May/June 2017 w Volume 38 Number 3
Navy Band Head Drum Major Young Artist Competition Spotlight on Lt. Luslaida Barbosa
A Message from the Commanding Officer
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fanfare Volume 38 Number 3 Commanding Officer
Capt. Kenneth C. Collins Public Affairs Officer CHIEF MUSICIAN
Adam K. Grimm
Editorial Staff SENIOR CHIEF MUSICIAN
Melissa D. Bishop MUSICIAN 1ST CLASS
Photographers SENIOR CHIEF MUSICIAN
Stephen W. Hassay CHIEF MUSICIAN
Brian P. Bowman MUSICIAN 1ST CLASS
David B. Aspinwall
Sarah F. Blecker
MUSICIAN 1ST CLASS
Layout and Design SENIOR CHIEF MUSICIAN
MUSICIAN 1ST CLASS
Stephen W. Hassay MUSICIAN 1ST CLASS
Adrienne W. Moore
Jon C. Barnes
Lauren R. Cook
MUSICIAN 1ST CLASS
Adele B. Demi
MUSICIAN 1ST CLASS
Brittany L. Foster
he weather is starting to warm up, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the roar of the crowd can once again be heard at Nationals ballpark just next door to the historic Navy Yard. Spring has returned to Washington. Arriving with it is the U.S. Navy Concert Band, recently back from their latest national tour. Our 2017 itinerary included 23 concerts in 26 days, covering nine states across the Midwest. At each stop we were greeted by enthusiastic audiences, and it’s always one of the highlights of our year when we get to connect with the American public. For those of you that may have missed the Concert Band this time around, the Sea Chanters chorus is covering much of the same territory, with tour concerts scheduled through Sunday, May 7. To find out more information about those performances, visit us on our website. This time of year also means preparing for our summer season. If you plan on visiting the D.C. area, please come and see one of our ensembles in concert. The Navy Band is a fixture on Monday nights at the U.S. Capitol Building, with a different program each week. On Tuesdays you can find us at the U.S. Navy Memorial, and on select dates our combined forces are on display for the popular Concerts on the Avenue--a must-see if you’re in the area. In addition, all of the ensembles will be making outdoor appearances throughout the mid-Atlantic states. Whatever your taste in music, we hope you’ll join us at one of our summer performances. Finally, we bid fair winds and following seas to Senior Chief Musician Keith Arneson, Chief Musicians John Schroeder and Kevin Taylor, and Musician 1st Class Pat Gulley, who are retiring or separating with a combined 81 years of service between them. I can’t say enough about the Sailors in this command and elsewhere who dedicate so much of their lives to the service of our Navy and our nation. We hope you enjoy this issue of fanfare, and we look forward to seeing you at a concert in the near future.
MUSICIAN 1ST CLASS
David A. Smith
fanfare is a bi-monthly magazine published by the U.S. Navy Band public affairs staff. Front Cover: Senior Chief Musician Michael Bayes, head drum major of the United States Navy Ceremonial Band, prepares to lead the band at the arrival of the French Chief of Defense Staff, General Pierre de Villiers, at Conmy Hall on Ft. Myer, Virginia. (U.S. Navy photo by Musician 1st Class Jonathan Barnes/Released)
CONCERT BAND
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Kenneth C. Collins, Captain, USN Commanding Officer
“What wonderful music and such talent and professionalism was exhibited last night in your concert! I was happy to see it was well attended with so many other things going on in the area. The featured soloists were superb! Nice to see our tax dollars going to something so uplifting and positive!!” ~Rene, Eau Claire, Wis.
