May/June 2014 w Volume 35 Number 3
Spotlight on MUC Adam Grimm Summer Concerts Cruisers Tour Looking Back: School of Music moves to Little Creek
A Message from the Commanding Officer
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t has been a busy few months here at the Navy Band, and it doesn’t look like things will slow down any time soon. The Sea Chanters had a very successful tour in March, and now we’re happy that the Cruisers are leaving for their second tour. Their first tour was in 2010, and we’re thrilled that we’re going to be getting them back out there, representing our Navy. We hope that this is the beginning of a regular touring schedule. If you live in Texas, make sure to look at their tour schedule on page six and find out if they’re playing a show near you.
It’s hard to believe that winter has flown by, and we’re about to launch another season of summer concerts under the stars. Fanfare subscribers will remember my comments in the previous issue about this past winter’s weather, and believe me quite a few band members are looking forward to the warm summer nights to come, including yours truly! Our Concerts on the Avenue promise to be real crowd favorites, as always, and of course we’re continuing our long-standing tradition of Monday night concerts on the west steps of the Capitol. After a long hiatus, we’re returning to the Sylvan Theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument on Tuesday nights. Please check out our summer performance schedule on page five. We hope to see you at one of these concerts.
fanfare
Finally, this month our executive officer, Lt. Cmdr. Walt Cline, will be retiring after 26 years of naval service. Walt has had an amazing career and has been an outstanding XO. I’ve relied on his counsel time and time again, as we’ve navigated through the rough waters of sequestration, a government shutdown, manning shortfalls, and countless other issues. I wish him and his family fair winds and following seas as he transitions to his post-Navy life.
Volume 35 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 MUC Adam K. Grimm MUC Cynthia K. Wolverton Layout and Design MUC Stephen W. Hassay MU1 Adrienne W. Moore
Photographers MUC Brian P. Bowman MUC Stephen W. Hassay MU1 James C. Anderson MU1 David B. Aspinwall MU1 Eric A. Brown MU1 Jeremy D. Buckler MU1 Adele D. Mayne
Brian O. Walden, Captain, USN Commanding Officer/Leader
fanfare is a bi-monthly magazine published by the U.S. Navy Band public affairs staff. Front Cover: 120511-N-AI329-109 WASHINGTON (May 11, 2012) The Navy Band Cruisers perform during an evening concert at The Yards Park along the Anacostia River waterfront in Washington. The Cruisers are the Navy’s premier contemporary music ensemble.(U.S.Navy Photo by Musician 1st Class Jeremy Buckler/Released)
CONCERT BAND NATIONAL TOUR
My family and I enjoyed the program very much here in Memphis, TN, at Overton High School. Very professional! I am proud of my service in the U.S. Navy, and I am proud of the U.S. Navy Band. Mark – Memphis, Tenn.
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Celebrating the Naval School of Music move to Little Creek By Senior Chief Musician Michael Bayes
F
ifty years ago, the Naval School of Music moved school. Consequently, the Naval School of Music from Anacostia Naval Air Station in Washingfaculty was as talented and knowledgeable as any ton to its current home at Joint Expeditionary such institution in the country, and it began its legacy Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va. The as being one of the premiere music training programs anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate those who in the country, a legacy that continues today. were lucky enough to come through its doors, and to At the outbreak of World War II, performing commemorate the school’s creation. demands on the Navy Band increased and more Navy Lt. Charles Benter became the musicians were needed to meet first leader of the U.S. Navy Band the needs of the growing fleet, in 1925, when President Calvin forcing Benter to recognize that Coolidge signed the law officially the band and its personnel could creating the band. Almost no longer support the school. So, immediately, he began hearing Benter began to turn over control from bandmasters and ship’s of the school to his assistant, Lt. officers who were frustrated with James Thurmond. A graduate of the poor level of performance and the Curtis Institute of Music and lack of standards in Navy music. formerly the band’s principal By the 1930s, the calls to address French hornist, Thurmond was this problem became too much instrumental in assisting Benter to ignore, and in 1935 Benter, with the establishment of the with the backing of key admirals, school. By 1942, Thurmond took was finally able to convince the complete control of the school and Navy that funding for a localized the fleet music program. training school was absolutely That year, the Naval School of necessary for the strength and Music detached from the Navy consistency of the music rating. Band and was moved across the That year, the Washington Navy Anacostia River to the Anacostia