A video paints a thousand pictures Fanfare changes tack Spotlight on MUC William Edwards III
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A video paints a thousand pictures Fanfare changes tack Spotlight on MUC William Edwards III
A
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 per-
formances 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.
Kenneth C. Collins, Captain, USN
Commanding Officer
IN THIS ISSUE:
2 I CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE
3 I A VIDEO PAINTS A
f 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
THOUSAND WORDS U.S. Navy. Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the U.S. Navy Band public affairs
Bringing Navy Music office.
to the world of video 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.
6 I FANFARE CHANGES TACK
The New Fanfare COMMANDING OFFICER EDITOR
Capt. Kenneth C. Collins Musician 1st Class Sarah F. Blecker
8 I SAXOPHONE SYMPOSIUM PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Chief Musician Adam K. Grimm Senior Chief Musician Stephen W. Hassay
TURNS 40 EXECUTIVE EDITOR LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Senior Chief Musician Melissa D. Bishop Musician 1st Class Adrienne W. Moore
10 I SPOTLIGHT
Chief Musician William Edwards III 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
12 I NAVY FLEET BANDS IN ACTION 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
15 I AUDIENCE FEEDBACK communities that don’t see Sailors at work on a regular basis. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief
Musician Adam Grimm/Released)
2
A VIDEO PAINTS A THOUSAND PICTURES
BRINGING NAVY MUSIC TO THE WORLD OF VIDEO
by Chief Musician Adam Grimm
I
Master Chief Musician Mike Schmitz, the project
t’s mostly dark, the only light coming from the glow of
head, says that video gives listeners a personal
several widescreen monitors. A podcast is playing over
connection to the music that they hear, as well as being
some speakers. The narration mentions something
able to tell a story with music and visual imagery.
about the Cuban Missile Crisis. A lone figure sits in front
of the monitors, his hands quickly and deftly moving over
THE BIG CONCERTS
multiple control surfaces while his eyes dart back and
When September rolls around, Brown turns his
forth between a video window and color graphs.
attention to the Navy birthday concert and Navy Band
Musician 1st Class Eric Brown became the Navy
holiday concerts. According to Chief Musician Amanda
Band’s first full-time video producer in 2015. Since
Cline, the Navy Band’s production chief, combining
that time, he’s created an online video library that has
video with live music “allows us to tell the Navy story in
collected more than 50 million views across YouTube
greater detail.”
and Facebook, showcasing the Navy Band’s musical
In addition to producing all of the multimedia content
performances to audiences worldwide.
for both shows, Brown will plan and execute the live
“Video is such an exciting place to be these days
broadcasts. He says that the challenge is that every
in part due to the economics,” says Brown. “We’ve
note, every second must be accounted for. There is only
reached a nexus point in that the cameras have never
one chance to get it right.
looked better and been cheaper and the computers and
“There have been occasions I’ve gone home after one
software have never been faster and more efficient.”
of our livestreams,” said Brown, “and not been able to
He is working on a special video project, a series of
get to sleep for several hours due to the adrenaline.”
videos highlighting different sides of the Navy, such
In addition to streaming the birthday and holiday
as people, international partnerships, humanitarian
concerts, the Navy Band live streams Clarinet Day and
aid, hardware, and history and heritage. It amounts
the International Saxophone Symposium.
to producing and directing nine music videos in six
Of course, Brown can’t accomplish all of this alone.
months’ time.
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) 3
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 CONNECTING WITH THE PAST
the high standards of the Navy Band. When Brown It’s Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, and Brown, along with Cline,
finishes the product, Musician 1st Class Travis Siehndel Senior Chief Musician Steve Hassay (the Navy Band’s
and his social media team make sure that the video visual information chief) and Musician 1st Class Maia
reaches as many people as possible. Rodriguez (a member of the Sea Chanters and part of
Brown’s video team), are meeting with the last surviving
IN THE BEGINNING members of the Navy B-1 Band, who are holding their
Brown didn’t join the Navy Band to create videos. 75th reunion in Washington (see July/August Volume
Growing up in La Porte, Texas, he started playing the 38 Number 4 of fanfare for more about the B-1 Band).