A Day in the Life of the Navy Band’s Head Drum Major
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by Senior Chief Musician Melissa Bishop
t is 6:30 in the morning. Senior Chief Musician Michael Bayes enters the locker room to check over his uniform, making sure his pants are free of wrinkles, the medals on his jacket are straight and the mud from yesterday’s ceremonies has been removed from his shiny, black shoes. As the Navy Band’s head drum major, he now turns his attention to the logistical details of the day ahead of him. He and fifteen of his shipmates in the Ceremonial Band are preparing for three full-honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. While the band performs for nearly 1,000 funerals a year, each one is an honor. As he goes upstairs to his office, Bayes checks in with the unit’s leading petty officer. The first thing they discuss is the weather prediction for the day. This information helps them make proper decisions about the outerwear the band members will need to carry. Today will be a mild spring day, so Bayes and the LPO decide the band will wear full-dress jackets but leave their heavy overcoats behind. They’ll carry their all-weather raincoats just in case, as well as white gloves to wear for the first funeral in the chilly morning air. At 7:45 a.m. after putting on his uniform and gathering “As far as memorable experiences, all funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as every state funeral and inaugural celebration, not only have great significance for the nation, but those memories will always remain with me. I’ll always remember leading the band into the Globen Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1992. This opportunity enabled the band to expose its musical expertise beyond our shores, and the Globen is probably the largest enclosed space in which we had ever performed.” Retired Master Chief Musician Jeff Myers Head drum major from 1989-2007
up his mace and baldric (the ceremonial sash worn by a drum major that displays all military campaigns in which the Navy has participated), Bayes and the other band members make their way out to board the bus. Once the LPO takes attendance, Bayes gives the go-ahead to drive across the Potomac River into Virginia, making the eight-mile commute from the Navy Yard to Arlington. The cemetery is not only somber but also beautiful, and this early spring morning is awash in cherry blossoms
Master Chief Musician Jeff Myers, right, leads the U.S. Navy Band through historic downtown Stockholm during a parade that ended at the Swedish Royal Palace as part of the 1998 Swedish Military Tattoo. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Musician Stephen Hassay/Released)
and daffodils. Bayes gets off the bus at 8:30 a.m. to check in with the commander of troops who leads the Navy’s Ceremonial Guard. They coordinate about uniforms and the location where the band and troops will form up for the short march over to Fort Myer’s Old Post Chapel, the starting point for today’s first funeral. The family of the deceased veteran arrives at the chapel at 8:45 a.m. The troops stand at attention and the band plays a hymn while the casket is ceremonially carried into the building. During the half-hour service, the band and troops wait quietly outside the chapel. The caisson, with its six large draft horses, pulls up in front of the heavy wooden doors. As the chapel doors open, Bayes conducts the band through another hymn while the casket is carried out, loaded onto the caisson and securely fastened behind the horses. The commander of troops and drum major lead the band and troops down the long hill to the gravesite, followed by the caisson and then the family members, both those on foot and those in their cars. The band plays three stately pieces while marching. Once they arrive at the graveside, the band and troops form up nearby, not far from where the chaplain and family will gather. The band plays “Eternal Father” as the casket is taken off the caisson and slowly carried for the final time and placed gently next to the grave. Once it is time for final honors to be rendered, seven riflemen Continued on page 6
SEA CHANTERS
Love the Navy Band Sea Chanters. If I have a bad day I just pull them up on YouTube and it changes my whole day…Hope I can see the group live. They all brighten my day more than you know. ~David, via email
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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
MAY
CONCERT BAND
THURSDAY, MAY 4, 7:30 P.M.
FEATURING THE YOUNG ARTIST SOLO COMPETITION WINNER Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall Northern Virginia Community College 4915 E. Campus Drive Alexandria, Va.
THURSDAY, MAY 11, 7 P.M. McLean High School 1633 Davidson Road McLean, Va.
FRIDAY, MAY 19, 7 P.M. Urbana High School 3471 Campus Drive Ijamsville, Md.
SEA CHANTERS
SUNDAY, MAY 28, 8 P.M.
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT U.S. Capitol (West Lawn) Washington, D.C.
COMMODORES
SATURDAY, MAY 6, 1 P.M.
BERLIN JAZZ AND BLUES BASH 14 South Main St. Berlin, Md.
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 7 P.M. National Harbor 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md.
TUESDAY, MAY 16, 6:30 P.M. Heritage Shores Military Club 1 Heritage Shores Circle Bridgeville, Del.
SATURDAY, MAY 20, 6 P.M. Leonardtown Square Leonardtown, Md.
COMMODORES
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SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2:30 P.M. CITY OF ROCKVILLE HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 111 Maryland Ave. Rockville, Md.
SUNDAY, MAY 28, 7 P.M. Allen Pond Park 3330 Northview Drive Bowie, Md.
MONDAY, MAY 29, 6 P.M.
JFK CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Millennium Stage The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F St., NW Washington, D.C.
COUNTRY CURRENT
FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1 P.M. & 7 P.M.