Yard chief of navigation, Vice Naval Air Station in order to Adm. William D. Leahy, wrote in accommodate an increase in a memorandum, “that a special student population. While at Lt. John Philip Sousa, center, discusses a possible musicians school to be known as the Navy Anacostia, in classic World War school with Bandmaster Frank Delpino, left, in Hampton Roads, School of Music be established Va., (circa 1918) photo courtsey of the family of CWO5 Robert II temporary buildings, the Naval C. Jacob III, USMC (ret.). at the Navy Yard, Washington, School of Music truly became a D.C....The purpose of the school first-class music institution. will be to train men in musical technique in order that A quick look at the jobs performed by members of the when they are detailed to the bands of the fleet the school will give you a sense of their professionalism and quality of those bands will be improved.” This was dedication. During World War II, President Franklin the culmination of years of hard work by bandmasters Roosevelt ordered that a standard arrangement of the like Benter and Frank Delpino, to improve the national anthem be created. Navy arrangers at the training efficiency of Navy music. school produced a DOD-approved arrangement that Recognizing that he had a large pool of professional is still being performed by military bands worldwide. talent at his disposal within the Navy Band’s rank and In 1958, members of the School of Music were called file, Benter called upon his musicians, many of whom upon to escort the remains of World War II and Korean were graduates of the nation’s top conservatories, War service members from to take on the role of instructors at this new training the Washington Navy Continued on page 6
CONCERT BAND NATIONAL TOUR
It was an outstanding event in every sense of the word! All of the musicians were of the highest degree of excellence and gave the audience quite an interesting and entertaining show. Conductor Capt. Brian O. Walden certainly picked a varied and well-rounded program! Norma – Decatur, Ala.
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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
CEREMONIAL BAND
CHAMBER GROUPS
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 7 P.M.
VE Day at the WWII Memorial 17th St. NW and Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C.
SUNDAY, MAY 4, 3 P.M.
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 7:30 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 7 P.M.
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 11, 12, 1 & 2 P.M.
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 7:30 P.M.
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 6 P.M.
CONCERT BAND McLean High School 1633 Davidson Road McLean, Va.
Herndon High School 700 Bennett St. Herndon, Va.
HIGH SCHOOL CONCERTO COMPETITION CONCERT Wakefield High School 1325 S. Dinwiddie St. Arlington, Va.
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 7:30 P.M. W.T. Woodson High School 9525 Main St. Fairfax, Va.
CONCERT BAND AND SEA CHANTERS
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 9 A.M.
COMMODORES
Beth El Congregation of Baltimore 8101 Park Heights Ave. Baltimore, Md. Memorial Park in Town Square Fenwick and Washington streets Leonardtown, Md.
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 7 P.M. Westfield High School 4700 Stonecroft Blvd. Chantilly, Va.
COUNTRY CURRENT FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1:30 P.M.
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Winchester, Va.
MONDAY, MAY 26, 11 A.M.
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 7 P.M.
SEA CHANTERS
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 6 P.M.
Memorial Day concert with the National Symphony Orchestra U.S. Capitol (west lawn) Washington, D.C.
CRUISERS
Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Va.
SUNDAY, MAY 25, 7 P.M.
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 10 A.M.
Memorial Day at the WWII Memorial 17th St. NW and Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C.
John Carlyle Park 300 John Carlyle St. Alexandria, Va.
Belle Isle State Park 1632 Belle Isle Road Lancaster, Va.
SUNDAY, MAY 25, 7:30 P.M. Bethany Beach Bandstand Bethany Beach, Del.
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 6 P.M. National Harbor 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md.
CONCERT BAND NATIONAL TOUR
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WINDJAMMERS WOODWIND QUINTET Augustana Lutheran Church 2100 New Hampshire Ave. NW Washington, D.C. COUNTRY CURRENT BLUEGRASS AND SKIPJACK TRIO National Air and Space Museum 600 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C.
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 11, 12, 1 & 2 P.M.
WINDJAMMERS WOODWIND QUINTET AND SAXOPHONE QUARTET National Air and Space Museum 600 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C.
JUNE
SEA CHANTERS
TUESDAY, JUN. 10, 6 P.M.
VOICES OF OUR NATION FESTIVAL Millennium Stage The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F St. NW Washington, D.C.
SUNDAY, JUN. 22, 6:30 P.M.
Town of Vienna Summer Concerts Series 144 Maple Ave. East Vienna, Va.
