May/June 2013 w Volume 34 Number 3
The Debut of E-fanfare! Navy Band Summer Concert Series Spotlight on MU1 Lera League
A Message from the Commanding Officer
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equestration is here and the Navy Band is not exempt from its impact. So far this year, we have had to cancel several events due to limitations on travel distance and restrictions on the manner in which we accept funding to execute our public outreach mission. I want to be clear that this has not in any way affected our ability to provide support to military commands, Sailors or their families. Honoring fallen shipmates remains our top priority. We are not the only ones feeling the impact of sequestration. Navy Weeks, some of the Navy’s primary community outreach events across the nation, have been canceled for the rest of 2013. They were scheduled to take place in 18 cities. The Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, have been affected by the same restrictions. You may have noticed that this issue of fanfare arrived a bit later than usual. We didn’t think we’d be able to print fanfare at all, but thanks to the fantastic work of my comptroller and supply team, fanfare will continue to be published and mailed every two months. If you’re interested in helping us save on mailing and printing costs, you can unsubscribe to the print version and elect to receive an electronic version by emailing fanfare@navy.mil. To date, the effect to the Navy Band has been that the Sea Chanters spring tour was cut short and the entire Country Current fall tour has been canceled. Additionally, we have had to cancel 40 public concerts. I expect that there will be even more disruptions to our performance schedule going forward. We are taking a steady approach in how we move ahead, but rest assured, the members of the Navy Band are eager to be in the public sharing what they do with you.
fanfare Volume 34 Number 3
Commanding Officer/Leader CAPT Brian O. Walden
Public Affairs Chief MUCM Aaron L. Porter Editorial Staff MUCM Aaron L. Porter MUCS Juan Vazquez MU1 Adam K. Grimm Layout and Design MUC Stephen W. Hassay MU1 Adrienne W. Moore
Photographers MUC Stephen W. Hassay MUC Brian P. Bowman MU1 David B. Aspinwall MU1 Jeremy Buckler MU1 Adele Mayne MU1 Jeremy Middleton
I ask that you bear with us as we navigate these difficult fiscal constraints. I trust that we will eventually find resolution, and in time return to doing what we love to do. My pledge to you is that the Navy Band will continue to be good stewards of public funds while delivering our Navy’s story through great music to as many people as we possibly can. Thank you for your patience and loyalty and I hope to see you at a concert in the near future.
fanfare is a bi-monthly magazine published by the U.S. Navy Band public affairs staff. Front Cover: Members of the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters chorus, from left to right, Musicians 1st Class William Edwards, Michael Webb, Adam Whitman and Chief Musician Michael Belinkie sing the national anthem to begin the game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves in Washington. The Nationals celebrated their ”Navy Day” on April 13, 2013, featuring the oath of enlistment given by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to several new recruits. U.S. Navy photo by Musician 1st Class Jeremy Middleton
Sea Chanters
Brian O. Walden, Captain, USN Commanding Officer/Leader
Thank you so much for your spectacular performance at Graham Park Middle School on April 5. Your concert was enjoyable for everyone--teachers, students and parents, too. Barbara – Triangle, Va.
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The debut of e-fanfare! by Master Chief Musician Aaron Porter
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ith this issue of fanfare, we are marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Navy Band’s newsletter—the inaugural issue of e-fanfare. From now on, our subscribers will be able to receive fanfare in two formats: either as an electronic document, or in the mail (or both, if that’s what you prefer). While we’ve long been considering making fanfare available in this format in addition to our print version, we honestly hadn’t planned to start the electronic version with this issue. The driving force behind this decision was something you’ve probably heard a lot about in the news recently: sequestration. Along with the entire military, the Navy Band has been hit hard by sequestration, to the point where we’ve had to halt almost all of our printing, like posters and programs. For a while, it looked like fanfare might suffer the same fate, but when Congress passed and the president signed the most recent continuing resolution funding the operation of the federal government, the result was just enough funding to allow us to continue printing
the newsletter for the rest of this fiscal year. When faced with the possibility that we might not be able to print fanfare, we immediately considered other options to be able to get it to our subscribers. Of course, there are many ways to do this electronically, and we have decided to offer e-fanfare through a web-based service. Rather than sending fanfare in a format such as Word or Adobe Acrobat, we thought that this option allowed us to present the publication in a more attractive “virtual” layout, much like reading a print magazine. The result is an e-version of fanfare that looks on your computer screen exactly like the one you get in print, with all of the graphics and photos you’re accustomed to. Exactly what is sequestration, and what does it mean for your Navy Band? When Congress allowed sequestration to occur, it meant immediate and large across-the-board cuts to the entire military halfway through the fiscal year (the federal fiscal year is Oct. 1 through Sept. 30). The military must absorb these cuts in a few months, which leaves no room for flexibility, and no opportunity to make
A new season for Concerts on the Avenue
Continued on page 5
by Musician 1st Class Amanda Polychronis
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nother summer means another season of Concerts on the Avenue, the Navy Band’s popular concert series on Tuesday nights at the Navy Memorial. The Concert Band, Sea Chanters and Cruisers, along with the Navy Ceremonial Guard’s state and territorial flags and drill team, combine forces to
present a 75-minute show that is entertaining, highenergy and family friendly. This year’s series will use the 150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address as a thematic launching point highlighting freedom. In just 10 carefullycrafted sentences, delivered in two minutes, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that the Civil War was not only a struggle for the preservation of the Union, but for human equality as well. Our audience will hear music from Lincoln’s era starting with “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” arranged by our own Musician 1st Class Tim Hill. A version of this song was also just recently heard in the blockbuster hit “Lincoln.” Additionally, Hill arranged a very important song that tells the story of the Battle of the Monitor and Merrimac. This battle is commonly Continued on page 6
Concert Band
Thank you so much for coming to Price, Utah. It was a privilege to be able to listen to all the fine musicians perform. I thought it was great that you allowed some of our young musicians to play with you. We look forward to your next visit! Michelle – Facebook
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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
JUNE
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 6:30 P.M.
