Incidentally, this was Carl's last performance before his upcoming retirement. Congratulations to our NMA shipmate, who, we hope, will now be able to attend our reunions without having to leave on Friday mornings to get back to Newport for military gigs!
Frank Mullen's very unofficial source of poop, skinny and bitching for present and former U.S. Navy Musicians.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Merry Christmas to the Fleet
The professionalism of our active-duty bands is on full display in this video of Navy Band Northeast's 2014 Holiday Concert at the Naval War College, Naval Station Newport, LCDR Carl Gerhard conducting.
Incidentally, this was Carl's last performance before his upcoming retirement. Congratulations to our NMA shipmate, who, we hope, will now be able to attend our reunions without having to leave on Friday mornings to get back to Newport for military gigs!
Incidentally, this was Carl's last performance before his upcoming retirement. Congratulations to our NMA shipmate, who, we hope, will now be able to attend our reunions without having to leave on Friday mornings to get back to Newport for military gigs!
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
The Pearl Harbor Cornet
Petty Officer Second Class William Harten, Jr. wasn't a gunner, pilot or landing party leader. He was a musician. While in training at the Navy's School of Music in Washington, DC, he'd played his cornet at President Roosevelt's inauguration. Now, in December of 1941, Bill was attached to the band aboard the USS West Virginia, serving as cornetist, assistant bandleader and communications specialist.
And on December 7, he became something more.
As the bombs fell and the West Virginia went down, Bill jumped overboard. Swimming towards Ford Island, he spotted a panicked, drowning sailor amid the debris. Although exhausted and choking on the fumes of the fires of hell that surrounded him, he changed his course and pulled the sailor to safety.
People like this are called heroes and are rightly honored with medals and decorations. But a few days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, MU2 Harten received a singular, unprecedented award. At his request, a Navy diver who was making an underwater survey of the West Virginia found his way to Bill's storage compartment and rescued his cornet.
Bombs, fire and water had taken most of the valves, tubing and fittings from the horn. It was now useless as a musical instrument but, in a certain sense, valuable beyond measure.
Throughout Bill's long life he served as a bugler at civic events and veterans' funerals. Of course, on these occasions he used a working instrument. But his old cornet saw duty, too, serving for decades as a vivid reminder to all who saw it--on television, in newspapers and at patriotic observances--of the realities of war and the nobility of service.
And, as Bill always admitted, a reminder of a special grace that kept him alive on that day of infamy.
.jpg) |
| The Pearl Harbor Veteran's Cornet |
As the bombs fell and the West Virginia went down, Bill jumped overboard. Swimming towards Ford Island, he spotted a panicked, drowning sailor amid the debris. Although exhausted and choking on the fumes of the fires of hell that surrounded him, he changed his course and pulled the sailor to safety.
People like this are called heroes and are rightly honored with medals and decorations. But a few days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, MU2 Harten received a singular, unprecedented award. At his request, a Navy diver who was making an underwater survey of the West Virginia found his way to Bill's storage compartment and rescued his cornet.
Bombs, fire and water had taken most of the valves, tubing and fittings from the horn. It was now useless as a musical instrument but, in a certain sense, valuable beyond measure.
Throughout Bill's long life he served as a bugler at civic events and veterans' funerals. Of course, on these occasions he used a working instrument. But his old cornet saw duty, too, serving for decades as a vivid reminder to all who saw it--on television, in newspapers and at patriotic observances--of the realities of war and the nobility of service.
And, as Bill always admitted, a reminder of a special grace that kept him alive on that day of infamy.
Photo courtesy of Valerie H. Briggs, © 2001. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Read a more complete story of Bill Harten's experiences at TapsBugler.com.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving
Soon enough, we'll be swept up in the rivalry of the Army-Navy Game. But today we sit together and give thanks for all who serve.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Vets may be humble, but numbers don't lie.
Originally published
Rock Island Argus &
Moline Dispatch
Nov. 6, 2014
"Oh, I was just an Army pay clerk," a veteran may tell you."I worked in the ship's galley for two years and rose to the exalted position of assistant cupcake baker," another might say.
Hollywood portrays veterans as warriors charging out of foxholes or peering through periscopes shouting “Fire torpedo one!” So when a former soldier or sailor says he didn’t shoot guns or command submarines, we may conclude he’s not a “real” vet.
Veterans may be humble about their service, but numbers don’t lie.
Consider a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. On a typical cruise this behemoth carries a crew of 5,000. That's more people than live in my hometown. And just like Aledo, Ill., it takes a lot of people to keep this community in business.
Cooks work around the clock. You would, too, if you had to serve 15,000 meals a day.
Offices full of clerks maintain the crew's pay and personnel records. An entire laundry staff washes clothing. This is a crucial service. I was on a ship in the Indian Ocean when an electrical problem shut down the laundry room for a few days. Nothing is as destructive to morale as living in a sealed metal container full of people wearing yesterday's underwear.
