A video paints a thousand pictures Fanfare changes tack Spotlight on MUC William Edwards III
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llow me to be the first to welcome you to our new Fanfare! From now on, Fanfare will arrive in your mailbox twice a year. We’ll be sending information about upcoming performances and where we will be, separately. This will allow us to provide more in-depth stories and a new feature on the work done by our bands out in the fleet. Whether through music, imagery, video or articles, we’re always looking for new ways to reach more people, and to connect Americans with their Navy. We had a busy summer! June 5 was the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, one of the greatest naval battles the world has ever witnessed and a critical turning point in the Pacific during World War II. Navy bands supported commemoration events around the world. We even sent musicians to Midway Atoll, where a bugler and vocalist from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band participated in a globally-broadcast ceremony. Inspired by the “Greatest Generation,” our Sailors and civilians carry on that legacy of adaptation and resilience. Believe it or not, we’re already nearing the end of 2017. It’s been a great year, and we anticipate an even greater 2018. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at one of our concerts.
IN THIS ISSUE: 2 I CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE
3 I A VIDEO PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS Bringing Navy Music to the world of video
6 I FANFARE CHANGES TACK The New Fanfare
8 I SAXOPHONE SYMPOSIUM TURNS 40 10 I SPOTLIGHT
Chief Musician William Edwards III
12 I NAVY FLEET BANDS IN ACTION 15 I AUDIENCE FEEDBACK 2
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Kenneth C. Collins, Captain, USN Commanding Officer
anfare Vol. 38 No. 5
Fanfare is the official publication of the United States Navy Band. Contents of Fanfare are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Navy. Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the U.S. Navy Band public affairs office. Send letters to the editor to: U.S. Navy Band, Fanfare Magazine, 617 Warrington Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20374, call 202-433-4777 or email navyband.public.affairs@navy.mil.
COMMANDING OFFICER
EDITOR
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Capt. Kenneth C. Collins
Chief Musician Adam K. Grimm Senior Chief Musician Melissa D. Bishop
Musician 1st Class Sarah F. Blecker Senior Chief Musician Stephen W. Hassay Musician 1st Class Adrienne W. Moore
Front Cover: GEORGETOWN, Texas (Aug. 9, 2017) Musician 1st Class David Smith meets with audience members following a performance with the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers popular music group at the Cowan Creek Amphitheater in Georgetown, Texas. The U.S. Navy Band performed in four states during its 14-city national tour, connecting the Navy to communities that don’t see Sailors at work on a regular basis. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Musician Adam Grimm/Released)
A VIDEO PAINTS A THOUSAND PICTURES BRINGING NAVY MUSIC TO THE WORLD OF VIDEO by Chief Musician Adam Grimm
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t’s mostly dark, the only light coming from the glow of several widescreen monitors. A podcast is playing over some speakers. The narration mentions something about the Cuban Missile Crisis. A lone figure sits in front of the monitors, his hands quickly and deftly moving over multiple control surfaces while his eyes dart back and forth between a video window and color graphs. Musician 1st Class Eric Brown became the Navy Band’s first full-time video producer in 2015. Since that time, he’s created an online video library that has collected more than 50 million views across YouTube and Facebook, showcasing the Navy Band’s musical performances to audiences worldwide. “Video is such an exciting place to be these days in part due to the economics,” says Brown. “We’ve reached a nexus point in that the cameras have never looked better and been cheaper and the computers and software have never been faster and more efficient.” He is working on a special video project, a series of videos highlighting different sides of the Navy, such as people, international partnerships, humanitarian aid, hardware, and history and heritage. It amounts to producing and directing nine music videos in six months’ time.
Master Chief Musician Mike Schmitz, the project head, says that video gives listeners a personal connection to the music that they hear, as well as being able to tell a story with music and visual imagery.