MONDAY, JUN. 17, 7 P.M.
SEA CHANTERS Vienna Town Green 144 Maple Ave. East Vienna, Va.
COMMODORES
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 12 P.M. Waterfront Plaza Stage National Harbor, Md.
Monday, may 27, 1 p.m. Waterfront Park 14 Prince St. Alexandria, Va.
Market Square Old Town Alexandria, Va.
FRIDAY, JUN. 28, 12:30 P.M.
National Air and Space Museum 600 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C.
U.S. CAPITOL (West Side) at 8 p.m.
Jun.
3, Country Current 10, Commodores 17, Concert Band 24, Concert Band
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 7 P.M.
friday, may 24, 6 p.m.
Aug. 5, Concert Band 12, Concert Band 19, Concert Band 26, Commodores
10400 O’Donnell Place Waldorf, Md.
Waterfront Plaza Stage National Harbor, Md.
Sunday, may 26, 7 p.m. Allen Pond Park 3330 Northview Drive Bowie, Md.
Sea Chanters
Lorton Workhouse Arts Center 9601 Ox Road Lorton, Va. Alert! - Alert! - Alert! - Alert! - Alert! Summer concerts at the U.S. Navy Memorial have been moved to 7:30!
2013 Summer Concert Schedule
Jul. 1, TBD 8, Country Current 15, Commodores 22, Country Current 29, Concert Band
Cruisers
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Saturday, Jun. 8, 7 p.m.
SEA CHANTERS
Sunday, may 26, 6 p.m.
National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, Va.
COMMODORES
U.S. NAVY MEMORIAL 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW at 7:30 p.m.
Jun. 4, Commodores 11, Concert on the Avenue 18, Concert Band 25, Concert on the Avenue Jul. 9, Commodores 16, Country Current 23, Concert on the Avenue 30, Concert on the Avenue Aug. 13, Concert on the Avenue 20, Concert on the Avenue 27, Country Current
SPECIAL CONCERT! SATURDAY, MAY 26, 7 P.M. MEMORIAL DAY WITH NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA U.S. Capitol (West Lawn) Washington, D.C.
We attended the Sea Chanters concert in Colby, Kan., last night. It was absolutely fantastic! My 12-year-old daughter especially enjoyed the opera duet, and the rest of my kids enjoyed the portion about the ride. The Red, White, and Blue song stirred up patriotic feelings in me that I had not felt for a long time. Thanks for a great performance! Lois – Facebook
Sunday, Jun. 9, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Jun. 2, 12 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUN. 14, 12:30 P.M.
FRIDAY, JUN. 14, 7 P.M.
Belmont Bay Woodbridge, Va.
National Air and Space Museum 600 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C.
THURSDAY, JUN. 20, 6 P.M. WWII Memorial Washington, D.C.
THURSDAY, JUN. 27, 7 P.M. Harris Pavilion 9116 Center St. Manassas, Va.
COUNTRY CURRENT SATURDAY, JUN. 1, 3 P.M. Charles Village Festival Baltimore, Md.
Frederick Festival for the Arts Frederick, Md. O’Donnell Lake Waldorf, Md.
FRIDAY, JUN. 28, 7 P.M. La Plata Town Hall La Plata, Md.
SATURDAY, JUN. 29, 7 P.M. Leesylvania State Park Woodbridge, Va.
CRUISERS
SATURDAY, JUN. 15, 7:30 P.M. Ossian Hall Park Annandale, Va.
Thursday, Jun. 20, 7:30 p.m. John Carlyle Park Alexandria, Va.