Our crew's physical and spiritual needs require doctors, corpsmen, chaplains and religious program specialists. And counselors, too; sometimes the recipient of a "Dear John" letter needs someone to talk to.
These people take care of the crew's needs. Now let's look at those who run the ship.
A carrier is in constant motion, so quartermasters are at the helm day and night, steering the ship under the captain's orders based on the calculations of teams of navigators. Down below, the engine room is always staffed. At sea, some jobs are never completed. At home, when you finish painting your living room, you sit down and bask in glory. Sailors don't bask, for the sea is the enemy of paint. When a working party finishes a painting project, they scrape off the paint, prime it and start over again.
These people, and many more, constitute the 3,000 crewmen needed to keep a carrier in operation. But there's another group we haven't looked at yet.
An aircraft carrier is a weapons platform, designed to carry airplanes to the far reaches of our oceans. The Carrier Air Group adds another 2,000 residents to our floating city. Here we have structural mechanics, engine repair specialists, air traffic controllers, fire fighters, weapons technicians.
And pilots. Our ship hosts perhaps 100 pilots who fly combat and support missions. Getting these few pilots where they’re needed is the entire reason the carrier exists.
So it takes 4,900 people to get 100 pilots up in the air. That's 49 mechanics, nurses, missile technicians and shopkeepers for each pilot.
Yes, pilots risk their lives with every flight, but at sea, all are at risk. An enemy's bomb doesn't distinguish between pilot and tailor, between captain and dentist. A sinking ship treats everyone equally.
As a former Navy bandsman, I know this all too well. Navy musicians, like bakers and pay clerks, go in harm's way. When fire and death rained from the skies above Pearl Harbor, among the first to die were the musicians of the USS Arizona's band, all of whom died passing ammunition at their battle stations.
These were not "just" musicians, as no veteran was "just" a translator, "just" an infantryman, photographer or deckhand. Each veteran gave fully of his or her time, talent and devotion, not for glory, but for our nation’s cause.
And each deserves our respect.
© 2014 Frank Mullen III
Saturday, November 1, 2014
And now for something completely different.
Here we have a video of a Navy unit--presumably Navy Band Southeast--playing an Oktoberfest concert in Jacksonville Beach. All pretty standard, except the audience is...well, unusual.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Liberty Call: Olongapo City
It's time to hit the beach.
You walk out the gate, cross S**t River and ignore the opportunity to turn right on Gordon Ave., where the officers congregate. This puts you on the second block of Magsaysay Drive, where this 1989 travelogue begins.
You're only a block or so from the 7th Fleet Band's favored hangout, Bea's Musical Lounge. It's likely you'll stop in and see if your shipmate's are hanging out. Maybe a jam session is happening.
It's also likely you'll walk past Bea's and seek other adventures.
After all, you're on liberty in Olongapo City and the night is young.
You walk out the gate, cross S**t River and ignore the opportunity to turn right on Gordon Ave., where the officers congregate. This puts you on the second block of Magsaysay Drive, where this 1989 travelogue begins.
You're only a block or so from the 7th Fleet Band's favored hangout, Bea's Musical Lounge. It's likely you'll stop in and see if your shipmate's are hanging out. Maybe a jam session is happening.
It's also likely you'll walk past Bea's and seek other adventures.
After all, you're on liberty in Olongapo City and the night is young.
Friday, July 4, 2014
USN Fleet Forces Band: "The Stars and Stripes Fovever"
When we're lucky enough to have an active-duty ceremonial band perform at our reunion, NMA President Terry Chesson always welcomes them with a warning, basically, "You're about to get applause like you never got before."
And why shouldn't this be so? We're honored to have a Navy band play for us; they're our brothers and sisters. We recognize excellence in performance; we're musicians. And we know the challenges of ceremonial band performance; we're MUs. We've all stood in formation on piers and quarterdecks, in hangers and ballrooms.
On June 28, 2014, the ceremonial unit of the United States Navy Fleet Forces Band performed for us. President Chesson, as always, warned them of the reception to come. Their performance, as always, earned our enthusiastic response. After the concert, as always, we wandered the ballroom in a collective daze, asking each other, "My god, could we have possibly sounded this good when we were in uniform?"
Here's their performance of "The Stars and Stripes Forever." I originally planned to post only the trio, because the piccolo soloist is so...I don't know, "outstanding" seems a little weak. You have to hear and see for yourself what he brings to the world's most well-known piccolo solo. But then I decided to include the previous breakup strain for context. Then I had to include the ensuing breakup strain so you could hear the applause. Then I wanted you to hear the band's balance and precision in the first strain, their dynamics and--
Here's the whole damn march.
And why shouldn't this be so? We're honored to have a Navy band play for us; they're our brothers and sisters. We recognize excellence in performance; we're musicians. And we know the challenges of ceremonial band performance; we're MUs. We've all stood in formation on piers and quarterdecks, in hangers and ballrooms.