THE BIG CONCERTS
When September rolls around, Brown turns his attention to the Navy birthday concert and Navy Band holiday concerts. According to Chief Musician Amanda Cline, the Navy Band’s production chief, combining video with live music “allows us to tell the Navy story in greater detail.” In addition to producing all of the multimedia content for both shows, Brown will plan and execute the live broadcasts. He says that the challenge is that every note, every second must be accounted for. There is only one chance to get it right. “There have been occasions I’ve gone home after one of our livestreams,” said Brown, “and not been able to get to sleep for several hours due to the adrenaline.” In addition to streaming the birthday and holiday concerts, the Navy Band live streams Clarinet Day and the International Saxophone Symposium. Of course, Brown can’t accomplish all of this alone. Like anything else in the Navy, it takes a team of dedicated Sailors to make for a successful mission. First, Brown relies on a small team of videographers, who shoot all of the footage. Each one is a musician who works in video as an extra duty. Brown also works closely with Chief Musician Brian Bowman, the band’s STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
WASHINGTON (Sept. 6, 2017) Musician 1st Class Eric Brown in his studio editing video for the concert celebrating the Navy’s 242nd anniversary. (U.S. Navy Photo by Senior Chief Musician Stephen Hassay/Released)
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WASHINGTON (July 19, 2017) Chief Musician Amanda Cline, right, discusses the upcoming video shoot with three of the surviving members of the B-1 Band, from left to right, Simeon Holloway, Jewitt White and Calvin Morrow, the first African Americans to serve in the modern Navy at a rank other than messman. They discussed their contributions to the Navy and Navy music and the difficulties they faced during their naval service as the first African American Navy bandsmen in the newly-integrated Navy for a video documentary produced by the U.S. Navy Band. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Musician Stephen Hassay/released)
recording engineer, who makes sure the audio meets the high standards of the Navy Band. When Brown finishes the product, Musician 1st Class Travis Siehndel and his social media team make sure that the video reaches as many people as possible.
IN THE BEGINNING
Brown didn’t join the Navy Band to create videos. Growing up in La Porte, Texas, he started playing the trumpet in sixth grade, which he chose because “it was the best instrument.” He graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Northwestern University in 2006, and was pursuing a master’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music when he auditioned for the Navy Band in 2007. He reported to the band in 2008 as a member of the Concert and Ceremonial Bands. He started his journey in video with a handheld video camera, recording recitals while in graduate school. Though technically challenging, Brown discovered that he enjoyed the post-production process. In 2012, he started working as a video production specialist for the band, in addition to his duties playing trumpet. After three years, he became the Navy Band’s first full-time video producer. “I think music and filmmaking are the two greatest team sports in the world, and luckily I’ve gotten to experience both at a very high level.”
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CONNECTING WITH THE PAST
It’s Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, and Brown, along with Cline, Senior Chief Musician Steve Hassay (the Navy Band’s visual information chief) and Musician 1st Class Maia Rodriguez (a member of the Sea Chanters and part of Brown’s video team), are meeting with the last surviving members of the Navy B-1 Band, who are holding their 75th reunion in Washington (see July/August Volume 38 Number 4 of fanfare for more about the B-1 Band). Cline learned of their visit, and instantly knew that their story would be perfect to tell at the Navy Birthday Concert in October. “The story of our B-1 heroes must be preserved and told so that we never forget how far we have come as a Navy and as a nation.” Brown worked with Cline and Hassay to figure out where to shoot the video, which was particularly challenging due to an ongoing renovation in the Navy Band building, while Rodriguez and Cline settled on some questions for the interview. Once the footage was shot, Brown and Rodriguez went to the studio to edit the video. Talking about the editing process, Rodriguez said, “Editing videos is kind of like climbing a mountain. You’re never sure if you’ll reach summit. You just have to trust that you told the story the best way you knew how.” The video will premiere at the Navy Birthday Concert Oct. 5, 2017, at The Music Center at Strathmore in
North Bethesda, Maryland. Right after the concert, Brown will edit together the interview and part of the musical performance for a product that can be released online later that week.