If you’re interested in unsubscribing from the print version of fanfare and receiving the electronic version, please email us at fanfare@navy.mil.
The debut of e-fanfare! (continued from page 3)
them sensibly. For the Navy, it means making difficult budgetary decisions in order to perform its primary mission—operating forward, keeping ships deployed at sea, ready to react to protect our interests as needed around the world. For the Navy Band, it means severely reducing our spending in all areas so we can perform our primary mission—funeral support at Arlington National Cemetery and military ceremonies and protocol jobs. Because the Navy Band pays to transport members to these jobs, this is one of our largest monthly expenses. We have carefully pooled our fiscal resources to be able to fund that effort through the end of this fiscal year, leaving nothing left over for printing programs and posters. The good news is that we are able to keep printing fanfare, and are now able to make it available electronically for those that prefer it that way. As many of our patrons in the Western states are aware, another effect of sequestration was the cancelation of the last five days of the Sea Chanters’ national concert tour. In the midst of their tour, a direction by the secretary of defense was issued that all military units are not permitted to travel beyond their local area. This very unfortunate circumstance was a huge disappointment to the thousands of patrons who had planned to experience the Sea Chanters’ unique blend of sea chanteys, Continued on page 6 classical, Broadway and patriotic vocal
Retiring after 26 years of service... We wish fair winds and following seas to Senior Chief Musician Karl Hovey, tuba instrumentalist for the Concert Band. Hovey served as principal tubist and as substitute narrator for the Concert Band. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal MUCM Randy Mattson MUCS Karl Hovey MUC Leon Alexander MUC Greta Loggins MUC Scott Silbert MUC Pat White Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal MU1 Josh Arvizu MU1 Haley Bangs MU1 Casey Elliott MU1 Jenny Stokes Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award - 2012 MU1 Jeremy Middleton Chief of the Quarter Oct.-Dec. 2012 MUC Rob Holmes
Sailor of the Quarter Oct.-Dec. 2012 MU1 Adam Grimm
Concert Band
What a great performance. My wife and I really enjoyed the evening. We try to attend all of the visiting military band concerts. This one was the best. Tom – Murrieta, Calif.
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The debut of e-fanfare! (continued from page 5) music. Their disappointment was deeply shared by everyone at the Navy Band. All musicians love to perform for live audiences; there is no substitute for it, and the letdown was as keenly felt by the chorus as it was by their fans. While the entire DOD and all the military branches work through the effects of sequestration and the fiscal challenges it imposes, the Navy Band wants to assure everyone, whether you’ve heard us at a live concert, on a recording, on the radio or through our YouTube channel, that we are dedicated to remaining good stewards of public funds, and
to bringing you, our loyal fans, the best musical product the Navy Band can offer. As for fanfare, this new electronic version of the band’s newsletter is now available via email. To subscribe, please email us at fanfare@navy.mil to sign up. We’ll send you issues as they become available. As always, stay tuned to the Navy Band through all of our outlets: Facebook, Twitter, website, Flickr, YouTube and our Concert Alerts email service. We promise to keep you informed! ff
A new season for Concerts on the Avenue (continued from page 3) regarded as one of the most important naval battles of “Respect,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” the Civil War. These tunes have stood the test of time and have The concerts will also feature traditional and always inspired the audience up and out of their contemporary seats, clapping and songs of the sea, dancing along. Gettysburg Address as well as an entire Before the concert Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on section of music comes to a close, this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated devoted to maritime the Navy Band to the proposition that all men are created equal. collaboration, will honor those Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that which aims to shipmates who are nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long highlight trust and no longer among endure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We have cooperation between us, with the singing come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for our worldwide of “Eternal Father, those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is partners. You will Strong to Save” and altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. hear American pop the playing of taps, But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not conmusic influenced reminding us all secrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living by Asia, the Middle about the sacrifices and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our East, Western made in the name poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long Europe, Africa of freedom. Lastly, remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they and more. The Sea the audience will did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the Chanter chorus is hear a wonderful unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so noheavily featured tune titled “We Shall bly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great in this section, Be Free” arranged task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take in particular the by the band’s chief increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full women of the arranger, Chief measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead ensemble. Musician Scott shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall The Cruisers will Silbert. Not only have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, be bringing back the does this song by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. popular “Soulful poignantly close our Sixties” medley concert highlighting with songs like “Soul Man,” “Dancin’ in the Street,” freedom, but it is a personal favorite of our captain. ff
Sea Chanters
I really enjoyed your concert! I loved the songs you all performed. Especially the newer songs and the dance movements! The concert was so much fun! I hope we get to have the experience of watching you all perform again. Riley – Triangle, Va.