On June 28, 2014, the ceremonial unit of the United States Navy Fleet Forces Band performed for us. President Chesson, as always, warned them of the reception to come. Their performance, as always, earned our enthusiastic response. After the concert, as always, we wandered the ballroom in a collective daze, asking each other, "My god, could we have possibly sounded this good when we were in uniform?"
Here's their performance of "The Stars and Stripes Forever." I originally planned to post only the trio, because the piccolo soloist is so...I don't know, "outstanding" seems a little weak. You have to hear and see for yourself what he brings to the world's most well-known piccolo solo. But then I decided to include the previous breakup strain for context. Then I had to include the ensuing breakup strain so you could hear the applause. Then I wanted you to hear the band's balance and precision in the first strain, their dynamics and--
Here's the whole damn march.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Fly Me to the Moon--It Would Be Quicker
I know I promised to post more about the NMA reunion when I returned to Illinois, but it's taken a while to recover from the flight home. While my ticket promised a short flight to Atlanta, GA, and another to Moline, IL, it did not include all the details or a definition of the word "short."
I boarded the plane in Norfolk, fastened my seat belt and the captain informed us we weren't going anywhere. Atlanta, where I was to change planes, was threatened by storms, so we'd have to wait.
In a concession to basic decency, passengers were allowed off the plane. It being likely I'd miss my connection in Atlanta--I was scheduled for an hour layover in which to navigate my way across an airport the size of Canada--I spoke with a ticketing agent. She booked me on an evening flight home out of Atlanta, but kept my original reservation active, just in case. I could see that my flight home might also be delayed due to weather, so I felt good about having two options.
After two hours of updates, we were finally invited back aboard, and off we went. The pilot made good time, but had to reroute around a moving weather system. This delayed us, but when I deplaned in Atlanta, I discovered the storm had delayed everything, including my connecting flight. But I missed it by minutes. The electronic schedule board treated me to the joy of watching the listing for flight 1523 to Moline flip from "Boarding in 5 minutes) to "Gate Closed."
This gave me six hours to kill in the Atlanta airport. I did a New York times crossword puzzle. That took eight minutes and fifty-five seconds. I had my computer and set up a chat room. I ate Mongolian steak. Finally, I got on an airplane. Life was good.
In Rio de Janiero or aboard the Cunard Queen of the Seas. On flight 1523, life wasn't so good. The captain told us storms had closed the Moline airport, so we'd have to circle the city in a holding pattern.
The city we'd circling, we soon learned, was Topeka, Kansas. You can only steer a plane in circles for so long before you take a look at your gas gauge and say, "Oops." Apparently that's what the pilot did, because he told us we'd better head toward Moline.
Kansas City, MO, evidently qualified as "toward Moline." We circle KC for a bit, and then the captain gave his longest and most-detailed speech of the long evening:
"Well, folks, we can't do this forever, so it's time we set this thing down. The weather has moved to the east, so I think I can get us down in about 15 minutes. Oh, by the way, we'll be passing through some convective weather patterns, so keep your seat belts fastened or you'll be throwing up Sprite and peanuts all over the passenger in front of you."
Long, yes, detailed, yes, but lacking in one specific and vital detail: he didn't tell us where we were going to land. Secrets are a big part of the airline industry; travel is so much more exciting when you don't know where you're going or when you'll get there.
But it truly was Moline. The well-kept secret fell apart when, thirteen hours after I left the hotel in Norfolk, I walked into the main concourse and found my wife waiting. Oddly, she wasn't terribly interested in hearing about my ordeal. It had something to do with the fact that she'd been sitting at a computer all day, tracking flights, trying to figure out where I was, and then spent half the night driving to the airport in pelting rain, dodging flooded roads in low-lying areas and swerving around panicked wildlife fleeing across the highways.
Jeez, what a complainer.
 |
| Diagram showing Frank Mullen's flight path home from Norfolk. |
I boarded the plane in Norfolk, fastened my seat belt and the captain informed us we weren't going anywhere. Atlanta, where I was to change planes, was threatened by storms, so we'd have to wait.
In a concession to basic decency, passengers were allowed off the plane. It being likely I'd miss my connection in Atlanta--I was scheduled for an hour layover in which to navigate my way across an airport the size of Canada--I spoke with a ticketing agent. She booked me on an evening flight home out of Atlanta, but kept my original reservation active, just in case. I could see that my flight home might also be delayed due to weather, so I felt good about having two options.
After two hours of updates, we were finally invited back aboard, and off we went. The pilot made good time, but had to reroute around a moving weather system. This delayed us, but when I deplaned in Atlanta, I discovered the storm had delayed everything, including my connecting flight. But I missed it by minutes. The electronic schedule board treated me to the joy of watching the listing for flight 1523 to Moline flip from "Boarding in 5 minutes) to "Gate Closed."
This gave me six hours to kill in the Atlanta airport. I did a New York times crossword puzzle. That took eight minutes and fifty-five seconds. I had my computer and set up a chat room. I ate Mongolian steak. Finally, I got on an airplane. Life was good.