MEETING DEMAND
Take a look at photos that are posted to the Navy Band’s Facebook page, and you are more than likely to see comments asking for video of the performance. Shortly after beginning to release videos, it became clear that the demand was high for content through which members of the public could see and hear a Navy Band performance. Unfortunately, video production is labor-intensive. Brown says that the creative components of video content are near-infinite. Production involves lighting, camera movement, set design and general talent direction, while post-production requires him or one of his assistants to sit in a dark room making decisions about what footage to use, how to string it together, how to fix problems, and eventually create a product that meets the high standards of the Navy Band. Musician 1st Class Joseph Gonzalez, one of Brown’s assistants, says, “Sometimes I will spend an hour
working on a seemingly inconsequential ten seconds of a video clip.” It can be difficult to figure out when each part of the product is complete, and it’s time to move on. “Sometimes we get 45 solid minutes of amazing footage,” says Rodriguez. “In that case, we have to distill that down to a minute and a half. We’ll spend hours in the editing room, only to go back the next day, watch it again, and scrap what we did the night before.” The podcast drones on. The world was still coming to grips with the nuclear age. Brown, still in the dark, alone, is working out a way to make a particular cut perfect, before he gets to making sure the footage from two cameras looks as if it came from one. He says that video is basically taking over the world of media, and for good reason. “Video can communicate a message with a level of effectiveness and efficiency that is unparalleled by any other medium, electronic or otherwise.” Visit www.facebook.com/usnavyband and www. youtube.com/usnavyband for the Navy Band’s latest videos. ff
U.S. Navy Band Visual Information Chief, Senior Chief Musician Stephen Hassay operates a jib camera during the 2016 holiday concert at DAR Constitution Hall (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Musician Adam Grimm/Released)
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Fanfare changes tack A history of fanfare
by Senior Chief Musician Melissa Bishop
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orty-six years ago, under the leadership of then officer in charge/leader Cmdr. Donald W. Stauffer, the U.S. Navy Band began publishing what was then a quarterly Fanfare newsletter. On the back cover of each issue in the early 1970s was the statement, “Fanfare – a flourish and a herald of things to come – a title at last for The Navy Band’s Newsletter/Program Guide.” Over the years, the publication has allowed us to reach our audiences across the country and the world, giving you our schedule, providing historical context for what we do, and offering you a glimpse at one of our members every other month through the Spotlight column. Early issues also included articles about instrument repair and maintenance, a feature called “Conversations,” which was a transcription of round-table discussions between members of the band, and even the programs for upcoming concerts. As it evolved, Fanfare became a larger bi-monthly publication with colorful photos, modern graphic design and a sharper focus on how the Navy Band fit into the American landscape and fulfilled the Navy’s mission. Today, as printed publications compete with online media, we recognize the need for a change. We look forward to producing a larger Fanfare magazine twice a year, in the fall and spring. In addition, we will be sending out monthly schedules in the form of postcards, as well as schedules for our national tours, targeting the areas of the country in which we’ll be performing. You are still invited to visit us online for news about what we’re doing and what’s
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happening in Navy Music and across the Navy. Our website will feature new articles and educational content throughout the year, while our Facebook page and YouTube channel will contain new videos and photos of your Navy Band in action. Some of that same content can also be found on Instagram, Twitter and Flickr. We will still send out concert alerts via email, as well as an electronic version of our printed Fanfare. And, we will continue to livestream our largest productions of the year: our Navy Birthday and holiday concerts. We remain committed to staying connected with our audiences across the country and around the world. We recognize that not everyone can travel to hear the Navy Band live in concert. We want you to know that each one of our audience members matters to us, no matter how we are able to reach you. Thank you for your continued support of the Navy Band. ff
Young Artist Solo Competition The U.S. Navy Band’s Young Artist Solo Competition is open to all students currently enrolled in grades 9 through 12. Visit our website for information on how to apply for this unique opportunity. Deadline for submissions is January 7, 2018. Top prize includes a solo performance with the Concert Band and The Ambassador Middendorf Young Artist Award of $1,000.
