Welcome to Boot Camp

Some things are different. Sneakers. Tee shirts. Women.

But, aside from those minor details, the experience hasn't changed a bit.

Welcome to 21st-century boot camp.

Fleet Week in LA -- Navy Band Southwest

This year's Fleet Week in Los Angeles was held over the Labor Day weekend. It was a virtual event, for obvious reasons. 

But the music is quite real.

 

Social Distancing in Seattle

The pandemic may have brought challenges to Navy fleet bands, but one thing is certain: they are not lying idle.

Cancellation of 2020 NMA Reunion

A message from NMA President Dwaine Whitham:

After much thought and consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to cancel the 2020 NMA Reunion in Virginia Beach. We looked at other options, such as postponing the reunion to a later date, but decided it would be in the best interests of our organization and members to cancel the event and start focusing on a great 2021 reunion. The safety, health and welfare of our members remain our biggest priority. We wish you well and look forward to seeing you in 2021!

2019 NMA Reunion: "When a Man Loves a Woman"

Like active-duty concert bands, ours plays far more than Sousa marches and patriotic favorites. Rearrange a few seats, call in a rhythm section, and we're ready to rock.

On Friday night, Peter Graves conducted the concert band on his arrangement of "When a Man Loves a Woman." The combination of Peter's writing and Jim Hayward's soloing was a reunion highlight.

LT Patrick HIll, Navy Band Great Lakes, Quad Cities Navy Week 1019

LT Patrick Hill, bandmaster of Navy Band Great Lakes, explains the Navy's mission as it relates to midwestern agriculture and conducts "National Emblem." 

Note that this is not a sunset performance; the band was up at zero-dark-thirty for this appearance and will perform this evening in Moline. Long days, hard work; Anchors Aweigh!

 

MUC Tommy Horner: Navy Week in the Quad Cities

Chief Musician Tommy Horner sang with our Big Band last week at the NMA reunion. This week, he's in the Illinois/Iowa Quad Cities with Navy Band Great Lakes, in support of Navy Week (June 24-30, 2019).