In Rio de Janiero or aboard the Cunard Queen of the Seas. On flight 1523, life wasn't so good. The captain told us storms had closed the Moline airport, so we'd have to circle the city in a holding pattern.
The city we'd circling, we soon learned, was Topeka, Kansas. You can only steer a plane in circles for so long before you take a look at your gas gauge and say, "Oops." Apparently that's what the pilot did, because he told us we'd better head toward Moline.
Kansas City, MO, evidently qualified as "toward Moline." We circle KC for a bit, and then the captain gave his longest and most-detailed speech of the long evening:
"Well, folks, we can't do this forever, so it's time we set this thing down. The weather has moved to the east, so I think I can get us down in about 15 minutes. Oh, by the way, we'll be passing through some convective weather patterns, so keep your seat belts fastened or you'll be throwing up Sprite and peanuts all over the passenger in front of you."
Long, yes, detailed, yes, but lacking in one specific and vital detail: he didn't tell us where we were going to land. Secrets are a big part of the airline industry; travel is so much more exciting when you don't know where you're going or when you'll get there.
But it truly was Moline. The well-kept secret fell apart when, thirteen hours after I left the hotel in Norfolk, I walked into the main concourse and found my wife waiting. Oddly, she wasn't terribly interested in hearing about my ordeal. It had something to do with the fact that she'd been sitting at a computer all day, tracking flights, trying to figure out where I was, and then spent half the night driving to the airport in pelting rain, dodging flooded roads in low-lying areas and swerving around panicked wildlife fleeing across the highways.
Jeez, what a complainer.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
The 2014 NMA Reunion Remembered
I'm sitting in my hotel room, recuperating from the 2014 reunion of the Navy Musicians Association, getting ready to pack up for my trip home tomorrow and already wondering: what will next year's reunion be like?
Last year's get-together was--here comes that word again--stellar. I know I've mentioned this before, but after the 2013 reunion, when the gear had been torn down and the last toasts offered, I heard a number of members say, "Something was different this year."
It was true. We had new members in 2013. We had a fine concert band and swinging big bands. We'd also been attracting some excellent new players, performers of widespread repute. It was a clear sign of our brotherhood that these hot new players didn't scare the rest of us off the bandstand. To the contrary, in concert band, big band and in jam sessions, we played together as comfortably and enthusiastically as ever. The affair was so good that, through the ensuing year, I feared that 2014 might be a letdown. I couldn't see how we could top the 2013 reunion.
But we did, and I think scores of attendees would agree.
We hit our stride quickly. The first day of our reunions can be rugged. But last Wednesday morning we set up the rehearsal hall in record time and were playing by 0920. Similarly, a volunteer setup crew got the concert band room set up and rehearsal began within minutes of the scheduled start time. And the rehearsal hall was full; those hot players who were first-timers last year? They were back.
The result was a series of effective and enjoyable rehearsals that culminated in--here's that word again--stellar performances.
Our big bands always swing. I don't think it's an innate trait of MUs, but rather the result of naval tradition. Navy musicians have been teaching each other how to swing since swing was born. I have met and played with members who served during World War II, who are on active duty now, and representatives
of service in every decade in between. The quality of our big bands is no surprise.
The NMA concert band presents a different challenge. This genre of music can be complex. Every piece is completely different. You can't rely any type of "autopilot" when a conductor is steering the band. Until the players arrive and warm up, you never know what instrumentation we'll have--or not have.
But this year, along with challenges, we had solutions. Wonder of wonders, the NMA had a full section of B-flat and alto clarinets. And timpani--four of them! Music stands that don't collapse under the weight of a pencil and spare mouthpiece. And because Wilbur Smith, our director, is still regaining his strength after back surgery, Ray Ascione agreed to conduct a few numbers, providing a rest for Smitty and lending new excitement to our performance.
And then there was the Saturday night performance by the ceremonial unit of the U.S Navy Fleet Forces Band. The caliber of this new generation of Navy musicians is astounding. Just as they did last year, their performance--and remember, we're talking about regular old stand-on-the-pier, change-of-command, B-flat "bag band " or "gun tub band"--demonstrated exceptional musicianship, military bearing and showmanship..
(Soon, I will post a video of their performance of "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Yes, you've heard bands play it a thousand times. Yes, you know the piccolo player is always featured on the trio. But you've never experienced "Stars and Stripes" like this. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.)
If I've been focusing on the musical aspect of this reunion simply, it's only because it's easier to talk about music than spirit. It's hard to describe the camaraderie, the joy of spending a few days with friends you knew in your first band, or that you're meeting for the first time. But that spirit was everywhere, on the bandstand, in the lounge and under poolside umbrellas.
So how will things go next year when we return to Virginia Beach next year? First-time attendees are coming back for seconds, so clearly, the word about our reunions is getting around. And a special added attraction is on the horizon: the 2015 reunion will mark the 20th anniversary of the Navy Musicians Association. This could bring in new-comers, old-timers and once-in-a-whilers.