trumpet in sixth grade, which he chose because “it was Cline learned of their visit, and instantly knew that
the best instrument.” He graduated with a Bachelor of their story would be perfect to tell at the Navy Birthday
Music from Northwestern University in 2006, and was Concert in October.
pursuing a master’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of “The story of our B-1 heroes must be preserved and
Music when he auditioned for the Navy Band in 2007. told so that we never forget how far we have come as a
He reported to the band in 2008 as a member of the Navy and as a nation.”
Concert and Ceremonial Bands. Brown worked with Cline and Hassay to figure out
He started his journey in video with a handheld video where to shoot the video, which was particularly
camera, recording recitals while in graduate school. challenging due to an ongoing renovation in the Navy
Though technically challenging, Brown discovered that Band building, while Rodriguez and Cline settled on
he enjoyed the post-production process. In 2012, he some questions for the interview. Once the footage was
started working as a video production specialist for the shot, Brown and Rodriguez went to the studio to edit
band, in addition to his duties playing trumpet. After the video.
three years, he became the Navy Band’s first full-time Talking about the editing process, Rodriguez said,
video producer. “Editing videos is kind of like climbing a mountain.
“I think music and filmmaking are the two greatest You’re never sure if you’ll reach summit. You just have to
team sports in the world, and luckily I’ve gotten to trust that you told the story the best way you knew how.”
experience both at a very high level.” The video will premiere at the Navy Birthday Concert
Oct. 5, 2017, at The Music Center at Strathmore in
4
North Bethesda, Maryland. Right after the concert, working on a seemingly inconsequential ten seconds
Brown will edit together the interview and part of the of a video clip.” It can be difficult to figure out when
musical performance for a product that can be released each part of the product is complete, and it’s time to
online later that week. move on.
“Sometimes we get 45 solid minutes of amazing
MEETING DEMAND footage,” says Rodriguez. “In that case, we have to
Take a look at photos that are posted to the Navy distill that down to a minute and a half. We’ll spend
Band’s Facebook page, and you are more than likely hours in the editing room, only to go back the next day,
to see comments asking for video of the performance. watch it again, and scrap what we did the night before.”
Shortly after beginning to release videos, it became
clear that the demand was high for content through The podcast drones on. The world was still coming
which members of the public could see and hear to grips with the nuclear age. Brown, still in the dark,
a Navy Band performance. Unfortunately, video alone, is working out a way to make a particular cut
production is labor-intensive. perfect, before he gets to making sure the footage from
Brown says that the creative components of video two cameras looks as if it came from one.
content are near-infinite. Production involves lighting, He says that video is basically taking over the world of
camera movement, set design and general talent media, and for good reason. “Video can communicate
direction, while post-production requires him or one of a message with a level of effectiveness and efficiency
his assistants to sit in a dark room making decisions that is unparalleled by any other medium, electronic or
about what footage to use, how to string it together, otherwise.”
how to fix problems, and eventually create a product Visit www.facebook.com/usnavyband and www.
that meets the high standards of the Navy Band. youtube.com/usnavyband for the Navy Band’s latest
Musician 1st Class Joseph Gonzalez, one of Brown’s videos. ff
assistants, says, “Sometimes I will spend an hour
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) 5
Fanfare changes tack
A history of fanfare
by Senior Chief Musician Melissa Bishop
F
orty-six years ago, under the leadership of happening in Navy Music and across the Navy. Our
then officer in charge/leader Cmdr. Donald W. website will feature new articles and educational
Stauffer, the U.S. Navy Band began publishing content throughout the year, while our Facebook
what was then a quarterly Fanfare newsletter. On the page and YouTube channel will contain new videos
back cover of each issue in the early 1970s was the and photos of your Navy Band in action. Some of that
statement, “Fanfare – a flourish and a herald of things same content can also be found on Instagram, Twitter
to come – a title at last for The Navy Band’s Newslet- and Flickr. We will still send out concert alerts via
ter/Program Guide.” Over the years, the publication email, as well as an electronic version of our printed
has allowed us to reach our audiences across the Fanfare. And, we will continue to livestream our largest
country and the world, giving you our schedule, provid- productions of the year: our Navy Birthday and holiday
ing historical context for what we do, and offering you concerts.