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 25, 7 P.M. Milton Memorial Park Union and Chandler streets Milton, Del.
COMMODORES
SUNDAY, JUN. 8, 12 P.M.
Frederick Festival of the Arts Carroll Street Frederick, Md.
We attended the concert last night, and it was great! We’ve attended other military band concerts before, but they’ve never had singers with the band. MUC Courtney Williams and MU1 Sarah Tietsort both have amazing voices, and Courtney was a pleasure to listen to as he narrated the program. Diana – Austin, Texas
COUNTRY CURRENT
SATURDAY, JUN. 28, 8 P.M.
SATURDAY, JUN. 21, 6 P.M.
Ben Brenman Park 4800 Brenman Park Drive Alexandria, Va.
CRUISERS
THURSDAY, JUN. 26, 7 P.M.
St. Charles Summer Sunset Concert Series 10440 O’Donnell Drive Waldorf, Md.
SATURDAY, JUN. 14, 6:15 P.M.
Hagerstown Community College 11400 Robinwood Drive Hagerstown, Md. National Harbor 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md.
Toni Saylor Summer Concert Series N. Tennessee Ave. Martinsburg, W.Va.
FRIDAY, JUN. 27, 7 P.M. Town of La Plata 305 Queen Anne St. La Plata, Md.
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 4, 7 P.M.
FRIDAY, JUN. 6, 7 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 18, 7 P.M. Springettsbury Township Park Amphitheater 1501 Zion Road York, Pa.
SUNDAY, JUN. 22, 4 P.M.
SUNDAY, JUN. 29, 6 P.M.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, Va.
COUNTRY CURRENT BLUEGRASS GROUP Lucketts Community Center 42361 Lucketts Road Leesburg, Va.
THURSDAY, JUN. 26, 7 P.M.
Chambersburg Memorial Park Bandshell 1 Memorial Drive Chambersburg, Pa.
Summer is back! By Musician 1st Class Amanda Polychronis
Come celebrate America’s Navy with your U.S. Navy Band at the Navy Memorial’s summer Concerts on the Avenue! This series, featuring the United States Navy Band and Navy Ceremonial Guard, is presented on select Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. during the summer at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington. The concert series began in 1997 and combines a wide variety of music in addition to precision drill by the Ceremonial Guard. This year’s concert series will highlight naval history and heritage; honor our fleet; honor our sister sea service, the U.S. Coast Guard; pay tribute to our international partners across the seas; and celebrate America’s iconic pop music of the 1960s and 1970s.
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand 1 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, Del.
THURSDAY, JUN. 19, 7 P.M. Renfrew Park 1010 E. Main St. Waynesboro, Pa.
SATURDAY, JUN. 21, 8 P.M. Rehoboth Beach Bandstand 1 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, Del.
THURSDAY, JUN. 26, 7:30 P.M. Frying Pan Farm Park 2709 West Ox Road Herndon, Va.
SAXOPHONE QUARTET SUNDAY, JUN. 22, 2 P.M. Thurmont Library 76 East Moser Road Thurmont, Md.
Three Navy Band ensembles will come together to perform a little something for everyone. The Concert Band and Sea Chanters chorus will start us off with traditional sea shanties and marches, while the Cruisers rock band will perform Billboard mega-hits like Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” and Sarah Bareilles’ “Brave.” So get ready to clap your hands and tap your feet! Please see below for this year’s schedule of Concert on the Avenue performances on select Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. On other Tuesday evenings at the same time, various ensembles of the band will perform at the memorial. Of course, no summer in Washington would be complete without attending our other regular concerts: Mondays at 8 p.m. on the west steps of the Capitol building, and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at the Sylvan Theater on the Mall (near the Washington monument). ff
2014 SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE MONDAYS, JUN. 2 - AUG. 25, 8 P.M. U.S. CAPITOL (WEST SIDE)
Jun. 2, Commodores 9, Country Current 16, Commodores 23, Concert Band 30, TBD
TUESDAYS, JUN. 3 - AUG. 26, 7:30 P.M. U.S. NAVY MEMORIAL 701 PENNSYLVANIA AVE. NW
Jun.
3, Country Current 10, Commodores 17, Concert on the Avenue 24, Concert on the Avenue
TUESDAYS, JUN. 3 - AUG. 26, 8 P.M. SYLVAN THEATER (WASHINGTON MONUMENT GROUNDS)
Jun.