Yeah, I can see next year's reunion being even better than this year's. The only thing I can't see improving is the Fleet Forces band; the thought of them topping this year's performance seems inconceivable.
Of course, that's exactly what I said last year.
Last year's get-together was--here comes that word again--stellar. I know I've mentioned this before, but after the 2013 reunion, when the gear had been torn down and the last toasts offered, I heard a number of members say, "Something was different this year."
It was true. We had new members in 2013. We had a fine concert band and swinging big bands. We'd also been attracting some excellent new players, performers of widespread repute. It was a clear sign of our brotherhood that these hot new players didn't scare the rest of us off the bandstand. To the contrary, in concert band, big band and in jam sessions, we played together as comfortably and enthusiastically as ever. The affair was so good that, through the ensuing year, I feared that 2014 might be a letdown. I couldn't see how we could top the 2013 reunion.But we did, and I think scores of attendees would agree.
We hit our stride quickly. The first day of our reunions can be rugged. But last Wednesday morning we set up the rehearsal hall in record time and were playing by 0920. Similarly, a volunteer setup crew got the concert band room set up and rehearsal began within minutes of the scheduled start time. And the rehearsal hall was full; those hot players who were first-timers last year? They were back.
The result was a series of effective and enjoyable rehearsals that culminated in--here's that word again--stellar performances.
Our big bands always swing. I don't think it's an innate trait of MUs, but rather the result of naval tradition. Navy musicians have been teaching each other how to swing since swing was born. I have met and played with members who served during World War II, who are on active duty now, and representativesof service in every decade in between. The quality of our big bands is no surprise.
The NMA concert band presents a different challenge. This genre of music can be complex. Every piece is completely different. You can't rely any type of "autopilot" when a conductor is steering the band. Until the players arrive and warm up, you never know what instrumentation we'll have--or not have.But this year, along with challenges, we had solutions. Wonder of wonders, the NMA had a full section of B-flat and alto clarinets. And timpani--four of them! Music stands that don't collapse under the weight of a pencil and spare mouthpiece. And because Wilbur Smith, our director, is still regaining his strength after back surgery, Ray Ascione agreed to conduct a few numbers, providing a rest for Smitty and lending new excitement to our performance.
And then there was the Saturday night performance by the ceremonial unit of the U.S Navy Fleet Forces Band. The caliber of this new generation of Navy musicians is astounding. Just as they did last year, their performance--and remember, we're talking about regular old stand-on-the-pier, change-of-command, B-flat "bag band " or "gun tub band"--demonstrated exceptional musicianship, military bearing and showmanship..
(Soon, I will post a video of their performance of "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Yes, you've heard bands play it a thousand times. Yes, you know the piccolo player is always featured on the trio. But you've never experienced "Stars and Stripes" like this. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.)
If I've been focusing on the musical aspect of this reunion simply, it's only because it's easier to talk about music than spirit. It's hard to describe the camaraderie, the joy of spending a few days with friends you knew in your first band, or that you're meeting for the first time. But that spirit was everywhere, on the bandstand, in the lounge and under poolside umbrellas.
So how will things go next year when we return to Virginia Beach next year? First-time attendees are coming back for seconds, so clearly, the word about our reunions is getting around. And a special added attraction is on the horizon: the 2015 reunion will mark the 20th anniversary of the Navy Musicians Association. This could bring in new-comers, old-timers and once-in-a-whilers.
Yeah, I can see next year's reunion being even better than this year's. The only thing I can't see improving is the Fleet Forces band; the thought of them topping this year's performance seems inconceivable.
Of course, that's exactly what I said last year.
Coming Tonight...
Although the reunion is over, I'm still wrapping things up. Tomorrow is a travel day. Then it's back to my other life.
So it's gonna be a few days before I can post all the videos, photos and blather about the 2014 reunion of the Navy Musicians Association that I want to share with you.
As worn out as I am, there's still a lingering "high." So tonight I'll post a few things while they're still fresh, things that made the 2014 NMA reunion...I was going to say "stellar," but that was how we've referred to the 2013 reunion. This year, I'll need an adjective beyond "stellar," since this get-together topped even last year's reunion.
I'll be back tonight with the new adjective.
So it's gonna be a few days before I can post all the videos, photos and blather about the 2014 reunion of the Navy Musicians Association that I want to share with you.
As worn out as I am, there's still a lingering "high." So tonight I'll post a few things while they're still fresh, things that made the 2014 NMA reunion...I was going to say "stellar," but that was how we've referred to the 2013 reunion. This year, I'll need an adjective beyond "stellar," since this get-together topped even last year's reunion.
I'll be back tonight with the new adjective.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Party
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| An NMA reunion is a family affair... |
 |
| ...because a family isn't just people related by blood. We are related by heritage, history and service. |
Catching Saturday Night Fever
I'm now preparing for the second of the week's highlights: the Saturday night dinner/dance of the Navy Musicians Association reunion.
Last night's concert was tremendous, but still, it was "us" playing for "us."