CIRCA BLUE FEST Fair Grounds, Harry D. Shelley Park 2419 Golf Course Road Martinsburg, W.Va.
SATURDAY, MAY 20, 11 A.M. MCLEAN DAY FESTIVAL Lewinsville Park 1659 Chain Bridge Road McLean, Va.
COUNTRY CURRENT BLUEGRASS GROUP TUESDAY, MAY 23, 7 P.M. The Carroll Arts Center 91 West Main St. Westminster, Md.
SUNDAY, MAY 7, 1 .M. SHENANDOAH APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL 135 N Cameron St. Winchester, Va.
CRUISERS
SATURDAY, MAY 6, 7 P.M. National Harbor 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md.
FRIDAY, MAY 26, 6:30 P.M.
Fairfax Corner 4100 Monument Corner Drive Fairfax, Va.
SUNDAY, MAY 28, 7:30 P.M. Bethany Beach Bandstand 99 Garfield Parkway Bethany Beach, Del.
BRASS QUARTET
SATURDAY, MAY, 13, 6:30 P.M. Laurel Presbyterian Church 7610 Sandy Spring Road Laurel, Md.
FRIDAY, MAY 26, 1:30 P.M. The Village at Rockville 9701 Veirs Drive Rockville, Md.
SAXOPHONE QUARTET SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2 P.M. Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Ave. Manassas, Va.
JUNE
COMMODORES
FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 6:30 P.M. Vienna Town Green 144 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, Va.
THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 7 P.M. War Memorial Park North Tennessee Ave. Martinsburg, W. Va.
I enjoyed the Commodores performance…last week very much. They just blew the doors off the place. Our students are really fortunate to hear a group of that caliber and work with their members. I sincerely hope you can return for many more performances in the future. ~Tom, Columbia, Md.
THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 7 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 7:30 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 7 P.M.
SEA CHANTERS
COUNTRY CURRENT
Workhouse Arts Center 9518 Workhouse Road Lorton, Va.
Harris Pavilion 9021 Center St. Manassas, Va.
William A. Humbert Ampitheater 39 N. Hickory Ave. & Lee St. Bel Air, Md.
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 7 P.M. BEACH GOES BLUE Rehoboth Beach Bandstand 1 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, Del.
THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 7 P.M. Renfrew Museum and Park 1010 East Main St. Waynesboro, Pa.
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 6 P.M. Humphrey Pavilion Belle Isle State Park 1632 Belle Isle Road Lancaster, Va.
COUNTRY CURRENT BLUEGRASS TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 7 P.M. Odenton Regional Library 1325 Annapolis Road Odenton, Md.
Mason District Park 6621 Columbia Pike Annandale, Va.
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 7 P.M.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 7 P.M. Avalon Theatre 40 E Dover St. Easton, Md
CRUISERS
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 5:30 P.M.
COLUMBIA FESTIVAL FOR THE ARTS 10275 Wincopin Circle Columbia, Md.
FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 7 P.M. La Plata Town Hall 305 Queen Anne St. La Plata, Md.
SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 6 P.M. Belmont Bay 570 Harborside St. Woodbridge, Va.
Flute player wins Young Artist Solo Competition by Musician 1st Class Joseph Gonzalez
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ince 2001 the United States Navy Band has been proud to present the Young Artist Solo Competition. Encouraging young musicians is one of the Navy Band’s educational objectives and we are pleased to host this annual program as an opportunity for talented high school musicians to perform with the Concert Band. This year, the Navy Band chose to invite six young musicians from 2017 Young Artist Competition winner, flutist Irene Kim. (U.S. Navy photo by Musician 1st Class Jonathan a taped first round to compete for Barnes/released) the grand prize in the Young Artist Solo Competition which took place on Feb. 25, Continued on page 8 2017, in the historic Sail Loft on the Washington
2017 Summer Concert Series
Mondays, 8 p.m. U.S. Capitol West Steps JUNE 5 - Country Current 12 - Commodores 19 - Concert Band 26 - Concert Band JULY 10 - Commodores 17 - Commodores 24 - Concert Band 31 - Concert Band Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. U.S. Navy Memorial JUNE 6 - Country Current 13 - Concert on the Avenue 20 - Concert on the Avenue 27 - Concert on the Avenue JULY 11 - Country Current 18 - Concert Band 25 - Concert on the Avenue
Farewell to...Senior Chief Musician Keith Arneson, banjo instrumentalist with Country Current who retires after 24 years of service and to...Chief Musician John Schroeder, trumpet instrumentalist with the Concert/ Ceremonial Band after 24 years of service and to...Chief Musician Kevin Taylor, drummer for the Sea Chanters chorus after 24 years of service and to...Musician 1st Class Pat Gulley, pedal steel guitar instrumentalist with Country Current who separates after nine years of service. Welcome aboard to Ens. Clint McClanahan who comes to us from U.S. Fleet Forces Band.