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Saxophone Symposium turns 40 by Musician 1st Class David Babich
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he U.S. Navy Band’s International Saxophone SymDelangle is one of the most respected performers and posium may be 40 years old, but it definitely isn’t pedagogues in the history of the saxophone. Another slowing down. The 40th Saxophone Symposium will soloist performing that evening is Grammy awardbe held Jan. 12-13, 2018, at George Mason University in winning saxophonist Timothy McAllister. McAllister is Fairfax, Virginia, and preparations are underway to make professor of saxophone at the University of Michigan, this one of the most exciting symposiums to date. and won a Grammy as featured saxophonist with the Attending the Saxophone Symposium is like walking St. Louis Symphony on the album “City Noir.” McAllister into a major metropolitan train station, except people has been busy touring and performing with worldare carrying saxophone cases instead of suitcases. You renowned orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, enter the main lobby on Friday at 1:30 p.m. and there Chicago Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic. are musicians everywhere. Excitement is in the air. The last featured performer with the Concert Band is Many people are crisscrossing the floor heading to the the U.S. Navy Band Saxophone Quartet. Respected opening recitals and lectures, others are in search of a composer David DeBoor Canfield is creating a brand warm-up space to prepare for their performances, and new concerto specifically for the quartet which will be some people are standing around chatting, catching up premiered at that evening’s performance. with friends and colleagues while waiting for an event Attending the symposium on Saturday will be similar to begin. in many ways to the experience Friday except there will When you walk up to the welcome desk in the main be twice as much going on. There are more than 80 lobby you’ll be greeted by a member of the Navy Band. events in six simultaneous venues from 9 a.m. until They’ll hand you a program and as you take your first glance at it you’ll be amazed at what you see: there are more than 120 events during the two-day symposium. Flipping further into the program you will see each event in detail, and you can begin to decide which music and lecture topics interest you the most. Events run from 2-6 p.m. on Friday, with up to six halls containing separate, simultaneous events the entire time. Best of all, the event, from start to finish, is free and open to the public. At 3 p.m., one venue may have a lecture covering breathing techniques, another has a college saxophone quartet recital, another a saxophone professor performing new pieces, another a jazz combo performance, and yet another hall features a saxophone ensemble performing orchestral works! There is also a vendor room, open all day, full of instruments, mouthpieces and other saxophone gear to try. After attending hours of performances and lectures on Friday, it’s dinner time, followed by the main event of the evening: the Navy Concert Band, with guest soloists, at 8 p.m. The soloists you’ll hear are worldrenowned saxophonists that frequently perform, tour and teach around the globe. Legendary former principal saxophonist of the Navy Band and founder of the Saxophone Symposium, retired Master Chief Musician Dale Underwood, is one of this year’s soloists. Another is Claude Delangle, the distinguished FAIRFAX, VA (January 6, 2017) Musician 1st Class Dana B. Booher solos on saxophone during an evening concert at the U.S. Navy Band’s 39th Saxophone saxophone teacher at the Paris Conservatory. He The symposium is the U.S. Navy Band’s largest outreach event held follows a line of saxophone performers and teachers at Symposium. annually in January at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and serves the Paris Conservatory including Adolphe Sax (inventor hundreds of saxophone students and professionals. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior of the saxophone), Marcel Mule and Daniel Deffayet. Chief Musician Stephen Hassay/Released)
WINCHESTER, VA. (January 16, 2016) Members of the interservice saxophone choir perform during the 38th International Saxophone Symposium at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. (U.S. Navy photo by Musician 1st Class Jonathan Barnes/Released)
6 p.m., including masterclasses and recitals given by amazing guest artists, the High School Honors Recital (where high school students from around the country have a chance to perform), a wide variety of lectures and other recitals, and the vendor room which will remain open all day. You’ll have to navigate the schedule wisely to catch everything you want to see and hear. The main event Saturday evening at 8 p.m. features the U.S. Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble with guest soloist Miguel Zenón. Zenón is a New York City-based saxophonist, four-time Grammy nominee, two-time Latin Grammy nominee, and has recorded numerous albums including several under the Marsalis Music label. He is known for his skillful balancing of innovation and tradition. At the conclusion of the symposium, whether or not you are a saxophonist, you will leave feeling amazed and inspired by your experience at the event, and will have a new appreciation for the versatility of the saxophone. Musician 1st Class Dana Booher, the Saxophone Symposium coordinator, and the Navy
