January/February 2017 w Volume 38 Number 1
Inauguration Navy Band Sailor of the Year Spotlight on SCPO Suzanne Tiedeman 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
A Message from the Commanding Officer
T
he beginning of a new year provides us an opportunity to reflect on the year behind us as we look forward to what lies ahead. 2016 was an exciting year, with nearly 1,700 performances for audiences of more than 877,000. Highlights include five national tours across 18 states, the Commodores’ performance at the Jazz Education Network Conference, a celebration concert in honor of the Navy’s 241st birthday, an additional showing of our ever-popular holiday concert and multiple performances at Maryland’s Fleet Week. We also had the opportunity to perform at sporting events, including the Nationals’ season opener and a half-time show at the 2016 Giants – Eagles football game on the NFL’s Salute to Service weekend.
fanfare Volume 38 Number 1 Commanding Officer Capt. Kenneth C. Collins Public Affairs Officer CHIEF PETTY OFFICER
Adam K. Grimm
Editorial Staff
Layout and Design
SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER
SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER
PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS
PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS
Melissa D. Bishop Sarah F. Blecker Photographers
Adrienne W. Moore
PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS
CHIEF PETTY OFFICER
PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS
PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS
PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS
PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS
PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS
PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS
PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS
Brian P. Bowman
James C. Anderson David B. Aspinwall Jon C. Barnes
Eric A. Brown
Lauren R. Cook Adele B. Demi
Brittany L. Foster David A. Smith
fanfare is a bi-monthly magazine published by the U.S. Navy Band public affairs staff. Front Cover: Chief Petty Officer Brandon Almagro performs taps during a wreath laying as part of the Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary Commemoration at the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. The ceremony marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, an event that propelled the United States into WWII and changed the course of our nation forever. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Stephen Hassay/released)
Concert Band
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As we begin 2017, we look forward to the 39th International Saxophone Symposium, which is back at George Mason University after two years at Shenandoah Conservatory. We also eagerly anticipate our national tours which will take us to the upper Midwest and Southern regions of the country. We thank you for your continued support of the U.S. Navy Band and wish you all a very happy start to the new year.
Stephen W. Hassay
SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER
Stephen W. Hassay
The core of our mission is the ceremonial support we provide. We are honored to provide honors to all who are laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, performing more than 900 funeral honors this year alone. We also participated in the remembrance of the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor as well as the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Midway.
Kenneth C. Collins, Captain, USN Commanding Officer
“I knew the Navy Band has an outstanding reputation but I wasn’t prepared for just how phenomenal your performance was. I just wanted to say it was absolutely fantastic and also educational. Every student I’ve asked about it also thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit our school and perform for us.” ~Andreas, teacher at Albert Einstein HS, Kensington, Md.
58th Presidential Inauguration by Chief Petty Officer Adam K. Grimm
J
anuary 20, 2017, the United States will inaugurate a new president, as it has 44 times in the past. This will be the 23rd time the Navy Band has participated in a presidential inauguration, for 15 different Commanders in Chief. The Navy Band, and the rest of the military, supports the inauguration to honor the Commander in Chief, recognize civilian control of the military and celebrate
The U.S. Navy Band marches on Pennsylvania Ave. supporting the presidential inauguration of Herbert Hoover on March 4, 1929. (U.S. Navy File Photo/Released)
democracy. Military involvement in the presidential inauguration dates back to April 30, 1789, when members of the Continental Army, local militia units and Revolutionary War veterans escorted George Washington to his first inauguration ceremony. ff The U.S. Navy Band marches on Pennsylvania Ave. during military support for the 57th presidential inauguration. More than 2,100 service members from each of the five branches are marching in the Inaugural Parade, with approximately 5,000 supporting the inauguration. (U.S. Navy photo by EJ Hersom/Released)
Country Current
“While I’m sure the playing of the hymns of the various branches of the military service is a time honored tradition, the thing that struck me personally was not so much what was played, but what was said… If recognition and appreciation were truly the fountain of youth, then Country Current returned each of these veterans, all well advanced in years, to the youthful days of their active service standing tall and proud. I can’t say thank you enough.” ~Matthew, Crofton, Md.