a glimpse at one of our members every other month
through the Spotlight column. Early issues also includ- We remain committed to staying connected with our
ed articles about instrument repair and maintenance, audiences across the country and around the world.
a feature called “Conversations,” which was a tran- We recognize that not everyone can travel to hear the
scription of round-table discussions between mem- Navy Band live in concert. We want you to know that
bers of the band, and even the programs for upcom- each one of our audience members matters to us, no
ing concerts. As it evolved, Fanfare became a larger matter how we are able to reach you. Thank you for
bi-monthly publication with colorful photos, modern your continued support of the Navy Band. ff
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
6
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.
7
Saxophone Symposium turns 40
by Musician 1st Class David Babich
T
he U.S. Navy Band’s International Saxophone Sym- Delangle 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 award-
be 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 world-
are 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 world-
renowned 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 teacher at the Paris Conservatory. He saxophone during an evening concert at the U.S. Navy Band’s 39th Saxophone
follows a line of saxophone performers and teachers at Symposium. The symposium is the U.S. Navy Band’s largest outreach event held
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
8 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 Band Saxophone Symposium team do a remarkable
by amazing guest artists, the High School Honors job organizing the two-day event. From booking today’s
Recital (where high school students from around the top saxophonists as guest artists with the Navy Band,
country have a chance to perform), a wide variety to designing the program and managing schedules,
of lectures and other recitals, and the vendor room applications and contracts, there is a titanic amount of
which will remain open all day. You’ll have to navigate work that goes into each year’s symposium beginning a
the schedule wisely to catch everything you want to full year in advance.
see and hear. The main event Saturday evening at 8 Applications to perform and lecture have been
p.m. features the U.S. Navy Band Commodores jazz flooding in since June! Last year there were more
ensemble with guest soloist Miguel Zenón. Zenón is a than 1,000 people who attended the event, and that
New York City-based saxophonist, four-time Grammy number continues to grow every year. The International
nominee, two-time Latin Grammy nominee, and has Saxophone Symposium is not only the Navy Band’s
recorded numerous albums including several under largest educational outreach event, but it is also one of
the Marsalis Music label. He is known for his skillful the largest saxophone conferences in the world. Given
balancing of innovation and tradition. the historic nature of this coming year’s symposium
At the conclusion of the symposium, whether or not and the headlining artists, this should be one of the
you are a saxophonist, you will leave feeling amazed most popular symposiums to date, and we look forward
and inspired by your experience at the event, and to celebrating this milestone in January! ff
will have a new appreciation for the versatility of the For more information about attending this year’s Inter-
saxophone. Musician 1st Class Dana Booher, the national Saxophone Symposium, visit us online at www.
Saxophone Symposium coordinator, and the Navy navyband.navy.mil/saxophone_symposium.html.
9
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.
10At what point in your life did you realize that music was something reserved for stronger people. But when
was the path you wanted to follow? the opportunity presented itself to audition, I just knew
I would say that I always hoped that music would end it was the right choice.
up somehow being my job, but wasn’t ever entirely sure
how it would all work out. As many musicians know, Any funny show stories?
finding work is not just about having talent—there’s Do you want to hear about the time Goofy’s nose fell
a lot of luck, timing, patience and perseverance to it. off in the middle of a show? Or about all the children
For me, it was also about professional connections I made cry while singing “Camptown Ladies” as they
because the music world is one big web of people ate their hot dogs at Woody’s Round-Up? Or maybe just
helping each other find gigs. I’ve been fortunate to have describe the utter absurdity of singing a duet of “Beauty
always worked in the arts since college, and it wasn’t and the Beast” in a glittering, ivory tuxedo on a fiber-
until a few years ago that I looked around and thought, optic, multi-colored piano that glided around a stage?
