony assignment I submitted to Master Chief Thumpston in 1978, in which, through a lapse in judgment, I included consecutive fifths, which occur when two voices separated by the interval of a fifth, simple or compound, move in similar motion to another fifth, simple or compound, and one of them is not a perfect fifth, and is acceptable only between inner voices or an outer and inner voice.

In my current state of repentance, I am grateful that my error was not that of paralleI fifths, a sin far more severe and certain to cause an even higher level of Thumpstonion ire.

NMA general membership meeting -- election of officers

Because I've known NMA President Terry Chesson since 1977, we talk on the phone during year between reunions. We discuss the old days in Newport, shipmates, children, the lunacies committed by whatever U.S. president happens to be in office.

When our talks turn, as they will, to the Navy Musicians Association, I am always reminded of how much work our officers put in to making the NMA work. They meet during the year, run up phone bills and spent countless hours so that we may have a few days of camaraderie and music every year

Despite this, all members of the NMA Board of Directors have agreed to serve another term. The nomination to reelect the entire slate of officers was made and seconded.

The "aye" vote was resounding, there were no "noes.

Our officers were reelected by a unanimous vote. In consideration of their willingness to continue to serve, we now subject them to another few years of ceaseless complaining, bitching, moaning, questioning, harping, kvetching, grousing and otherwise maintaining the great traditions of Navy music.

NMA general membership meeting -- Gear

Equipment Manager Ambrose O'Donnell talked about the NMA's long-term goal of acquiring its own gear, to avoid having to borrow musical equipment.

Executive Vice-president Bob Leketa has long been generous in hauling his own equipment to reunions. Following Ambrose's presentation, Bob donated his keyboard and P.A. board to the NMA. Responding to the thanks from the general membership, Bob explained what he gets out of making this gift:

"Now I won't have to carry that stuff around anymore."

NMA general membership meeting -- San Antonio

The 2010 NMA reunion will begin Wednesday, June 23. Bob Leketa, who works all year to arrange our reunions, stressed that making early reservations directly affects his ability to negotiate the needs and the nice-to-have amenities we enjoy at reunions. The more guarantees a hotel has that X number of rooms will be filled, the better they are willing and able to cater to us.

Full details on making reservations will appear in the Leger Lines, and will also be posted soon at the Navy Musicians Association website.

NMA President Terry Chesson said he's played in San Antonio a few times while in the U.S. Navy Showband.  "While I'm looking forward to another visit," he said, "I'm not sure how much I want to be back on the bandstand after three days of green chili."

Liberty call

This, the last day of the NMA, will not be the busiest.

This afternoon the entire NMA will be on liberty until the dinner and dance this evening--no rehearsals or performances. It will seem strange, but Oh Boy, I can use the rest. Like many of us, I've been scrambling around here nonstop for days. Were an aerial photograph of this hotel to be taken this afternoon, you would see hundreds of little letter "z"s streaming out the windows.

Navy Lyres now enters into a news blackout period. This morning President Chesson will convene the annual meeting of the membership of the Navy Musicians Association. Upon its conclusion, I'll pass on the news; these meetings always provide a strong sense of where the NMA is and where it's going.

I know where I'm going. It involves coffee.

Wish you were here

In honor of our shipmates who couldn't attend the reunion this year, we're having a slam-bang hell of a time.

We know it's what you'd want us to do.

Business as usual

Center: Rabbit Simmons telling a sea story while John Pastin pretends to listen.
Right, front: John Fluck telling a sea story while Dick Bonenfant tries to stay awake.
Right, rear: Don Gamble looking for a band that needs a trumpet.

Unbelievable

A rare photograph of Lee Hudson, right, with his mouth closed.

Old friends, new members

First-timers are sometimes hesitant to join in the evening jam sessions in the lounge. This was not the case last night.

I am proud to have served in fleet bands with these two new NMA members, pianist Tom Wholley and bassist Max Murray.