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Performance Schedule
All concerts are FREE and open to the public. Tickets or reservations are not required unless noted (*). Please note that all concert information is accurate at time of publication, though subject to change due to weather and other conditions. For inclement weather announcements, please call 202-433-2525 or visit www.twitter.com/usnavyband. For the most up-to-date information, please check our online performance calendar at: www.navyband.navy.mil
january
February
Friday, Jan. 6, 8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 3, 12 p.m.
Concert Band
International Saxophone Symposium George Mason University Center for the Arts 4400 University Dr. Fairfax, Va.
Thursday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m. Reservoir High School 11550 Scaggsville Road Fulton, Md.
Saturday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m. Yorktown High School 5200 Yorktown Blvd. Arlington, Va.
Commodores
Saturday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m.
International Saxophone Symposium George Mason University Center for the Arts 4400 University Dr. Fairfax, Va.
Brass Quartet
Sunday, Jan. 29, 3 p.m.
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW Washington, D.C.
Concert Band
Country Current Bluegrass
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.
VBODA District XI Concert Kenmore Middle School 200 S. Carlin Springs Road Arlington, Va.
Calvert County Library 850 Costley Way Prince Frederick, Md.
Thursday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 26, 3 p.m.
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall 4915 E. Campus Dr. Alexandria, Va.
Frostburg State University 101 Braddock Road Frostburg, Md.
Friday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.
2017 Concert Band National Tour
South County High School 8501 Silverbrook Road Lorton, Va.
Sea Chanters
Saturday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m. Christ Church 3116 O St. NW Washington, D.C.
Clarinet Quartet
The Concert Band embarks on a 22day tour starting on March 13. The following is a list of cities and dates. Watch for the next issue of fanfare for more details! All dates, times and locations are subject to change.
Monday, March 13, 2017 Pittsburgh, Pa.
Commodores
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
VBODA District XI Concert W.T. Woodson High School 9525 Main St. Fairfax, Va.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Friday, Feb. 3, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 25, 4 p.m. Frostburg State Jazz Festival Frostburg State University 101 Braddock Road Frostburg, Md.
Youngstown, Ohio Akron, Ohio
Thursday, March 16, 2017 Toledo, Ohio
Friday, March 17, 2017 Ann Arbor, Mich.
Saturday, March 18, 2017 Muskegon, Mich.
Sunday, March 19, 2017 Warsaw, Ind.
Commodores
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“My wife and I attended a Commodores performance last night at the University of Central Missouri. It was without a doubt one of the best performances we have seen while living in Warrensburg. This is a group of amazingly talented musicians who bring joy to their audience while serving as ambassadors for the U.S. Navy. Especially appreciated the medley of service songs to honor veterans.� ~Gary, Warrensburg, Mo.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Monday, April 03, 2017
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Wednesday, April 05, 2017
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Thursday, April 06, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Friday, March 24, 2017
2017 Sea Chanters National Tour
Friday, April 28, 2017
North Lake, Ill.
Milwaukee, Wis. Kenosha, Wis.
Sun Prairie, Wis.
Saturday, March 25, 2017 Eau Claire, Wis.
Sunday, March 26, 2017 St. Paul, Minn.
Monday, March 27, 2017 St. Joseph, Minn.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Watertown, S.D.
Wednesday, March29, 2017 Sioux City, Iowa
Thursday, March 30, 2017 Ames, Iowa
Friday, March 31, 2017 Dubuque, Iowa
Sunday, April 02, 2017 Rock Island, Ill.
Urbana, Ill.
Lake Geneva, Wis.
Pickerington, Ohio
Rockford, Ill.
Athens, Ohio
Davenport, Iowa
Independence, Iowa
The Sea Chanters embark on an 18day tour starting on April 18. The following is a list of cities and dates. Watch for the next issue of fanfare for more details! All dates, times and locations are subject to change.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Akron, Ohio
Thursday, April 20, 2017 Cleveland, Ohio
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Senior Enlisted of the Quarter April-June 2016
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Monday, May 01, 2017 Tuesday, May 02, 2017 Omaha, Neb.
Thursday, May 04, 2017 Lincoln, Neb.
North Platte, Neb.
Ashland, Ohio
Naperville, Ill.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Friday, May 05, 2017
Friday, April 21, 2017
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Des Moines, Iowa
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Morgantown, W.Va.
