There's a first time for everything.

Never, ever, ever thought I'd do this. Ever.

I was a fleet bandsman. None of those special bands for me. No sir, I was the real thing, a salty, bag-band playing, urinal-cleaning fleet MU who earned every stripe the hard way. Those D.C. folks were a special, high-class, uppity breed of semi-civilians in sailor suits.

But my wife sees in the paper that the Sea Chanters are coming to our area. We really should go, honey, she says. These are your "peeps."



Merely touching these tickets makes me feel disloyal to the fleet.

I try to explain that the U.S. Navy Band 's Sea Chanters are not my peeps. It's not just that these are special bandsmen. It's not just that these kids were in junior high school Glee Clubs while I was conducting unreps on the Blue Ridge. It's not just that I was a real MU and these people are-- whatever they are. It's--it's hard to explain.

Okay, I'll admit it. I resent the Navy Band and all its units and personnel. It's not a baseless prejudice. I dislike them all for a good reason: they wouldn't take me.

So I'm torn. I should keep this all to myself. after all, I blog for the fraternity of Navy Musicians. I bring us all together. We are one. Kumbaya.

On the other hand, if I can't bitch, whine and moan, what's the point of having been an MU?

So, okay, I'll do it. I'll go to the Sea Chanters concert next week.

But I won't like it. I promise.