I may have been Tom's instructor at the School of Music. Unfortunately, neither of us remember the experience.

I was Max's instructor at the school. Unfortunately, both of us remember the experience.

Full steam ahead

The lounge was packed last night, and I stayed up past midnight. Got up at six this morning, found coffee, stumbled to a 7AM rehearsal. More coffee, then concert band rehearsal. In a few minutes, rock band. Tonight a concert, then back to the lounge.

Active duty was a lot like this. I'm helping move equipment, tracking down people, wondering when I'll squeeze in a nap and, like many of us, running on fumes.

And trying not to dwell on the fact that tomorrow night this will be over.

I keep hearing voices

Every time I went somewhere, to the drugstore or just for a walk, I thought I was going crazy.

I heard people talking to me.

The guy carting his luggage across the parking lot into the hotel, the woman in the next booth at Denny's, the kids passing me on the sidewalk; every one of them had something to say to me.

Things like "Isn't it a gorgeous day," or "How are you today, sir?"

I'm back in Virginia.

Getting squared away

With a little practice, a lot of forgotten skills come back to you.

And some don't.

Crowd-pleasers in rehearsal

Navy Musicians Association ensembles play for the most attentive and appreciative audiences in the world: the NMA.

Things are going great

The big bands swing, the concert band is preparing a challenging concert, old friends holler at each other across the lobby, new members are getting into the routine and every night the action in the lounge gets more raucous.

Things couldn't be better; Lee Hudson hasn't arrived yet.

UPDATE: Somebody has reported seeing Hudbucket here at the Executive
Center. The truth of this rumor can be neither confirmed nor denied.

UPDATE 2: There is no joy in Virginia Beach. I have visually confirmed that
Milton Leander Hudson, the Enemy of Mankind, is here.

Pardon the blurred photo

I'd set up the shot perfectly, Wilbur Smith conducting the NMA Concert Band in "The Seafarers," a collection of sea songs.

But just as was ready to press the shutter button, "Sailor's Hornpipe" turned into "Eternal Father," and--I still don't understand this--my hands started to shake, probably because of the air conditioning, something got in my eye and I couldn't hold the damn camera still.

The present meets the Pastin

This morning I was tuning up for a 7AM big band rehearsal when I heard that John Pastin would be joining us. I hadn't seen him since we served together on staff at the School of Music 25 years ago. Excellent, I thought: this would finally give me the opportunity to tell a former leader of the United States Navy Band exactly what this fleet MU thought about that hoity-toity operation.

Then John walked into the rehearsal room, and all I wanted to talk about was long-lost friends, his son in the Great Lakes band and the time we were moonlighting on an evening cruise ship and I forgot my bass.

Funny how that works.

Tips for a pleasant stay at the Executive Center

When taking the elevator, press the button corresponding with the number of the floor you wish to go to. Do not press the button corresponding to the number of the floor you are on. Failure to observe this directive will result in extremely long delays.

The single-cup coffee maker in your room will provide you with a quick, steaming cup of joe as long as you remember to put the cup in the coffee maker. Omitting this step will provide the floor with a quick, steaming cup of joe.

When stopping at the front desk to leave a wake-up call for 6AM, be sure to give your own room number. This morning someone literally had a rude awakening.

A new pianist

Like all volunteer organization, the NMA is invigorated by its new members. And no one is more welcome than a new pianist; we never have too many, and often, too few.

While playing in the lounge last night, I looked up from the piano and was thrilled to see Tom Wholley walk into the room. I've had a deep respect for Tom's musicianship since we first served together in Newport. To hear him at the piano again is a pleasure.

The power of concentration

Single-minded devotion and sharp, focused attention to detail are the hallmarks of excellence.

Overheard in the lounge

"Let's take five; I have to take a quick whiz."

"Lucky you; at my age, there's no such thing as a quick whiz."

The Few, the Proud: the 14-year MUs

Most NMA members are either career MUs or one-hitchers. Few of us belong to that unusual group in between, the 14-year Navy MUs.