We're our own greatest audience. which is just as it should be. We're not out to impress anyone. We're not auditioning for a gig. We're sharing our bonds of service and camaraderie the best way we know how: through music.
But tonight will be different. The U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band (formerly known as the CINCLANT band) is scheduled to perform for us. We've heard these men and women play before, so we know what to expect: excellence.
They deliver it every time. But it still astounds.
We're our own greatest audience. which is just as it should be. We're not out to impress anyone. We're not auditioning for a gig. We're sharing our bonds of service and camaraderie the best way we know how: through music.
 |
| U,S, Navy Fleet Forces Band at the 2013 NMA reunion. |
But tonight will be different. The U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band (formerly known as the CINCLANT band) is scheduled to perform for us. We've heard these men and women play before, so we know what to expect: excellence.
They deliver it every time. But it still astounds.
Muster the Working Party
We've got an afternoon of liberty before this evening's dinner/dance. Having some free time, I thought I'd wander the hotel and see what's what.
What I found was a working party. Leon Harris, our Equipment Manager, was checking the wiring on the bandstand. He wanted to be sure our Big Band players have plenty of juice for their stand lights tonight.
Each of those stand lights needed to be checked and hooked up. Rich Eastman, who hadn't been to a reunion in a few years, was on the job.
People like this make our reunions work. Leon, a member of the Board of Directors, and Rich, a guitarist who cares about his shipmates, both spent their precious free time making sure that things would run smoothly for their shipmates.
What I found was a working party. Leon Harris, our Equipment Manager, was checking the wiring on the bandstand. He wanted to be sure our Big Band players have plenty of juice for their stand lights tonight.Each of those stand lights needed to be checked and hooked up. Rich Eastman, who hadn't been to a reunion in a few years, was on the job.
People like this make our reunions work. Leon, a member of the Board of Directors, and Rich, a guitarist who cares about his shipmates, both spent their precious free time making sure that things would run smoothly for their shipmates.
Big Band is Big in the NMA
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| Add caption |
This will be the biggest bash of the week. The U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band will entertain us, we'll have dinner and speeches and finally dancing to the NMA Big Band.
Last night was just the preview; tonight, the dance floor will be filled.
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| It was great to see Rich Eastman again. |
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| It's never too soon to start developing a new audience for the future. |
NMA General Membership Meeting 2014
The General Membership Meeting of the Navy Musicians Association was a great success, if you define success by lack of bloodshed. For MUs, that's a reasonable definitions.
Treasurer Cecil Strange reported that we are solvent. In my experience, solvency means getting a paycheck and not having to immediately disburse it to bartenders to cover the last two weeks' expenditures.
President Terry Chesson reiterated his desire to hold the 2016 reunion in a central part of the United States, perhaps the Midwest, to attract members from a new region and to make travel easier and more cost-effective for members on the West Coast.
Terry introduced Dennis Allard, who runs our Recruiting Committee. Dennis reported on fresh ideas for getting out the word about the NMA, and reminded us all that we, the members, are the best recruiters. I'd say we're even better than Navy recruiters; we know what we're talking about and we don't have to lie.
The bottom line: we need new members. This reunion has been tremendously successful. In my opinion, it's been as exciting and rewarding as last year's stellar get-together. Continuing this success will require a steady infusion of new faces with new talents, ideas and sea stories.
We were blessed with a good number of first-time attendees at the reunion this year, and I was glad to hear them share their ideas. It's often difficult to walk into a new organization and feel comfortable expressing your opinion; you don't know if your idea is out of bounds, or whether it's been tried fifty times.
On the other hand, we're all MUs. We've all been the new guy in a band who is bursting at the seams of his crackerjacks with new and old crazy and sensible ideas. Thanks for speaking up, guys.
Treasurer Cecil Strange reported that we are solvent. In my experience, solvency means getting a paycheck and not having to immediately disburse it to bartenders to cover the last two weeks' expenditures.
President Terry Chesson reiterated his desire to hold the 2016 reunion in a central part of the United States, perhaps the Midwest, to attract members from a new region and to make travel easier and more cost-effective for members on the West Coast.
Terry introduced Dennis Allard, who runs our Recruiting Committee. Dennis reported on fresh ideas for getting out the word about the NMA, and reminded us all that we, the members, are the best recruiters. I'd say we're even better than Navy recruiters; we know what we're talking about and we don't have to lie.
The bottom line: we need new members. This reunion has been tremendously successful. In my opinion, it's been as exciting and rewarding as last year's stellar get-together. Continuing this success will require a steady infusion of new faces with new talents, ideas and sea stories.
We were blessed with a good number of first-time attendees at the reunion this year, and I was glad to hear them share their ideas. It's often difficult to walk into a new organization and feel comfortable expressing your opinion; you don't know if your idea is out of bounds, or whether it's been tried fifty times.
On the other hand, we're all MUs. We've all been the new guy in a band who is bursting at the seams of his crackerjacks with new and old crazy and sensible ideas. Thanks for speaking up, guys.