Band Saxophone Symposium team do a remarkable job organizing the two-day event. From booking today’s top saxophonists as guest artists with the Navy Band, to designing the program and managing schedules, applications and contracts, there is a titanic amount of work that goes into each year’s symposium beginning a full year in advance. Applications to perform and lecture have been flooding in since June! Last year there were more than 1,000 people who attended the event, and that number continues to grow every year. The International Saxophone Symposium is not only the Navy Band’s largest educational outreach event, but it is also one of the largest saxophone conferences in the world. Given the historic nature of this coming year’s symposium and the headlining artists, this should be one of the most popular symposiums to date, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone in January! ff For more information about attending this year’s International Saxophone Symposium, visit us online at www. navyband.navy.mil/saxophone_symposium.html.
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Spotlight on Chief Musician William Edwards III by Musician 1st Class Maia Rodriguez
Chief Musician Bill Edwards is a baritone vocalist with the Navy Band Sea Chanters chorus, and a newly-advanced chief petty officer. Originally from Bowie, Maryland, Edwards can often be seen performing out front during major concerts like the Navy Birthday Concert, the summer Concert on the Avenue series, and the Navy Band Holiday Concert. He is a part of the small ensemble, The Sideboys, whose performances of “Men of Motown” and “Jersey Boys” have proven to be a big hit world-wide. We recently caught up with him to learn more about his musical background.
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At what point in your life did you realize that music was the path you wanted to follow? I would say that I always hoped that music would end up somehow being my job, but wasn’t ever entirely sure how it would all work out. As many musicians know, finding work is not just about having talent—there’s a lot of luck, timing, patience and perseverance to it. For me, it was also about professional connections because the music world is one big web of people helping each other find gigs. I’ve been fortunate to have always worked in the arts since college, and it wasn’t until a few years ago that I looked around and thought, “Oh hey, look at that, I’m still working—I guess I’m a professional musician.” Describe one highlight from a childhood performance. When I was in the 8th grade, I was cast as the title role in Gian-Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” directed by the composer himself. It was produced by the Kennedy Center and the Washington Opera, with production values way beyond anything I had ever done before. A huge set, a giant supporting cast of dancers and singers, beautiful costumes for the three kings, and live animals. The opera opens with the shepherd boy Amahl outside his house, playing songs on his pipe. So, naturally, there was a sheep out there with me. Shortly before my first notes, this sheep decided it had had just about enough of this music thing, and silently made a sizable deposit on the stage next to me, then trotted off with its handler. I feel my career peaked too soon. What did you study in college? Why did you pursue that? I spent my freshman year as a chemistry major, and was doing quite well—but my heart wasn’t in it. As I spent most of my free time hanging with the music and theater geeks, I figured I should probably give that a try. Somehow, I persuaded my parents that this was a good idea and they kindly continued supporting my education. They’re still arguably my biggest fans. Any unexpected turns that your career took? Honestly, being a vocalist in a military band is the unexpected career twist that I never saw coming. I grew up in the D.C. area and knew there were military choirs, but always thought that it was beyond me, that my voice wasn’t big enough and that joining the military
