2026 NMA REUNION

 

L to R: John Clemmer, Mark Bruschuk,
Tommy Loyola & Josh Keller

An NMA reunion is one of the few places on the planet Earth where clarinetists are welcomed with open arms and without snide remarks. Day after day at the 2026 reunion, more clarinetists arrived. At the  Friday-night concert, a full complement of seven Bb clarinetists filled out the instrumentation.

Similarly, our brass section filled up this year, providing a powerhouse of a punch particularly suited for military marches--and, yeah, we do play the occasional march...

Those of us who have marched four by four in unit bands know the difficulty a lone tuba player faces in a sixteen-piece band. Our tubaist, Lee Hudson, rose to the challenge, providing the band with a solid foundation.

L to R: Jim Richards, Rick Jebavy, Gary Seitz

It's a common misconception that a band needs lots of percussionists. Actually, a band needs only the right percussionists, and this year, we had them. 

Vocalists Heidi Wilson and John Fisher joined the band--their first performance together in 40 years, and, we hope, not their last.  

Breaking: Deadline for Booking Hotel Room Extended to June 10

Okay, you lazy slugs. Looks like we shook the tree hard enough that a bunch of you got off your butts and made last-minute room reservations for the June 24-27 NMA reunion. 

The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Norfolk Airport has extended the deadline. Rooms are now available at our special NMA rate until June 10! 

This does not mean the rest of you kick up your heels and put off decision-making for another two weeks. It means you swing into action. 

Pay your dues. Book your room. Register for the reunion. Information is at our website.

Having trouble booking your hotel room: Problem solved.

Some MUs have had problems trying to book hotel rooms for the reunion by the May 29 deadline for the special NMA rate.

Reunion Coordinator Carl Gerhard tells us the hotel has provided a new, tested link to reserve your room online. 

https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/navymusiciansjune2026/

(Alter dates on the page to suit your needs.)

Important Reunion Info

The 2026 NMA reunion--June 24-27--is right around the corner. 

The NMA website contains the information you need to join the NMA, register for the reunion, and book your hotel room. 

You'll find the reunion schedule here. 

Hotel rooms at our special NMA rate are available through May 29.  If you're reserving your room by phone, our group name is "Navy Musicians Association," and our code is 90B. 

We want to see you in Norfolk. We want to enjoy your company. In other words, we want you to get a move on. Join. Register. Book your room. Make your travel plans. Blow long tones on your axe. 

But don't put these things off. The reunion's approaching at circus march tempo.

Join the NMA, book your room, register for the reunion: details are right here .

ALLMU 2026.12B.43: Reunion in Norfolk, VA

ALLMU 2026.12B.43

To: All MUs, Past & Present

From: Navy Musicians Association, https://www.navymusicians.org

Subj: Criteria for attendance at 2026 Reunion 

1. 2026 NMA Reunion dates and venue are hereby promulgated:

    Wed. morning, June 24 -- Sat. evening, June 27

    Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Norfolk Airport.

2. Note that, while this reunion will be held in our traditional Tidewater-area "homeport" region, the venue is new. 

3. All hands are requested to spread the word about this event, with emphasis on the new location. Attendees who erroneously report to the previous Virginia Beach location will be severely confused and disappointed upon arrival thereat.

3. All hands are requested to register for this event and reserve hotel rooms at the Doubletree. 

--- Join the NMA - Register for the Reunion - Book your hotel room ---

Celebrating the Musical History of the Navy in Newport:

Mark A Stickney, founder of Historic Music of Newport,  has announced an event honoring the history of Navy music in Newport.

Celebrating the Musical History of the Navy in Newport

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Wyndham Hotel 

240 Aquidneck Ave.

Middletown, Rhode Island

5:00 p.m. Performance by Navy Band Newport's Trident Brass Quintet. 

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Jam session open to alumni of past Newport Navy bands.

For further information, contact staff@historicmusicofnewport.org

Gig Opportunity at Navy 250th Birthday in Philadelphia

The NMA has received the following message from Neil Stein of The Creative Group, the event planning company that is producing Homecoming 250, the gala celebration of the Navy's 250th birthday in Philadelphia this October.

They're looking for musical groups that include "Navy alumni" to perform cocktail music at various functions. It's a pay gig, although travel funds are not available. 

If you're interested, please contact Mr. Stein, whose contact information is below.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Greetings,

My company will be producing the Official Navy 250 Gala being held in Philadelphia, PA at the National Constitution Center on Saturday, October 11th.

While I know there will be countless Navy 250 Galas and balls taking place throughout the country in October, this gala will be part of the official set of events for Homecoming 250.

The Navy has graciously provided us with members of the Navy Band to play ruffles and flourishes for the event.

However, we would like to offer an opportunity to any local or regional musical groups comprised completely or partially of Navy Alumni to provide music for the cocktail receptions and the after party. 

We would also be interested in a DJ for the after party if that seems more feasible than a dance/cover band.

Please let me know if you are aware of any potential groups near Philadelphia or if you can put out a message to see if anybody is interested. I can provide more specific information on the timing of the event and the specifics requests for each group if that would be helpful.

This would be a paid gig for local musicians, however we do not have a budget for hotels or travel.

Thanks

Neil

--

Neil Stein|The Creative Group, Inc.|
Event Producer|T:215.850.0499|nstein@cre8ivegrp.com