“Oh hey, look at that, I’m still working—I guess I’m a
professional musician.” Why do you love to sing?
To me, there is a magic that happens when you
Describe one highlight from a childhood put words and music together. You are delivering a
performance. message with meaning far beyond what you could
When I was in the 8th grade, I was cast as the title say with words alone. There’s also a feeling that each
role in Gian-Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night singer gets, a kind of thrill that is generated when they
Visitors,” directed by the composer himself. It was connect the music and the message with the audience.
produced by the Kennedy Center and the Washington It’s addictive.
Opera, with production values way beyond anything I
had ever done before. A huge set, a giant supporting What made you join the Navy?
cast of dancers and singers, beautiful costumes for the At the time, I was working as a singer in various
three kings, and live animals. The opera opens with shows at Tokyo Disney, but wanted something more
the shepherd boy Amahl outside his house, playing stable and closer to home, or at least in the United
songs on his pipe. So, naturally, there was a sheep out States. I heard about an opening with the Sea Chanters
there with me. Shortly before my first notes, this sheep from a grad-school colleague, and started researching
decided it had had just about enough of this music the job in earnest. The more I learned about the job -
thing, and silently made a sizable deposit on the stage what the Navy Band and the Sea Chanters do, and the
next to me, then trotted off with its handler. I feel my great variety of music - I knew it would be a good fit for
career peaked too soon. me. In addition to all of the standard military benefits,
there’s the fact that I get to combine doing what I love
What did you study in college? Why did you pursue with service to our country.
that?
I spent my freshman year as a chemistry major, and Any advice for aspiring musicians?
was doing quite well—but my heart wasn’t in it. As I Yes! Do everything. And I mean that. Play music
spent most of my free time hanging with the music and outside your comfort zone. Learn how to be a
theater geeks, I figured I should probably give that a chameleon—become proficient in every style of music
try. Somehow, I persuaded my parents that this was you can find. Collaborate with others as much as
a good idea and they kindly continued supporting my possible - work with dancers, singers, instrumentalists,
education. They’re still arguably my biggest fans. painters, sculptors, writers, everyone. Tell stories in
every way you possibly can. Because when you walk
Any unexpected turns that your career took? into your next performing job, whether you are a
Honestly, being a vocalist in a military band is the clarinetist or a singer, they won’t much care where you
unexpected career twist that I never saw coming. I went to school. They will be interested in two things—
grew up in the D.C. area and knew there were military the quality of your technique, and whether you can tell
choirs, but always thought that it was beyond me, that the story. ff
my voice wasn’t big enough and that joining the military
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)
11Navy Fleet Bands in Action
By Musician 1st Class Alex Ivy, U.S. Navy Fleet Band Activities
Y
our Navy fleet bands are working diligently to The U.S. 7th Fleet Band has traveled to 13
represent the U.S. Navy here at home and all over countries this year, supporting multilateral operations
the globe. Carrying on the proud tradition of Navy with partner nations during military exercises such
Music, Navy musicians are providing the highest level of as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training, and
professionalism through musical excellence and exem- Pacific Partnership. These efforts directly contribute
plary behavior on and off duty. Navy bands also enjoy to expanding and deepening the positive relationships
opportunities to reach people who have never met an the United States is building throughout the Indo-Asia-
active-duty Sailor, and in many cases overseas, never Pacific region.
met an American.
Navy Band Great Lakes supported the 2017
The U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band joined more than Department of Defense Warrior Games in Chicago. At
a thousand international military and civilian musicians the opening ceremonies, the band honored wounded,
and dancers to perform in the Royal Edinburgh Military ill and injured service members and veterans who
Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland. The band’s participation compete in the Paralympic-style sports each year.
showcases Navy musicians’ roles as musical
Navy Band Northeast celebrated Navy band history
ambassadors by building on the enduring relationships
and heritage with an alumni concert that invited
our nation has across the globe.
former members of the band to join them onstage at
The U.S. Pacific Fleet Band performed with the their homeport in Newport, Rhode Island. The concert
Royal Australian Navy Band Queensland throughout consisted of a variety of pops music, jazz big band and
Queensland, Australia, commemorating the 75th a finale performance of Lt. Cmdr. John Philip Sousa’s
anniversary of Battle of the Coral Sea. Fleet bands play “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
a vital role in preserving goodwill between the United
Navy Band Northwest hosted the 26th annual
States and our allies.