was something reserved for stronger people. But when the opportunity presented itself to audition, I just knew it was the right choice. Any funny show stories? Do you want to hear about the time Goofy’s nose fell off in the middle of a show? Or about all the children I made cry while singing “Camptown Ladies” as they ate their hot dogs at Woody’s Round-Up? Or maybe just describe the utter absurdity of singing a duet of “Beauty and the Beast” in a glittering, ivory tuxedo on a fiberoptic, multi-colored piano that glided around a stage? Why do you love to sing? To me, there is a magic that happens when you put words and music together. You are delivering a message with meaning far beyond what you could say with words alone. There’s also a feeling that each singer gets, a kind of thrill that is generated when they connect the music and the message with the audience. It’s addictive. What made you join the Navy? At the time, I was working as a singer in various shows at Tokyo Disney, but wanted something more stable and closer to home, or at least in the United States. I heard about an opening with the Sea Chanters from a grad-school colleague, and started researching the job in earnest. The more I learned about the job what the Navy Band and the Sea Chanters do, and the great variety of music - I knew it would be a good fit for me. In addition to all of the standard military benefits, there’s the fact that I get to combine doing what I love with service to our country. Any advice for aspiring musicians? Yes! Do everything. And I mean that. Play music outside your comfort zone. Learn how to be a chameleon—become proficient in every style of music you can find. Collaborate with others as much as possible - work with dancers, singers, instrumentalists, painters, sculptors, writers, everyone. Tell stories in every way you possibly can. Because when you walk into your next performing job, whether you are a clarinetist or a singer, they won’t much care where you went to school. They will be interested in two things— the quality of your technique, and whether you can tell the story. ff
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 7, 2015) Musician 1st Class William Edwards, of Bowie, Md., sings to an audience member during a U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters concert at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla. The U.S. Navy Band was touring the southeast United States, with performances in 32 cities. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Musician Adam Grimm/Released)
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Navy Fleet Bands in Action
By Musician 1st Class Alex Ivy, U.S. Navy Fleet Band Activities
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our Navy fleet bands are working diligently to represent the U.S. Navy here at home and all over the globe. Carrying on the proud tradition of Navy Music, Navy musicians are providing the highest level of professionalism through musical excellence and exemplary behavior on and off duty. Navy bands also enjoy opportunities to reach people who have never met an active-duty Sailor, and in many cases overseas, never met an American. The U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band joined more than a thousand international military and civilian musicians and dancers to perform in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland. The band’s participation showcases Navy musicians’ roles as musical ambassadors by building on the enduring relationships our nation has across the globe. The U.S. Pacific Fleet Band performed with the Royal Australian Navy Band Queensland throughout Queensland, Australia, commemorating the 75th anniversary of Battle of the Coral Sea. Fleet bands play a vital role in preserving goodwill between the United States and our allies. The U.S. Fleet Forces Band supported the Royal Nova Scotia International Military Tattoo in Canada. The band joined about 2,000 world-class performers from around the world to create friendships through music, dance and artistry.
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The U.S. 7th Fleet Band has traveled to 13 countries this year, supporting multilateral operations with partner nations during military exercises such as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training, and Pacific Partnership. These efforts directly contribute to expanding and deepening the positive relationships the United States is building throughout the Indo-AsiaPacific region. Navy Band Great Lakes supported the 2017 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Chicago. At the opening ceremonies, the band honored wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans who compete in the Paralympic-style sports each year. Navy Band Northeast celebrated Navy band history and heritage with an alumni concert that invited former members of the band to join them onstage at their homeport in Newport, Rhode Island. The concert consisted of a variety of pops music, jazz big band and a finale performance of Lt. Cmdr. John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” Navy Band Northwest hosted the 26th annual International Military Band Concert in Bremerton, Washington. The program included seven other military bands, including the Canadian Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, with 85 members reaching audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest.
