The 30th-anniversary Reunion of the Navy Musicians Association in Kansas City provided attendees with a festival of music, sea stories, hails and farewells.
As an "on the road" reunion, we didn't have the number of attendees our Virginia Beach homeport reunions often attract. But we told our stories, played our music, and enjoyed the camaraderie with the hearty vigor of our bigger bashes.
We travel to various parts of the country to attract MUs who live at a distance from our homeport, and we certainly succeeded in this effort. Among those who call this region home were Brian North and Ed Rogers (long known to Navy musicians as "the other Ed Rodgers.") Regular attendees Randy Martell and Dwaine Whitham grew up in this area, so their trips to Kansas City included reunions with their families as well as shipmates.
As usual, our bands made fine music. Yes, sometimes the chops grew tired, but some members who had rehearsed daily with both the dance band and concert band could be spotted jamming in the lounge at night.
(Playing in our bands brings musical and social pleasure; attendance does not require playing. As musicians, we need audiences. Those whose playing days have passed are always welcome at reunions.)
The reunion got off to a strong start thanks to the backstage efforts of some dedicated members. Our treasurer, Stephanie Rowland, and registrar, Deb Holl, opened the registration room promptly for business, thanks to Carl Gerhard and John Clemmer, who had spent the weekend hauling the NMA's gear across the country. Long before the reunion launched, concert band conductor Ray Ascione and dance band director Art Swanson had weeded through the music libraries and organized the music folders.
After a few days of daytime rehearsal and nighttime bragging, we met in the ballroom for the concert band's Friday-night performance. During this hour of inspiring melody, we recognized our plankowners--the MUs who formed the NMA in 1995--and paid honor to those patriots who, throughout our history, have given their lives in answer to our country's call. This was all done in the language we know best: music.
After hors d'oeuvres, the dance band performed. We in the audience obviously enjoyed the entertainment and dance tunes; we stuck around and closed the place down.
At Saturday morning's business meeting, we thanked Dwaine Whitham for his years of service as president of the NMA and chose a new president to lead the association. I am pleased to tell you that we elected Don Keller to take the helm. I have known Don since he enrolled in the Basic Course and followed his career from this initial training to his retirement as a captain. I have no doubt that he will steer the NMA on a solid course.
Saturday night's dinner and dance began with patriotic music from the NMA "Bag Band." This group performs at reunions when no active-duty Navy band is available to serenade us. While this performance is not highly promoted in our schedule, it plays a vital part in our celebration. We aren't just capable of playing the "fun stuff": concert band, big band and jazz. Long after we have left the Navy, the ability to sit together and play marches and ceremonial music with authenticity and pride endures. We may not stand as straight as we once did on piers and at flagpoles, but in our hearts, we stand taller than ever.
The evening was highlighted by a speech by Dwaine Whitham. His thoughts on the traditions and importance of music in the Navy earned a standing ovation. I will not try to summarize Dwaine's address, as my words would do it no justice. Fortunately, Dwaine has agreed to have his speech published, and we'll soon make them available to you.
Finally, the dance band took the stage, and the evening finished with dancing, listening, and, of course, stories.
Some members slept late on Sunday morning or enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before the parade of MUs began marching out of the hotel. Others had early flights home and left at zero-dark-thirty. But regardless of when farewells were shared, you'd hear one sentence repeated over and over, whether in the lobby, hallway, restaurant or elevator:
"See you next year."