International Military Band Concert in Bremerton,
The U.S. Fleet Forces Band supported the Royal Washington. The program included seven other military
Nova Scotia International Military Tattoo in Canada. bands, including the Canadian Band of the 15th
The band joined about 2,000 world-class performers Field Artillery Regiment, with 85 members reaching
from around the world to create friendships through audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest.
music, dance and artistry.
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)
12PUERTO 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 Austin, Texas. Navy Weeks are designed to connect
the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Americans with their Navy, and feature Navy bands
Squadron Band at Morikami Museum and Japanese along with other Navy units.
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
Naval Academy Band
By Chief Musician Jessica Privler, U.S. Naval Academy Band
of the ties of friendship between Japan and the United
States. I-Day
It’s been a busy season for the Naval Academy Band.
Navy Band Southwest supported Navy Week Austin, Not long after sending off the Class of 2017 with the
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
Saturday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. as I-Day, the beginning of the arduous
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
You can order up to six free e-tickets starting Monday, Nov. 13, for the new plebes as they learned to
at 9 a.m., by visiting http://usnavyband.ticketleap.com. march on Worden Field. Additionally,
Finally, for those unable to see the show in person, we chamber groups maintained a busy
will be streaming each concert live online! The link to concert schedule in the community
watch the show will be available on our website, www. and teamed up with the Naval
navyband.navy.mil, prior to the start of each show. Academy Visitors’ Center to present
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
13augmented two fleet bands for their tours, performing members also enjoy performing public recitals as well
11 concerts in support of Navy Music’s public outreach. as providing music for events in support of the Brigade
In February, Chief Musicians Sheila Cullen and Jessica of Midshipmen.
Privler and Musicians 1st Class Micahla Hendrix and Emily “We are thrilled to be performing at this year’s
Madsen joined up with the U.S. Fleet Forces Band on a Midwest Clinic,” says Cullen, the group’s clarinetist
tour that took them through Virginia, Pennsylvania and and leader. “It’s always so inspiring to meet and
West Virginia. While on tour, they performed in a wind octet speak with educators and young musicians there, and
as well as with the concert band. In April, Master Chief the opportunity to present this diverse and exciting
Musician Amy Jarjoura and Senior Chief Musician Lynda program is equally rewarding.”
Dembowski performed with Navy Band Northeast on a The program will feature music by J.S. Bach, Ludwig
concert band tour of New England. van Beethoven, Raymond Loucheur and Jenni Brandon.
For more information about the Wind Trio’s
Headed to the Midwest Clinic performance and other upcoming Naval Academy Band
Also in April, the Naval Academy Band’s newest concerts, and to learn more about the Naval Academy
ensemble, the Wind Trio, accepted an invitation to Band, visit the band’s website (www.usna.edu/
perform at the 2017 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, which usnaband) and Facebook page. ff
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
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)
14Audience Feedback
COMMODORES acknowledging that the USN Band and trumpet player how much he made me
We are following up on the suggestion all of its elements are the best among wish I had practiced my trumpet when I
that we let you know just how much our Nation’s military service bands. was young. I hope they had some time
we enjoyed the performance of the The Cruisers finished with a remarkable to spend in our city; and despite the
Commodores last Thursday evening at medley of songs in honor of U.S. mili- rainy day, their performance brought us
Shenandoah University here in Win- tary service men and women...simply some sunshine. Hope they come back
chester, VA. My husband served in the excellent! Thanks for placing as much again.