Swartz Creek, Mich.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Saturday, May 06, 2017 Scottsbluff, Neb.
Sunday, May 07, 2017 Laramie, Wyo.
Sailor of the Quarter April-June 2016
Chief Petty Officer Adam Grimm
Petty Officer 1st Class William Dunn
Senior Enlisted of the Quarter July-September 2016
Sailor of the Quarter July-September 2016
Chief Petty Officer Eric Lopez
Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Barnes
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Augustine Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Brown Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Trupe
Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Silbert Senior Chief Petty Officer Suzanne Tiedeman Senior Chief Petty Officer Stephen Williams Chief Petty Officer Robert Holmes Chief Petty Officer Lera League Chief Petty Officer Christopher Sala
Commodores
“Last night I attended a concert by what must be one of the very best big jazz bands in our country…I was blown away by the great contemporary arrangements by members of the band, and the level of musicianship was unexcelled. The…auditorium was almost filled by young and old who obviously appreciate this opportunity to hear great jazz played by master musicians.” Bill, Longmont, Co.
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Navy Band Sailor of the Year: Petty Officer 1st Class Colin Wise The Navy Band is pleased to announce Petty Officer 1st Class Colin Wise as the command’s 2016 Sailor of the Year. A trombonist in the Concert/Ceremonial Band, Wise’s exceptional service in multiple roles makes him an outstanding choice. His notable musical contributions include three appearances as a featured soloist with the Concert Band, as well as dozens of recitals and high-visibility ceremonies as a member of the Navy Band Brass Quintet. His wide-ranging skills and versatility also allowed him to step in on three occasions to perform with the Commodores. Wise played a vital role in the command’s primary mission, serving as Ceremonial Band leading petty officer on 128 engagements, including parades, changes of command, wreath-layings and funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. His knowledge and expertise has resulted in his designation as Navy Band’s lead LPO for the upcoming presidential inauguration. He has also served as the Concert Band’s assistant concert series manager, leading a team of three to manage logistical planning for performances at 17 venues. Wise’s outstanding performance and impact on the mission in every facet of his duties truly earned him recognition as the U.S. Navy Band Sailor of the Year. Welcome aboard to Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Bindis, Concert/Ceremonial Band trumpet, and Fair winds and following seas to Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Silbert, head arranger for the Navy Band, who retires after 26 years of service and to Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Stuver who is transferring to the Naval School of Music in Little Creek, Virginia.
Chief Petty Officer Ben Mitchel Morris, 1920-2016 Retired Chief Petty Officer Ben Mitchel Morris passed away at the age of 96 on Nov. 14, 2016. He served as the tenor soloist for the Navy Band from 1948-1970. Morris was born in 1920 in Seattle, Washington. He joined the Navy in 1940 as a hospital corpsman, serving most of the war years in the Pacific with the aviation Marines, rising to the rank of chief pharmacist mate. In 1948, he was invited to audition for the Navy Band, where he went on to serve an additional 22 years, performing on more than 30 tours, including trips to South America, Canada and Germany. He appeared on national television on the Ed Sullivan show several times and was featured weekly on “The Navy Hour” radio show. Morris’ singing career nearly ended in 1961 due to a car accident in which he was struck by a drunk driver and thrown through the windshield. He spent a year in rehabilitation working with a vocal coach to enable him to return to singing. After his retirement from the Navy in 1970, he went on to be a missionary to the Congo. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy Morris. He is survived by six children, 25 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Commodores
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“I am 70 years old and have never heard a Military band perform. I have never felt so proud to be an American. I have never felt that my taxpayer dollar was better spent…The performance gave the High School Band members encouragement to improve their own musical endeavors. A very fine example was set for them last night. Thank you.” ~John, Price, Utah
Spotlight on... Senior Chief Petty Officer Suzanne Tiedeman by Senior Chief Petty Officer Melissa Bishop
