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.