At least it's not an accordion

This photo, sent by NMA member Patrick Stone, shows the band on the USS Arkansas, sometime before World War II.

I am struck by the presence of the banjo player on the far right. I knew a few MUs who doubled informally on the banjo--Ed Henson, Bob Marquart, Geary Thompson (and even me, when the beer was flowing)--but this photo looks official, as though everyone is holding the axe they are paid to play.

Which makes me wonder: what were the duties of the band banjoist in those days? Did he do solo banjo gigs at the "O" club, noodling soft background modulations between "Hold That Tiger" and "Darktown Strutters Ball"?

Ceremonies must have been different, too:

Adjutant: "Banjoist, sound 'First Call.'"

The Daily Poop -- Mon., 15JUN09

I'm heard from a few shipmates who won't be able to attend the Navy Musicians Association reunion this year.

I'll particularly miss John Vasquez. John and I never met while on active duty, but if you've been to an NMA reunion, you know how it is: new acquaintances become shipmates.

His reason for missing the reunion this year is righteous: as the newly-elected Commander of the Dania Beach, Fla. American Legion Post, he must attend the Legion's state convention in Orlando.

John's a busy guy, considering he also manages the Florida 9th District American Legion Symphonic Band. Next year, for sure, he says.

The Daily Poop - Sun., 14JUN09

Last night,out of a heart-felt, sacrificial and generous desire to tell members of the Navy Musicians Association that I will be Live-blogging the 2009 reunion, I sent messages to all Email addresses on the membership roster.

About 100 bounced back.

As humble, shy and self-effacing as I am, I have to say this:

You rotten, self-centered SOBs:

• You change your email address and don't inform the NMA.
• You let your mailbox fill up so Emails are rejected.
• You write out your Email address illegibly and send it to the NMA by snail-mail, expecting the staff to understand the address, "hjllewellytrumpet113@fexipper.net ."
• You apply ridiculous security filters that refuse messages that contain suspicious words like "hello," "there," and "shipmate."

People, inform the NMA when you get a new Email address. Check your settings. Make room in your mailbox for new messages. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way, shipmates.

There. I feel better already.

Live-blogging the 2009 NMA Reunion

Yowza, yowza. The 2009 Navy Musicians Association reunion is only days away.

The blogging lamp is lit.

For those who don't know, the NMA is a growing group of former and active duty members of U.S. Navy bands. We are one-hitch sailors and career MUs. We have worn seamens' stripes, petty officers' chevrons, chiefs' anchors and officers' bars.

Once a year, we gather for a few days of camaraderie, sea stories and music--big band, concert band, jazz and rock. At Navy Musicians Association reunions, performance is optional; enjoyment is unavoidable.

If you can't attend this year--or you're not yet a member of the NMA--you can get a taste of the reunion without leaving home.

I'll be "live-blogging" throughout the week of the reunion. This means you'll be able to follow the action here at Navy Lyres.

From Monday, June 22 (two days before the official opening) until Sunday, June 29 (departure day for most attendees), you can come right here, night or day, for:

• highlights of each day's activities
• interviews
• photos 
• assorted reports, rumors and revelations, heavily censored in case your children or grandchildren use your computer

Between now and the reunion, I'll be blogging frequently; stop by any time, check it out, leave a message.

Drop me a line if you have any questions, and please pass the word--forward this URL to any past or present Navy musicians that you're in touch with.

The Daily Poop - Sat., 13JUN09

I've been reading about renovations to the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Virginia Beach, where the Navy Musicians Association will soon meet. Rooms have been upgraded, changes made in the restaurant. I'm particularly glad to note that rooms and public areas now have wireless connectivity. (I also recall a small business center off the lobby with computers and a printer.)

One thing I'm sure hasn't changed is Virginia's summertime weather. Reunions in Virginia Beach always bring to mind the indignity of being forced to run around the Amphibious Base in the broiling afternoon sun in formation with a contingent of deranged Marines who did not understand the concept of "cruel and unusual punishment."

Carrying on a proud tradition

Next week I'll be drving through the Illinois cornfields toRock Island to see an outdoor concert by Horizon, the jazz/rock contingent of Navy Band Great Lakes.

Although I've seen some fine performances by Navy ceremonial bands at recent NMA reunions, I haven't seen a public concert by a Navy band since I left the service two decades ago.This, then, will be my first opportunity to play the traditional role of Clueless Old Man who Harrasses the Bandleader.

I'm planning to get tto the venue early so I can bombard the bandleader with endless questions while he's trying to get the band set up. Here's whatI've come up with so far:

-- My nephew is in the Navy. Maybe you know him? Dan
Johnson?

-- What is your real job in the Navy?

-- No, I mean what do you really do when you're not fooling
around?

-- If I set up my chair here, will I be able to see when the band starts
marching?

-- You'll still play if it rains, right? The Navy's not afraid of a little
water, right?

Please feel free to suggest any other inane questions you remember. The band is traveling a long way for this gig, and I want to give them a proper welcome.