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Spotlight on...Lera League by Senior Chief Musician Juan Vazquez
Teaching, learning and helping are part of Musician 1st Class Lera League’s makeup. Her dedicated contribution has led to her choice as the Navy Band’s 2012 Sailor of the Year. Tell us a little about yourself. My dad served with the security police in the Air Force, so, while growing up we moved around the country quite a bit. I started playing the clarinet in sixth grade in Missouri and continued through high school when we moved to Pensacola, Fla. I studied with Richard Jernigan who was the clarinet professor at Pensacola Junior College. My high school band director, Daniel Wooten, influenced my brother to attend the University of Louisville and when it was time for me to audition for college my brother convinced me to take an audition there. It was a great experience. While attending Louisville, I studied with Dallas Tidwell who was the perfect teacher for me. I performed many recitals and was given numerous opportunities to perform as principal clarinetist in both band and orchestra. While student teaching, I felt that I wasn’t ready to quit playing the clarinet on a fulltime basis, so I decided to earn a master’s degree in performance. I attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and studied with Ronald DeKant. After receiving my master’s degree and marrying, my husband was offered the opportunity to attend the University of North Texas the following fall so I got a job as assistant band director at Colleyville Heritage High School, where I taught for three years. During this time I took many auditions, mostly for military bands, and studied with Greg Raden, principal clarinet with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. How tough was the move to Washington, for you and your family? I first auditioned for the Navy Band and was offered the position in November 2001. After contacting my local recruiter, I proceeded to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) for processing, where I found out I was pregnant with my first child. We were very happy but disappointed to learn that the band could not hold the position for me. I followed the band during my pregnancy and learned that three auditions had taken place without hiring anyone. Finally in June, one
month before giving birth, the position was filled. We were both very disappointed, but I was offered a teaching position with a brand new middle school for the upcoming school year. We purchased a house and enjoyed having a newborn at home. Three months later, I received an email from retired Master Musician 1st Class Lera League Chief Musician Stuart McLean (then the band’s audition supervisor) asking if I was still interested in a position with the Navy Band. It would require me to re-audition, but if I was interested, they wanted to hear me again. The middle school band played their holiday concert, my son had a heart catheterization, and two days later I was auditioning again! I won the position but we were faced with some logistical challenges, particularly for my 10-month old son and my husband. He had to sell our house, pack everything up, and move in with his parents for during the 10 weeks I attended recruit training (not to mention try to find a job for himself in the D.C. area). He did a fantastic job with our son, and I know his parents are still very appreciative for the time they got to spend with both of them. It is still hard to be away from his family, but we visit as often as possible. My husband eventually found a job that interested him outside of music. He is a writer/researcher for an investment newsletter and has recently earned his CFA charter. Besides playing clarinet, what else have you done in the band? Since joining the band I have held several collateral duty positions. I have served as a key worker with both the Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society and Combined Federal Campaign. I have been a member of the Concert Band stage crew, worked for our administrative and operations offices, served as an assistant receiving officer with our supply office and as the Ceremonial Band’s leading petty officer. I try to assist in the different departments of the Continued on page 8 command to gain a better
Commodores
Thank you for the performance yesterday. I along with many others enjoyed it much / greatly! ! ! !
Fred – Springfield, Va.
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Spotlight continued... understanding of their unique responsibilities. I currently serve as the concert/ ceremonial department administrative petty officer and leading petty officer. I am also the command’s education officer and awards coordinator. I have had the opportunity to conduct ensembles of varying sizes at chamber music recitals and the Concert Band on two local concerts, which I enjoyed immensely. Tell us about your selection as the Navy Band’s Sailor of the year. I am very humbled by my selection as Sailor of the year. It means a great deal to me to be selected by my shipmates and to be recognized by the command in this manner. I was very happy and surprised to be able to support our command in the Navy-wide competition for shore Sailor of the year. It is a great honor to just be recognized, but to have the opportunity to represent the entire Navy Band in front of some of the Navy’s most senior master chiefs was a great responsibility and honor. Can you name three highlights during your time with the band?
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Contact Information: Public Affairs Office The United States Navy Band 617 Warrington Ave. SE Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5054 202-433-3366
I would have to say my three highlights in the band would have to start with my daughter. After having our son in the civilian world and working as a band director during his first months of life, I was very appreciative of the treatment I received from the Navy. The other two highlights would be playing for President Ronald Reagan’s funeral- an extremely hot but memorable day, and marching in both of President Barack Obama’s inaugurations. I do feel honored to play every funeral we do at Arlington National Cemetery. Because I have been on the other side of the band for a funeral, I know how much it meant to me to have the band present, and I feel blessed that we get to be that presence for others. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? I try to spend as much time as I can with my familythat includes all of their activities… sports, violin, church. I also enjoy running, reading and shopping. I recently started a hand bell choir at my church and enjoy spending time with my husband leading the group. ff
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