Senior Chief Petty Officer Suzanne Tiedeman has been the unit leader of the Ceremonial Band for the past two years. She reported to the Navy Band as a French horn instrumentalist in 1998. Tell us a little bit about your musical background. Music was always around our house growing up. My mom is a music teacher, accompanist and church music director so I would fall asleep listening to her practice after bedtime. I started learning the piano with her when I was five. My dad would walk me out our front door and around to her piano studio that had a separate entrance. I think it was an attempt to help me differentiate “piano teacher” from “mom” and take it more seriously, but nope, it was still just my mom. Sadly, I was not destined to become a concert pianist. I found my excitement and passion for music when I started playing the French horn and was fortunate my elementary band director, Ted Biernacki, was also a French horn player. As it turned out, he was my teacher all through high school. I began my college studies at the Esther Boyer College of Music at Temple University with Randy Gardner. Soon after, Gardner became the French horn professor at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, so I transferred to follow him there and completed my Bachelor of Music in 1998. During the previous summer, while playing in the All-American College Marching Band in Walt Disney World, I met Master Chief (ret.) Jeff Girdler, a French horn player in the U.S. Navy Band, who told me about careers in military bands. I knew from that moment on that performing in a military band was what I wanted to do. As it turns out, the job I ended up winning was with the Navy Band and it was the position vacated by Girdler himself! What are some highlights of your Navy career so far? One of my biggest realizations when I first came on board is that the U.S. Navy Band is right there, part of history as it is being made. President Obama’s first inaugural was the most highly-attended event on the National Mall in our nation’s history. When the buses
took us to our starting point for the parade you could see the National Mall absolutely packed with people, with some even hanging from lamp posts and trees just to get a glimpse. Another powerful memory is when we played for the dedication Senior Chief Petty Officer Suzanne Tiedeman of the WWII memorial on the National Mall in 2004, attended by thousands of WWII veterans and their families. As these veterans continue to get older and pass away, we have the distinct privilege of playing for their funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, thanking them and their families one final time for their dedicated service. The most difficult job I had to play for was the memorial service at the Pentagon one month after Septmeber 11th. To be able to bring comfort and closure with the gift of music to the families of the victims was overwhelming and an incredible honor. What does your job as unit leader for the Ceremonial Band entail? As the Ceremonial Band unit leader, it is my responsibility to provide the personnel supporting the Navy Band’s ceremonies, most significantly the musical support for funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. I am lucky to have a phenominal staff of drum majors, leading chief petty officers, leading petty officers and operations assistants who help coordinate logistics, track necessary data and provide leadership out on ceremonies. Just this past year, the Navy Band’s Ceremonial Band provided support for 445 full honor funerals and 489 standard honor funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition, the Ceremonial Band performed for 51 changes of command/retirement ceremonies, three arrival ceremonies at the Pentagon, the commissioning of USS Continued on page 8 Zumwalt (DDG 1000), 10
Commodores
“I am a professional musician and high school music teacher and I was blown away by their performance…This band was very polished and I feel they represented the best qualities of a musical performance and represented the American spirit…I was so deeply moved in the possibilities of art and music representing the American Experience.” ~Gregory, Las Vegas, Nv.
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Spotlight, cont’d wreath laying ceremonies, 14 patriotic programs (including a joint-band performance with members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Central Band at the Japanese ambassador’s residence), 14 specialty bugles which include Honor Flights and wreathlayings, participation in Maryland Fleet Week and musical support for the Washington Nationals’ season opener. We also supported our colleagues at the U.S. Naval Academy Band on 12 formal parades, seven football march-overs and the midshipman graduation ceremony. Whew! To sum it up, we are busy! How has it changed during the lead-up to the presidential inaugural? We started planning for the Inaugural back in January 2016. The inaugural is one of our most visible and complicated missions. Preparation for this event is given the highest priority. There are currently 170 members onboard at the Navy Band with over 115 people participating in the inaugural parade. This means
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Contact Information: Public Affairs Office The United States Navy Band 617 Warrington Ave. SE Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5054 202-433-4777 (office) 202-433-3366 (information)
that not only is the entire Concert/Ceremonial Band being used, but also members from the Commodores, Country Current, Cruisers and Support Staff. I work out the logistics and set aside the rehearsal times; the Ceremonial Band drum majors and marching instructors take it from there. I am truly humbled by the professionalism and dedication that each and every member of this organization brings to every single day, and Jan. 20 will be no different. It is an honor to be a part of this historical event and the U.S. Navy Band will be there proudly, making history. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? My husband and I enjoy living in the city with our two boys. Who knew the city could be such a playground for kiddos? We love going to Nats’ games, exploring museums and area playgrounds, canoeing on the Anacostia River and supporting our local coffee shops. ff
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