CONCERT BAND
“Thoroughly enjoyed last evening’s concert. We were so happy to have been notified of concert. Musical selections were excellent and certainly musicians exceeded our expectations….We hope you come back soon so we can tell our friends they MUST attend. Thank you for serving in the Navy and thank you for being ambassadors of good will and beautiful music.” ~Jody and Jack, Indianapolis, Ind.
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Drum Major, cont’d
The United States Navy Ceremonial Band, under the direction of Drum Major, Master Chief Musician Joe D. Brown, stands at attention as smoke from the gun salute for Marine Gen. Peter Pace drifts past in the background on Summerall Field at Fort Myer, Virginia. (U.S. Navy Photo by Senior Chief Musician Stephen W. Hassay/Released)
fire three volleys, followed by a trumpeter sounding officers are comfortable with upcoming ceremonies to taps. Bayes then leads the band as it plays “America the which they are assigned, and keeps abreast of all uniform Beautiful” while eight ceremonial guard members fold issues, including maintenance, inspections and grooming the flag, which is then given to the chaplain to be formally standards, as well as timely acquisition of new uniform presented to the next of kin. items implemented periodically After marching off the field, by the Navy. Effective “My most memorable experience as a drum Bayes and the band then board communication is also a key part major was leading the band at an Arrival Ceremony at the Pentagon for the newly-recognized the bus for a short break before of being the head drum major. country of Serbia. The dignitaries were wearing the next funeral. While the day’s Bayes routinely coordinates with their brand new full-dress uniforms. They were work is somber, Bayes focuses the Ceremonial Guard, the other so proud to be recognized as a sovereign naon maintaining the dignity of the service bands in Washington, tion. When the band played the Serbian national ceremony, knowing that it is a D.C., and the other drum majors anthem, they stood taller with tears in their eyes, visibly moved. It was so meaningful to them to be uniquely moving experience for in the Navy music program. recognized by the U.S. military in this way. I was each family who watches a loved It is 3 p.m. and after two more honored to be part of that.” one being buried in this sacred funerals much like the first, the place. day spent in Arlington National Retired Master Chief Joe Brown Head drum major from 2007-2014 Bayes was not always a drum Cemetery has come to an end. major. He joined the band in Bayes rides the bus back to the 1997 as a saxophone player. He later became an assistant Navy Yard. He hangs up his uniform in his locker and drum major, and then assumed the role of head drum cleans his shoes, ready for tomorrow. ff major in 2014. What does he appreciate most about the job? “It’s the element of active leadership on each job. The author served as the Navy Band’s first female drum I am looking out for the members of the band while major from 2006-2015. ensuring that the ceremonial function of the Navy Band is performed at the highest level.” The drum major is not CRUISERS NATIONAL TOUR The Cruisers will depart on August 5 for a 15 day tour of only a figurehead, but also the subject matter expert on Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee. Visit our all ceremonial protocol. Bayes trains the assistant drum website in July for more details. majors on all sequences and ceremonies, ensures all junior
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I attended the concert last night…It was fantastic! I especially enjoyed the reference to the band as “your US Navy Band”. Makes me even prouder to be an American. It will keep me even more mindful of the 320,000 sailors who keep our nation safe and free. Thanks for an evening of great entertainment. ~Scott, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Spotlight on... Lt. Luslaida Barbosa by Musician 1st Class Sarah Blecker
Lieutenant Luslaida Barbosa arrived at the Navy Band in July 2014 as the Concert/ Ceremonial department head. She also serves as an associate conductor, security and legal officer and contracting officer representative. Lt. Barbosa was commissioned in 2012 and stationed at the Naval School of Music before her tenure at the Navy Band. In June she will depart for her next command, Navy Band Southeast. Tell us a little bit about your musical background. My involvement with music started in church, playing the tambourine and singing. At the age of 10, I participated in a band program started in my town for 5th and 6th grade students. I chose the clarinet because it was small, and didn’t rust like the flute or brass instruments (or so I thought). After four years I attended a performance art school (Escuela Libre de Música), studying clarinet, piano and ear training, while continuing to sing in the choir church. Following high school, I auditioned for the Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico and was accepted into the program. During this time, I learned about the Navy Music Program and had a chance to audition during one of Fleet Forces Band’s visits to Puerto Rico. Following a call from a Navy recruiter, and after analyzing my options, I decided to join the Navy as a musician. What made you decide to join the Navy and what led to your decision to apply to be a Navy bandmaster? The decision to join the Navy came after realizing that, in order to earn a living as a clarinet instrumentalist, my job options were either to teach music in Puerto Rico or perform in the Puerto Rican symphony. At the time, those options were not very enticing to 18-year old me. At the same time, the Navy was offering me the opportunity to earn a living playing my instrument and the chance to earn a degree, all while gaining real life work experience on active duty. The decision to apply for a commission as a bandmaster came after having worked for different
leaders and seeing the way in which their decisions affected their units. I noticed that officers were able to make a greater impact in the day-to-day operations of a band which I found extremely rewarding. Since I got so much from the Navy, I found Lieutenant Luslaida Barbosa it only logical to give back by becoming a Navy bandmaster. What are some highlights of your naval career thus far? Serving in the Navy Music program has allowed me to experience very neat things and meet great people from many places. Some of the most memorable times have been while serving overseas. While stationed in Italy, I had a chance to perform at Pointe Noire in the Republic of Congo in Africa. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we were able to communicate by performing our instruments and singing. Another memorable performance was in the Philippines as part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) cruise where the Seventh Fleet Band sent a small New Orleans-style group to augment a medical crew that was providing medical services to the local population. What made it special was the fact that, in addition to performing music, the band members were able to assist the medical personnel as needed. What do you like to do when you are not at work? When I’m not at work, I attend my second job as mom, wife, accountant, maid, cook and any other duties as assigned. For the remainder of the time, I play clarinet in a community band, watch my favorite TV series or attend a Zumba class to get all the dancing out of my system. ff
CONCERT BAND
“My wife and I attended the band’s performance…last night and on a scale of 1 through 10, you were a 42!...Everyone who attended got to see some very talented musicians, vocalists, and sailors who were obviously very proud of our Navy and what they do to be a part of it. The selections were varied and offered musical entertainment to a wide cross section of…folks. Your dedication and talent was amazing. Keep up the good work!” ~ LCDR (ret.) John W. Ackerman, Akron, Ohio
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fanfare
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Young artist, cont’d Navy Yard. Each finalist performed their repertoire in front of a panel of five judges. The finalists were Jacey Crayton - flute (Mechanicsburg, Virginia), Irene Kim flute (Chantilly, Virginia), Katie Lee - clarinet (Ellicott City, Maryland), Ian Mahoney - saxophone (New Baltimore, Michigan), Micah Reinharz - trumpet (Arlington, Virginia) and Wesley Taylor - saxophone (Glen Allen, Virginia). “Each of these young musicians is a remarkable talent. Choosing just one winner was not a simple task,” said one of the judges. For the second year in a row, a local flutist has taken home the grand prize. The winner of the competition and recipient of the Ambassador Middendorf Young Artist Award is Irene Kim, with Ian Mahoney in second place and Micah Reinharz in third place. Kim is in tenth grade at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax, Virginia,
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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)
and currently studies with Jennifer Lapple. She is a rotating flutist with the American Youth Philharmonic in Annandale, Virginia, and was previously principal flutist of the American Youth Symphonic Orchestra. Recently, she won first place at the Music Teachers National Association’s Senior Woodwinds Competition. She has also received top awards at the Young Musicians Inspiring Change Competition and the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association Achievement Awards. Kim has also been selected to perform at the Guest Artist Masterclass for the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention. All three winners will be performing with the U.S. Navy Concert Band on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia. First place winner Irene Kim will perform as the featured soloist on Charles Tomlinson Griffes’ “Poem.” ff
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