3, Commodores 10, Country Current 17, Commodores 24, Commodores
SEA CHANTERS NATIONAL TOUR
Allow me to say what a pleasure it was to attend and hear the Sea Chanters. I witnessed this evening a group of truly gifted and talented performers that enjoy what they do…. It showed! What a great bunch of men and women, they reminded me of what an honor it was to have served in the US military. Phillip – Altus, Okla.
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School of Music continued... Yard to the Capitol and on to their final resting place at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. Additionally, members of the school proudly served in the cordon along the funeral procession route to Arlington National Cemetery in honor of President John Kennedy in 1963. After the Korean War, the buildings at Anacostia became increasingly worn and insufficient to properly house the school. In 1961, the Navy announced that it would be moved to Little Creek and the school finally found a proper home in 1964
when the move was completed. Today, the School of Music is preparing for another move into a state-of-the-art facility. On this occasion, it should be noted that its legacy is found in the recommendations of early bandmasters like Delpino, its creation by Benter, the educational foundation provided by Thurmond and certainly in the work of countless men and women who have attended and taught at the Naval School of Music. As the school moves into a new chapter, we celebrate their dedication and service. ff
Navy Band Cruisers are back on tour!
leader, says, “We are going to be presenting a show that is tailored to every age group possible, encompassing everything from Motown, a little pop, country, soul, jazz and the latest R&B hits on the radio. We are excited about going on tour representing the Navy Band and the Navy in the best way possible.” The Cruisers are looking forward to representing the world’s finest Navy and bringing their special brand of Navy music to their fans. Please check out their tour schedule below, and be sure to pass it along to any friends or family that live near the cities they’ll visit. If you attend a tour concert, be ready to be entertained, and write us an email about it, or comment on our Facebook page. ff
T
by Master Chief Musician Aaron Porter
he Navy Band is pleased to announce that, after a 4-year hiatus, our popular music ensemble, the Cruisers, is going back on the road. Their first tour in May 2010 was very well-received, but due to budget and travel constraints imposed by sequestration, we were unable to continue their tours on an annual basis. Travel funds have been reinstated, so the Cruisers are busy putting together an exciting, high-energy program for their tour of Texas. Senior Chief Musician Leon Alexander, the group’s
CRUISERS 2014 SPRING TOUR
The Cruisers depart May 9 on a 12-day tour through Texas. The following is a list of tour performances.
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 8 P.M. Valley Ridge Park 2850 Park Ridge Drive Cedar Hill, Texas
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 6 P.M. Addison Circle Park 4950 Addison Circle Drive Addison, Texas
SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2 P.M. Dallas Arboretum 8525 Garland Road Dallas, Texas
MONDAY, MAY 12, 7 P.M.
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 6 P.M.
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 7 P.M.
SUNDAY, MAY 18, 6 P.M.
Frank Mayborn Auditorium 3011 N. Third St. Temple, Texas
2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. Killeen, Texas
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 6 P.M. 1433 Cool Spring Way Georgetown, Texas
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 6 P.M. Preet Main Street Plaza 221 E. Main St. Round Rock, Texas
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1 P.M. The Alamo 300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, Texas
SEA CHANTERS NATIONAL TOUR
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River Walk Armed Forces Parade 203 S. St. Marys San Antonio, Texas Plaza Park 206 N C M Allen Parkway San Marcos, Texas
MONDAY, MAY 19, 5:30 P.M. Arneson Theatre 418 Villita St. San Antonio, Texas
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 7 P.M.
Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre 290 W. San Antonio St. New Braunfels, Texas
The performance I saw today was by far the best I’ve seen....above and beyond ALL others. First of all, the choice of musical numbers was spot on. The songs were so varied and interesting. I’d like to say there was “something for everyone” but that would be an injustice because every song WAS for everyone. The talent was over the top. I was mesmerized from beginning to end. I hated to see it end. Would return for another performance if it was a two show event. Thank you for your service. It not only made my day, it made my week & month. Lea – Albuquerque, N.M.