U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and professionalism and pride into your mu- – Terry W., Texas
was so very proud of his connection to sic as the Navy puts into all that it does
your ensemble! to protect the U.S. Thanks again! CRUISERS
– Anne and Rick B., Winchester, Va. – Steve M., Woodbridge, Va. A fabulous show in Houston last night.
Every number was performed with real
COUNTRY CURRENT COUNTRY CURRENT mastery. I’ve gotta say that -- going into
We were treated last night to a won- …We went to Waynesboro, PA to see the show -- I had my doubts about the
derful performance... We loved the them perform…to say that they sound- combination of military thinking with
selection of country songs, all with a ed great is a vast understatement. They contemporary music, but the Cruisers
message...The quality of the sound es- were phenomenal. I remember looking completely won me over with their
pecially was amazing. Every instrument up at the stage after the last song and artistry and sincerity.
was clear with just the right volume. As thinking, “My tax dollars are supporting Thank you for bringing them to our city.
a retired Army officer I was also very this and I am more than ok with that.” – Steve K., Houston
impressed with the group’s profession- Thank you for supporting the Navy
alism and obvious love of what they do. bands and thank you for serving our CRUISERS
The group is a great representative of country! Awesome and inspiring music here in
the Navy, the country, and all current – Todd W., Waynesboro, Pa. Houston on Tuesday, Aug 8...Truly a
and former servicemen and women. Go group of “American Heroes” who are
Navy. SEA CHANTERS serving our Nation admirably!
– James O., Bethany Beach, Del. My husband and I had the privilege and – Eugene V., (Facebook)
honor of seeing a performance by the
COUNTRY CURRENT Sea Chanters. We have been to many SEA CHANTERS
Just had a lovely evening on the shows on Broadway in NYC and left I have traveled [from] Canada to see
Bethany Beach Boardwalk watch- the performance yesterday believing 2 concerts. Unfortunately yesterday at
ing and listening to the great Country the quality of the show to be equal to the Navy Memorial was canceled due
Current. We have had the privilege of or better than many of the Broadway to rain. On the other hand, that of the
seeing them many times over the year. shows we have seen. We were inspired, Sea Chanters tonight at the National
In fact, anytime a Navy Band ensemble we laughed, we cried and most impor- Museum of the Marine Corps was abso-
is playing here in Bethany we make it tantly we were carried away on the ab- lutely fantastic. I liked so much that I’m
a point to be there to hear the finest solutely amazing talent of the singers! thinking to return Friday night at Vienna
play. Having served in the Navy for over – Barbara F. Town Green. Thanks to you all.
43 years, it certainly still gives me the – Jacques D., Canada (Facebook)
chills each time I hear them play the COUNTRY CURRENT
Star Spangled Banner, Anchors Aweigh I just saw your country bluegrass en- U.S. NAVY BAND
and other patriotic tours. We are from semble Country Current at the Carroll I SO ENJOY YOUR EVENTS AND YOU
the hills of Western Maryland and coun- Arts Center. It is one if not the best ARE ALL SO VERY TALENTED....It makes
try/bluegrass head our preferences. concert I’ve been to in my life. What a my days even more special AMAZING
– Thomas D., Bethany Beach, Del. group of magnificent musicians! They AMAZING ...Thank you for all your won-
are a great credit to the Navy and to derful music - blessing to you all. Your
CRUISERS America. Thank you so much for con- dedicated fan from Ozz down under.
I just returned home from the outdoor tinuing such talented individuals in this – Caroline B., Australia (Facebook)
concert of the USN Cruisers concert type of music.
at Belmont Bay. I’d like to pass on – Ted B., Westminster, Md.
that they put on an outstanding per-
formance, and my wife and I really en- CRUISERS
joyed it. I’m a retired U.S. Coast Guard Just a note to say how much I enjoyed
officer, so I’ve grown up with a little bit the recent performance of the Cruis-
of inter-service rivalry among our Na- ers. These talented musicians are great
tion’s maritime services...[but] I have performers and serve as valuable am-
to admit that there is little option to bassadors for the U. S. Navy. I told your
15f anfare
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