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| Sometimes, as speakers drone on, it is necessary to adopt the expression that was once called"Change of Command Face." |
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| A ten a.m. meeting probably seems cruel and unusual to those who have never been members of a profession whose job description includes the term "Morning Colors." |
On the Agenda: General Membership Meeting
Yes, I know everybody loves Frank's high-class professional photographs that bring the reunion alive.
But sorry, none this morning. I'm preparing to head downstairs for the General Membership Meeting. Most of an NMA reunion is about music and camaraderie. But on the Saturday morning of every NMA reunion, we meet for an "all hands evolution" that includes reports, plans, thanks, things that may seem dry but are vital to a continuing and thriving organization.
Generally, there is no bloodshed. Barring a trip to the emergency room, I'll be back with a report in the early afternoon.
But sorry, none this morning. I'm preparing to head downstairs for the General Membership Meeting. Most of an NMA reunion is about music and camaraderie. But on the Saturday morning of every NMA reunion, we meet for an "all hands evolution" that includes reports, plans, thanks, things that may seem dry but are vital to a continuing and thriving organization.
Generally, there is no bloodshed. Barring a trip to the emergency room, I'll be back with a report in the early afternoon.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Oh, What a Night
Just a brief sitrep here.
The Friday night concert just ended, It was a huge success--many say the best ever .
Due to a scheduling error on the part of hotel management, our final rehearsal this afternoon was cut short. This meant that late-arriving members who hadn't been to a previous rehearsal never had a chance to play through some of the music.
But we are Navy musicians. We were trained to be flexible, to play with confidence, to sight read effectively, if not flawlessly. With everyone one their toes, the band peaked during performance.
I'm going back downstairs to take some photos. Tomorrow I'll have free time--MUs are allowed to roam without supervision on Saturday afternoons--so I'll upload photos and maybe some videos of the concert.
The time is passing waaaaay too fast around here.
Hasta la mañana, baby.
The Friday night concert just ended, It was a huge success--many say the best ever .
Due to a scheduling error on the part of hotel management, our final rehearsal this afternoon was cut short. This meant that late-arriving members who hadn't been to a previous rehearsal never had a chance to play through some of the music.
But we are Navy musicians. We were trained to be flexible, to play with confidence, to sight read effectively, if not flawlessly. With everyone one their toes, the band peaked during performance.
I'm going back downstairs to take some photos. Tomorrow I'll have free time--MUs are allowed to roam without supervision on Saturday afternoons--so I'll upload photos and maybe some videos of the concert.
The time is passing waaaaay too fast around here.
Hasta la mañana, baby.
A Full Clarinet Section
In a perverse inversion of logic, more clarinets are better than fewer clarinets. Not in Dixieland, perhaps, but concert bands benefit immensely from a full clarinet section.
And our clarinet section is larger than ever this year, thanks to Melanie Leketa. While Mel was a vocalist in the Navy, she was willing to pitch in with her B-flat clarinet.
This is a double blessing. Mel's presence not only fills out the section--it discourages anyone from suggesting that Terry Chesson join in.
And our clarinet section is larger than ever this year, thanks to Melanie Leketa. While Mel was a vocalist in the Navy, she was willing to pitch in with her B-flat clarinet.
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| Frank Felder expresses astonished delight at the presence of our newest clarinetist, Mel Leketa. |
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| Soon to be available as a bumper sticker or bookmark. |
Inside the School of Music.
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| The library, like much of the school, will be a multi-media affair, with the exception of tattered copies of Arban's Method for Trombone checked out to MU3 Tex Waldron in 1967. |
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| The office in which I taught piano is now entirely enclosed in soundproofing, so nobody passing by has to listen to the yelling.. |
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| Some areas are still off limits. Here on the first deck, a Marine sentry guards the approach to what is, as I recall, the Officer's Head. |
School Days, School Days
This morning we piled into a bus and drove to the Joint Expeditionary Base for a tour of the new facilities of the U.S. Naval School of Music.
The Commanding Officer welcomed us with a brief overview of the changes that have been made. Updates to the climate control system have been a big issue. Three decades later, my body has not recovered from the three years I spent sweating, freezing and passing out in that building.
Please note that multitudinously more photos of the school will appear in the future. Meanwhile....
The Commanding Officer welcomed us with a brief overview of the changes that have been made. Updates to the climate control system have been a big issue. Three decades later, my body has not recovered from the three years I spent sweating, freezing and passing out in that building.
Off to School
In a few minutes a bus and car caravan will depart from the hotel for a tour of the Naval School of Music.
It used to be the Armed Forces School of Music, located on the Naval Amphibious Base.It's now called the Naval School of Music, located on the Joint Expeditionary Base. It's the same building in the same place--only the names have been changed.
Actually, a lot has been changed. The original school building has been gutted and refurbished. Training is currently takes place in temporary quarters, but the redo of the school is so close to complete that the commanding officer invited us for a tour.
I expect to have a plethora of pix for display soon.
Here comes the bus.Gotta go, or I'll be late for school.
