Friday Night Showtime

Friday is a big day at an NMA reunion. .

Well, they've all been big days. But Friday night signals a change; it's time for the concert band to show the fruits of our hard work. 

Of course, we've had a lot of fun during our daily rehearsals. Reunions are designed to be enjoyable affairs, not slave labor camps. Sill, we become a little more serious during our final rehearsal. Only a few hours remain until showtime.

Mel Leketa and Diane Beegle review
last-minute changes to their vocal parts.

Finally, it's showtime. The band plays the National Anthem and the evening begins. 

Our concerts provide a mix of new publications, patriotic tunes and special arrangements; but, yeah, we play the old favorites, too.

We close our concerts with a sequence of patriotic music that has become increasingly dear to us. "America, the Beautiful" has become more meaningful to us as the years pass; "The Navy Hymn" now evokes memories of departed shipmates.

It's moving, yes, but it's nothing that a final, rousing service medley can't cure.

The concert has ended, but the evening isn't over;
Bugler: sound Mess Call!