NMA Reunion Live-blog 2012

The NMA Reunion Live-blog is like a Fender Rhodes electric piano, light beer or a Michael Bublé version of a Sinatra song--not as good as the real thing, but better than nothing.

In less than a month, MUs from across the country will gather in Orlando for a few days of music, camaraderie and out-and-out lying. If you haven’t signed up to attend, it’s not too late. The party begins June 27; go to the NMA website for registration information.

I hope to see you in Orlando, but if you have to stay home this year, you can still get a taste of the fun by following the annual NMA reunion "live-blog" throughout the week of the reunion. From Monday, June 25 (two days before the official opening of the reunion) until Sunday, June 30 (departure day for most attendees), come here for photos, interviews, assorted reports, rumors, revelations, scandals and tall tales. As an added bonus, this year I intend to feature, for the first time:

• Photos and videos in which you can actually make out what’s going on. (I've been studying with a former Navy Photographer’s Mate who is instructing me in the finer arts of removing the lens cap and other technicalities.)

In fact, since the season has begun, I'll be blogging frequently at Navy Lyres; stop by any time, check it out, leave a message.

See you at the reunion or online—

NMA Reunion 2012: Airport Shuttle Service

I'm flying to Orlando for the NMA reunion, and will need ground transportation to the Doubletree. The hotel does not have its own shuttle, but as a major resort, there's no shortage of transportation options. Because I turn into a quivering puddle of warm Jell-O at the thought of travel glitches, I've done the research.

The Doubletree Universal staff recommends Mears Transportation. Their shuttles in Orlando run to hotels and tourist attractions around the clock.

The Mears desk at Orlando International Airport is on Level 1 (near the car rental counters). There, you'll pay, get your ticket and be told where to wait for your shuttle. One-way transportation is $19, and round-trip is $30. They'll try to group travellers with geographically similar destinations together. Most trips take a half-hour to an hour.

The Mears desk closes at midnight. If you arrive later, call them, and they'll tell you where to get a shuttle. You'll need cash to pay the driver, though.

You can make advance reservations online at the Mears Transportation website. While it's not necessary, it can be an advantage. My flight arrives in Orlando at about 8:30 p.m. in the evening, and,being a professional worrier, I consider the chance that my plane will be delayed over the Arctic Circle and arrive at the airport after midnight.  Having made my reservation already, I got a trip voucher by e-mail. I can scan it at the desk and it will print out my ticket.

Mears provides other options. Visting royalty, heads of state and retired master chiefs may wish to hire a stretch limosine. For the common folk, they've got a fleet of taxis and other vehicles, which might be an option for a group travelling together.

In a nutshell:
Advance booking is not required, but can be done online or by phone. Round trip is cheaper. If you arrive after midnight, give Mears a call.

http://www.mearstransportation.com
(407) 423-5566

Frank Mullen is in no way associated with Mears Transportation and receives no remuneration or material benefit from promoting their services. He provides this information only because he loves you and wants your life to be better. Frank Mullen provides the best information available and takes no responsibilty for any damn thing that might go wrong.

U.S. Navy Memorial Day Tribute

Still fresh after a year.

Plaques by John Clemmer

Artist, photographer and NMA saxophonist creates attractive plaques on media such as aluminum or canvas. He's now offering Navy Musicians Association members plaques with the NMA emblem and personal information. This one--I've seen it, and it's remarkable--is the NMA emblem on a 9.5" x 9.5" square of aluminum, backed with a 12" x12" steel mount.

Under the anchor is room for name, rank and Navy status.

Plaques are also available in red (below). Either color can also be printed on 11" x 11" canvas stretched on a wooden frame. Remarkably, both versions, the aluminum and canvas, are created by a process that involves inkjet printing and special coating.

The metal plaques are $89, the canvas $69. Contact John for more information.

John Clemmer - clemmerphoto@comcast.net

233 N. Forest Ave.

Marietta, GA 30060

770-428-1658

Lexicon Update

I've updated the Navy Musician's Lexicon, a grudging concession to the fact that it's the only thing many visitors care about, it's the first thing I ever posted here, and, I painfully admit, maybe the best.

The Unit Leader's Guide to the Shipboard Band

I was nervous when I first took a band to sea. I'f only I'd seen this training film. I wouldn't have had a care in the world, knowing the truth:

-- A shipboard band is happy. Beyond happy, in fact. The band members have iron-on smiles permanently creased in their faces. Just give them a chance to play, and the band is infected with joy. A seagoing band is on the verge of dying of delight, 24/7.

-- The crew is delighted to have a band aboard. Whenever music floats across the deck, the ship's company come rushing to listen. In fact, they'll probably pitch in and help.

-- There's not a ragbag in the bunch. Even when performing a routine shipboard gig, the MUs sparkle and shine. This is due, in part, to the support from the ship's laundry that works overtime to ensure the band's uniforms are always crisp, clean and ready to go.

-- Even the officers are thrilled to have a band aboard. They applaud the band's contributions toward shipoard life.

Rest easy, bandleader. Command Attitude toward the seagoing band can be summed up in the phrase, "You want it, you got it."