It used to be the Armed Forces School of Music, located on the Naval Amphibious Base.It's now called the Naval School of Music, located on the Joint Expeditionary Base. It's the same building in the same place--only the names have been changed.
Actually, a lot has been changed. The original school building has been gutted and refurbished. Training is currently takes place in temporary quarters, but the redo of the school is so close to complete that the commanding officer invited us for a tour.
I expect to have a plethora of pix for display soon.
Here comes the bus.Gotta go, or I'll be late for school.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Take Ten
Nothing clears a room as fast as a rehearsal conductor uttering the phrase "Take ten minutes."
I take that back. I believe there's one phrase that will clear a room even faster. As I recall, it is: "I need a couple of volunteers."
More and more.
Every time you walk through the lobby you hear more voices saying, "Hey, shipmate, when did you get here?" MUs of a variety of ages and eras keep walking through the door.
This thing keeps getting bigger and bigger. Fortunately, there are always enough sea stories to go around.
Bursting at the Seams.
I usually don't post photos of the first concert band rehearsal; so many members haven't yet arrived that the rehearsal hall is a sea of empty seats.
Not this year. Yesterday afternoon, the hall was full, the sound big. I'd say it was the best first rehearsal in memory. This augers for a sterling Friday night concert.
We still have a few seats to fill, but people have been checking in all day. In fact, last night at 10:30 p.m. as I hopped in the elevator after the evening jam session, I met two first-time attendees who had just rolled in.
Maybe they play the oboe and bassoon.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
My old boss
Wilbur Smith, our concert band director, has some help this year. Ray Ascione agreed to conduct a few numbers in our concert, a great help to Smitty, who, despite his energy and devotion, is still recovering from surgery. Ray--"Mr. A."--was the Training Officer at the School of Music during my tour on staff 30-something years ago; he was my boss.
A certain wonderful aspect of our reunions never changes; you run into old bosses and they're somehow young. Oh, when you first run into someone you worked for, he may look a little grey around the edges. But the next time you see him, he's lost ten years, and the next day he looks just like he did way back when.
A certain wonderful aspect of our reunions never changes; you run into old bosses and they're somehow young. Oh, when you first run into someone you worked for, he may look a little grey around the edges. But the next time you see him, he's lost ten years, and the next day he looks just like he did way back when.
J.S. Bach, BWV 140: Wachet Auf, "Sleepers Awake."
Right now, the concert band is engaged in its first rehearsal. Meanwhile, here's more from this morning's rendezvous with Sammy Nestico.
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| "A Foggy Day at 0900" |
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| "Sleepers Awake" |
First Rehearsal
Our sign-in total is still in double digits.
This will change as members continue to arrive through the week.
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| In other words, nothing has changed. |
A short and sort-of serious note.
I wish you were here. Every damn one of you. Only one day old, this reunion is already giant and continues to grow.
Last night as I was heading for bed, I met two new members who had just arrived. I welcomed them and told them how the register in the morning. It reminded me of my first reunion.
I'd debated for years about coming to one of those there MU reunions. Year after year I talked myself out of it. Finally, in 2006, with the help of an NMA member, I talked myself into it and drove to the reunion in Louisville, Kentucky.
I was nervous. I knew some people, but most were strangers. I didn't understand the reunion routine. But MUs welcomed me aboard, showed me the ropes and I've been coming back ever since.
Those who were strangers are now shipmates I look forward to seeing every year. This is how it works, my friends.
So all I can do is tell you from the bottom of my heart: since you're not here, I have no choice but to have your fun for you.
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| My first reunion--2006. |
I'd debated for years about coming to one of those there MU reunions. Year after year I talked myself out of it. Finally, in 2006, with the help of an NMA member, I talked myself into it and drove to the reunion in Louisville, Kentucky.
I was nervous. I knew some people, but most were strangers. I didn't understand the reunion routine. But MUs welcomed me aboard, showed me the ropes and I've been coming back ever since.
Those who were strangers are now shipmates I look forward to seeing every year. This is how it works, my friends.
So all I can do is tell you from the bottom of my heart: since you're not here, I have no choice but to have your fun for you.
Day One: Haze Gray and Underway
Here we go. Some of us are still a little hazy after an evening in the lounge catching up with each other, but we're all ready to get underway.
This first morning of an NMA reunion is the shakedown cruise. It's been a year since we were comfortable with the daily routine; for newcomers, it's been decades.
I'll be busy too, helping launch the reunion and sitting in on meetings. I hope to be back in the early afternoon with a report.....
Make preparations for getting underway
This reunion will be giant. Last night, the lobby was as full of meandering, B.S.-ing MUs as it usually is on Thursday afternoon. Considering the reunion hadn't started yet, this augers for a record-breaking turnout.Right now, folks are having breakfast, brewing coffee, showering, and, of course, B.S.-ing.
We officially start at 0900. There'll be work to do, equipment to set up, music to pass out. It's the work we came to do, but it's work we enjoy, take pride in and do better every year.
So in a sense, it's not work.
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