I belong to that rare and elite group, as does longtime NMA member Roy Mollenkopf.

Our paths didn't cross while we were on active duty, however. I joined the Navy in 1974, 13 years after Roy got out; Roy enlisted in 1947, a year before I was born.

A note to Jim Thumpston's daughter

This weekend, as we do every year, we will sing "Eternal Father" in remembrance of shipmates who passed away during the year since the last reunion.

One of those we honor this year will be Jim Thumpston--"Thumper"--who trained hundreds of MUs to take leadership posts in the Navy Music Program.

I was pleased, then, to hear today from Jim's daughter, Laura Ann Thumpston, who lives in the Tidewater area. Addressing us all, she wrote of her father's enjoyment of reunions of the Navy Musicians Association, adding,"Thanks for being his friend for all the years," along with her hopes that she might stop by the reunion this week.

I have replied:

Subject: Re: Thumpston
Sent By: frankmullen
On: June 24, 2009 11:32 AM
To: Laura Ann Thumpston
Copy to: Navy Lyres

Laura Ann,

Thank you for writing. I was hoping you knew about the reunion, but, of course, left my email addresses at home and realized I couldn't contact you.

Although the reunion is just getting started--old men have been lined up at the hotel registration desk all morning long--your dad's name comes up a lot. Some of us are hearing the news for the first time.

I hope you will be able to stop by the reunion sometime. Would you mind if I mention our email correspondence on the Navy Lyres website? NMA members who can't attend this year still follow the reports on the web, and I think many would like to know that you're thinking of us, just as we're thinking of Jim.

Frank

Rank hath its privileges

NMA President Parking Only

God is in his heaven . . .

. . . and all's right with the world.

First rehearsal

Don't we have any cymbals?

So you were in the Brooklyn band when what's-his-name, the trombone player, was drum major?

Let's get started, guys.

CINCLANT, '68 to '70 or '71.

Do we have an alto player?

Where's the second trombone book?

He couldn't make it this year, but he's coming to San Antonio.

Guys, could you get on the bandstand so we can see what we've got?

I haven't played since the last reunion.

How do you turn this amp on.

Where's CJ?

Anacostia.

Unit band 79.

Guys, could we get started?

Checking aboard

Debbie Holl doesn't remember how long she's run the registration desk at reunions of the Navy Musicians Association.

"About ten years," she says. "And I love every minute of it."

"No, I'm serious," she adds as she reads the skeptical look on my face. Why, I'm wondering, would anyone love managing the data bases, lists, sign-in sheets, goodie bags and dealing with the scores of MUs that parade past her desk during our reunions?

It's about the people, she says. Dealing with nervous newcomers is a challenge that Debbie particularly enjoys. "Every year we get new people who tell me they're afraid they won't know anyone," she says. "And by Friday night you see them standing in the halls laughing about some gig back in 1942."

A job like this takes a "people person," and that's what the NMA has in Debbie.

A rare, quiet moment at the registration desk

Reveille, reveille.

Up all hands--up all hands. Sweepers, man your brooms. Clean sweepdown, fore and aft.

Now reveille.

The reunion is off to a good start . . .

. . .considering it doesn't start until tomorrow.

It's a dirty job...

Always vigilant, the Board of Directors ensures that everything flows smoothly.

They know we're coming

It's still early . . .

. . . but this will change.

Traveling by air?

If you're flying to the Norfolk airport, arranging free transporation to the Executive Center is a snap.

A large display by the luggage carousel shows codes for various local hotels and motels. On the free phone, dial the code for the Holiday Inn Executive Center and a clerk here at the hotel will tell you when to expect the shuttle to arrive. Then grab your luggage, head out the door and remember you're back in the South. The shuttle will come. Believe me.

Hurry up and wait.

The sumptuous meal served aboard Northwest airline's flight 1848.

A-one and a-two

The downbeat is tomorrow, but the prep has begun.