HONG KONG (July 10-17, 2017) The U.S. 7th Fleet Band performs at the 2017 International Military Tattoo. During the International Military Tattoo, the U.S. 7th Fleet Band performed with the Hong Kong Police Band and military bands from China, Mongolia, The Netherlands, Scotland and Russia. (U.S. Navy photo/released)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 6, 2017) Musician 1st Class Christopher Jerome, assigned to the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, plays with Guatemalan children during a visit to an orphanage in support of Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy/Released)
Navy Band Southeast held a joint concert with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron Band at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, during which the alliance between Japan and the United States was displayed through shared music. Held on July 22 with more than 200 people in attendance, this concert was a symbolic representation of the ties of friendship between Japan and the United States.
Austin, Texas. Navy Weeks are designed to connect Americans with their Navy, and feature Navy bands along with other Navy units.
Naval Academy Band By Chief Musician Jessica Privler, U.S. Naval Academy Band
I-Day
It’s been a busy season for the Naval Academy Band. Not long after sending off the Class of 2017 with the Navy Band Southwest supported Navy Week Austin, where they performed and engaged with people all over graduation and commissioning ceremony at Navy Marine Corps Stadium in May, the academy was welcoming the Class of 2021 on Holiday Concerts at DAR Constitution Hall Induction Day, more commonly known as I-Day, the beginning of the arduous Saturday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. six-week indoctrination period known Saturday, Dec. 16, at 8 p.m. as Plebe Summer. Throughout the Sunday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. summer, the band provided music for the new plebes as they learned to You can order up to six free e-tickets starting Monday, Nov. 13, march on Worden Field. Additionally, at 9 a.m., by visiting http://usnavyband.ticketleap.com. chamber groups maintained a busy Finally, for those unable to see the show in person, we concert schedule in the community will be streaming each concert live online! The link to and teamed up with the Naval watch the show will be available on our website, www. Academy Visitors’ Center to present navyband.navy.mil, prior to the start of each show. four concerts for tourists as part of the Academy Legacy Tour.
Supporting the fleet
Earlier in the year, six members of the Naval Academy Band had the opportunity to collaborate with their colleagues in the fleet as they
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augmented two fleet bands for their tours, performing 11 concerts in support of Navy Music’s public outreach. In February, Chief Musicians Sheila Cullen and Jessica Privler and Musicians 1st Class Micahla Hendrix and Emily Madsen joined up with the U.S. Fleet Forces Band on a tour that took them through Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. While on tour, they performed in a wind octet as well as with the concert band. In April, Master Chief Musician Amy Jarjoura and Senior Chief Musician Lynda Dembowski performed with Navy Band Northeast on a concert band tour of New England.
Headed to the Midwest Clinic
Also in April, the Naval Academy Band’s newest ensemble, the Wind Trio, accepted an invitation to perform at the 2017 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, which will take place Dec. 20-23. Founded in 2016, the trio’s primary duty is to perform for social functions hosted by the Naval Academy superintendent. The group’s
members also enjoy performing public recitals as well as providing music for events in support of the Brigade of Midshipmen. “We are thrilled to be performing at this year’s Midwest Clinic,” says Cullen, the group’s clarinetist and leader. “It’s always so inspiring to meet and speak with educators and young musicians there, and the opportunity to present this diverse and exciting program is equally rewarding.” The program will feature music by J.S. Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Raymond Loucheur and Jenni Brandon. For more information about the Wind Trio’s performance and other upcoming Naval Academy Band concerts, and to learn more about the Naval Academy Band, visit the band’s website (www.usna.edu/ usnaband) and Facebook page. ff
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 9, 2017) The U.S. Naval Academy Band prepares for the march over with the Brigade of Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy for the first home football game of the season. (U.S. Navy file photo/Released)
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Audience Feedback COMMODORES
We are following up on the suggestion that we let you know just how much we enjoyed the performance of the Commodores last Thursday evening at Shenandoah University here in Winchester, VA. My husband served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was so very proud of his connection to your ensemble! – Anne and Rick B., Winchester, Va.
acknowledging that the USN Band and all of its elements are the best among our Nation’s military service bands. The Cruisers finished with a remarkable medley of songs in honor of U.S. military service men and women...simply excellent! Thanks for placing as much professionalism and pride into your music as the Navy puts into all that it does to protect the U.S. Thanks again! – Steve M., Woodbridge, Va.