Spotlight on...Chief Musician Adam Grimm by Senior Chief Musician Juan Vazquez
For Chief Musician Adam Grimm, contribution at the highest level either as a musician or as a vital member of the Navy Band’s staff personnel is an essential part of his character. Tell us a little about yourself. I was born and raised in Forest Hill, Md., which is about 30 miles from Baltimore. From the moment I first picked up a saxophone, I had fantastic support from my parents. I studied saxophone at Towson University, where I had the fortune of working with two great saxophone teachers, Joseph Briscuso and David Stambler, who taught me that to have a successful career in music, you have to be able to do many things. It meant doubling, playing jazz, teaching… whatever it took. It also meant that if an audition popped up tomorrow, you need to be ready. When I switched from saxophone to public affairs, I returned to Towson University and finished a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, with an emphasis in public relations. Soon after I graduated, I spent nearly three months at the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Md., qualifying as a public affairs officer. What is your role in the public affairs office? My official title is communication manager, and I oversee our public information, command information and marketing efforts. In a free and open society like ours, PA is critical for bridging the divide between the American people and their military. One of our jobs is to inform the public about what we are doing, as well as providing context about why we are doing it. The military could not fulfill its mission without public support. How challenging was the transition from full-time performer to a full-time position in the public affairs office? I miss performing, but I don’t miss the long hours in the practice room and I definitely don’t miss trying to find saxophone reeds that work! Working in public affairs has been challenging in a lot of ways, but my goal is to be as good at public affairs as everyone else
here is as a musician. It’s a tall order considering the talent here, but one worth pursuing. What is your typical day in the public affairs office? We have a small public affairs staff, so all of us have to be able to do a little of everything. Like any other job in the band, there is no typical day. On any given day I Chief Musician Adam Grimm might be prepping folks for media interviews, coming up with communication plans, designing graphics, taking photographs, writing stories, or a number of other tasks. Luckily, we have musicians working collaterally (part-time) in our office that are fantastic. Musician 1st Class Tony Halloin is our social media wizard, where we are reaching more people every day. Chief Musician Mike Shelburne handles our marketing and advertising, and has done a fantastic job getting more people to our concerts. Chief Musician Cindy Wolverton expertly manages our internal information efforts. Musician 1st Class Eric Brown produces all of our videos, and has quickly established himself as a crucial part of our command’s communication priorities. We also have a great full-time staff here. Our public affairs director, Master Chief Musician Aaron Porter is a great boss and mentor, and always listens to my crazy ideas. Chief Musician Steve Hassay runs our visual information and has done a great job creating the professional look we have in all of our print and online materials. Musician 1st Class Amanda Polychronis is our productions director, and infuses our special concerts, such as Concerts on the Avenue, with her special energy and style! How different is the use of social media today than when you first joined the band? The tools and tactics might change, but the principles of communication remain the same. Social media has allowed us to connect with people around the nation and the world and, for the first time, offer a true two-way mass-communication tool. Social media enables us to Continued on page 8 have a conversation with
SEA CHANTERS NATIONAL TOUR
I gotta tell you all, there were times during the performance, I had goosebumps. This Navy presentation makes one proud to be an American and brings patriotism to our hearts, mind and soul. Jeannette – Richardson, Texas
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fanfare
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of the navy
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Spotlight continued... the American people, as opposed to just throwing information at them. It’s an exciting time, and we’re looking forward to what’s on the horizon. Can you tell us three pieces of music that you are currently listening to and three books that you have currently read or are reading? Today I listened to the new Beck album “Morning Phase,” Cannonball Adderley’s “Cannonball Takes Charge,” and Esperanza Spalding’s “Radio Music Society.” The last three books would be the Hunger Games trilogy, “LED Lighting” (about lighting for photography), and the latest Lee Child book, “Never Go Back.” Are there any goals that you are currently pursuing? I have a list of goals a mile long! I just started volunteering with the World War One Centennial Commission, working on their public affairs team. I
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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
also want to go back to school to work on a master’s degree. One of my crusades at the band has been to send a dedicated public affairs person on our concert tours. This month, I’ll be accompanying the Cruisers on their tour in our first trial run. What do you enjoy doing when not working? My first love is hanging out with my familymy wife and three sons. My boys and I do a lot of wrestling, dancing, Lego-building, and kicking and throwing things. My non-family hobbies include photography, graphic design, reading, caving and Dungeons and Dragons. ff
Welcome aboard to...
MU1 David Smith, trumpet instrumentalist with the Cruisers...and to MU1 Maia Rodriguez, alto vocalist with the Sea Chanters.
Visit us on the Web at www.navyband.navy.mil www.facebook.com/usnavyband www.twitter.com/usnavyband to comment on this issue of fanfare, e-mail us at navyband.comments@navy.mil