Signs are going up, identifying the rooms we'll be using. I was glad to hear that Marshall Hawkins, our archivist, will be here this year. I always enjoy looking at and listening to the Navy music memorabilia he collects during the year.

A squad of volunteers is setting up the registration room. I stopped in and said hello to Deb Holl and Cecil Strange, but I couldn't get close enough to the desk to get a peek at what sort of bling will be in our registration packets this year.

Executive Vice-president Bob Leketa says we can expect up to forty members to arrive today. A preliminary jam session in the lounge tonight is a likelihood.

A friend of the NMA

Because I flew to the reunion, I had to leave my guitar at home; traveling with musical instruments nowadays can be an expensive gamble in which the pot you lose is your vintage 1968 Gibson E-335.

Terry Chesson solved the problem. He plays in a band with local musician Randy Matthews, who was willing to lend me a guitar for the week. (I spoke with him a few weeks ago; he's been playing with MUs in Virginia Beach since the 1960s: all the fun of Navy music without the sea duty.)

Terry and I just drove to Randy's home to pick up the guitar. I just tried it out, and it plays quite well; in fact, it plays better than I do.

Another first reunion

I talked with new NMA member Bob Kuhl an hour ago. This is his first reunion, and he wasn't sure what to expect. He hasn't played in a few years, was concerned that his chops wouldn't meet NMA standards, wondered whether he'd know anybody at the reunion.

Sound familiar?

I told Bob that I hadn't played in a decade before attending my first reunion. Then I introduced him to NMA president Terry Chesson, and within seconds they were talking about their experiences in the UNITAS band, places they'd played, shipmates they had in common.

Welcome aboard Bob and all first-time attendees. We're glad you're here.

The Dialy Popp - 23JNU09

Me stay up late last night.
Me wake up want coffee.
Me need coffee.
Me not want decaf.
Me not want french vanilla.
Me not want starbucks moca-jamoca happy smile blend.
Me want USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) CPO mess coffee.
Me go down to lobby get free coffee.
Me have cup coffee. Me have another cup coffee.
Everything be okay soon..

The Daily Poop -- Mon, 22JUN09 - Late Edition

-- Sorry for posting so late today. The length of my airplane trip was enhanced by delayed flights in Detroit. I reached the Virginia Beach Holiday Inn Executive Center in the early evening.

-- A few others were here already--John Branam (rehearsal director) and his wife, and Bill Allen (Leger Lines) and his wife, who cheerfully sells us raffle tickets each year. Cecil Strange is around and Terry Chesson has been in and out.

-- Hard to believe, but the weather here is cooler than it is in Illinois.

-- The rooms here have been upgraded since we were last here. On my dresser is a flat-screen television the size of a Fender Rhodes stage piano.

I'll post more tomorrow morning as the tempo begins its accelerando.

The Daily Poop - Sun, 21JUN09

-- While it's too far off for an accurate weather predictions for the NMA reunion, the NOAA weather forecast  for Virginia Beach during the reunion week is: golf.

For those who will be bringing their clubs: Wednesday and Thursday will be cloudy with temps in the 80s; Friday and Saturday have a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

-- I'm flying to Virginia Beach out of Moline, IL, tomorrow morning. I've never flown with a laptop before, and hope the Department of Homeland Security doesn't confiscate it or fry it with x-rays.

-- LCDR Ron van Hoose, as CO of the School of Music, used to tell each Basic Course graduating class, "As professional military musicians, how you look is as important as how you sound." Remembering these wise words, last night I did some last minute clothing shopping at Wal-mart. I will definitely look as good as I sound.

-- After posting the news that I had to miss the performance by Navy Band Great Lakes's rock group, Horizon, I heard from NMA member John Pastin that his son is Horizon's drummer. I always knew that John was a superb musician and leader, but I had no idea he was also the founder of a dynasty. All the more reason for me to catch Horizon's final show today. Those cursed thunderstorms are back in the forecast, but it's still early; we'll see.