COUNTRY CURRENT
COUNTRY CURRENT
We were treated last night to a wonderful performance... We loved the selection of country songs, all with a message...The quality of the sound especially was amazing. Every instrument was clear with just the right volume. As a retired Army officer I was also very impressed with the group’s professionalism and obvious love of what they do. The group is a great representative of the Navy, the country, and all current and former servicemen and women. Go Navy. – James O., Bethany Beach, Del.
COUNTRY CURRENT
Just had a lovely evening on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk watching and listening to the great Country Current. We have had the privilege of seeing them many times over the year. In fact, anytime a Navy Band ensemble is playing here in Bethany we make it a point to be there to hear the finest play. Having served in the Navy for over 43 years, it certainly still gives me the chills each time I hear them play the Star Spangled Banner, Anchors Aweigh and other patriotic tours. We are from the hills of Western Maryland and country/bluegrass head our preferences. – Thomas D., Bethany Beach, Del.
CRUISERS
I just returned home from the outdoor concert of the USN Cruisers concert at Belmont Bay. I’d like to pass on that they put on an outstanding performance, and my wife and I really enjoyed it. I’m a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, so I’ve grown up with a little bit of inter-service rivalry among our Nation’s maritime services...[but] I have to admit that there is little option to
…We went to Waynesboro, PA to see them perform…to say that they sounded great is a vast understatement. They were phenomenal. I remember looking up at the stage after the last song and thinking, “My tax dollars are supporting this and I am more than ok with that.” Thank you for supporting the Navy bands and thank you for serving our country! – Todd W., Waynesboro, Pa.
SEA CHANTERS
My husband and I had the privilege and honor of seeing a performance by the Sea Chanters. We have been to many shows on Broadway in NYC and left the performance yesterday believing the quality of the show to be equal to or better than many of the Broadway shows we have seen. We were inspired, we laughed, we cried and most importantly we were carried away on the absolutely amazing talent of the singers! – Barbara F.
COUNTRY CURRENT
I just saw your country bluegrass ensemble Country Current at the Carroll Arts Center. It is one if not the best concert I’ve been to in my life. What a group of magnificent musicians! They are a great credit to the Navy and to America. Thank you so much for continuing such talented individuals in this type of music. – Ted B., Westminster, Md.
trumpet player how much he made me wish I had practiced my trumpet when I was young. I hope they had some time to spend in our city; and despite the rainy day, their performance brought us some sunshine. Hope they come back again. – Terry W., Texas
CRUISERS
A fabulous show in Houston last night. Every number was performed with real mastery. I’ve gotta say that -- going into the show -- I had my doubts about the combination of military thinking with contemporary music, but the Cruisers completely won me over with their artistry and sincerity. Thank you for bringing them to our city. – Steve K., Houston
CRUISERS
Awesome and inspiring music here in Houston on Tuesday, Aug 8...Truly a group of “American Heroes” who are serving our Nation admirably! – Eugene V., (Facebook)
SEA CHANTERS
I have traveled [from] Canada to see 2 concerts. Unfortunately yesterday at the Navy Memorial was canceled due to rain. On the other hand, that of the Sea Chanters tonight at the National Museum of the Marine Corps was absolutely fantastic. I liked so much that I’m thinking to return Friday night at Vienna Town Green. Thanks to you all. – Jacques D., Canada (Facebook)
U.S. NAVY BAND
I SO ENJOY YOUR EVENTS AND YOU ARE ALL SO VERY TALENTED....It makes my days even more special AMAZING AMAZING ...Thank you for all your wonderful music - blessing to you all. Your dedicated fan from Ozz down under. – Caroline B., Australia (Facebook)
CRUISERS
Just a note to say how much I enjoyed the recent performance of the Cruisers. These talented musicians are great performers and serve as valuable ambassadors for the U. S. Navy. I told your
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