Last Friday afternoon was very special - we renewed acquaintances at Historic Congressional Cemetery (HCC) with foundation president Cindy Hayes and the many dynamite docents who take such good care of our MCI groups. The occasion was John Philip Sousa’s 155th birthday party. The Marine Band traditionally does a “stand and blow,” graveside, to honor Sousa’s time and leadership of the Band and his illustrious contribution to American Music.

This year was especially rewarding: there were about 150 people there for the ceremony and short concert! You may be interested to know this job was the genesis of the Marine Band Public Affairs Office. How? Thought you’d never ask!

In 1980 yours truly was standing in Marine Band full dress, saxophone hanging around neck, at Sousa’s grave thinking, “why is the Band here?” Looking around the cemetery on the walk in, headstones were knocked over, grass and weeds were waist high, feral cats screeched ominous, eerie sounds from various points and wild dogs were heard and seen, lurking behind dead trees and the rotting little chapel. [You don’t want to hear about the odors wafting thru the acrid southeast DC air. . .]

So, quite alone, we marched to the graveside, were positioned horseshoe-shape around the silent groundstone/ bench and played Sousa’s “Semper Fi” (Marine Corps’ official march, “Semper Fidelis”). A line officer, Marine Corps, approached the music-stand-rostrum and read some hyperbole. This included a biblical reference, Old Testament, where he quoted, paused frequently (he was reading . . .) and stammered “BEE- -zel- -bub.” Now you can imagine this is all it took to send the band over the edge; still, no laffing out loud, so all we could do is revel in shoulders bouncing up and down, heads bobbing deliriously and everybody KNOWING we are all thinking the same “what the expletive” are we DOING here?

It was at this magical, totally preposterous moment I had an epiphany. The Lord channeled to me this message: “the Marine Band needs a PR office!” So, sez I, “better make it happen!” (Had lots of PR/ concert promotion/ management work in prior years.) So I made an app’t to see the Director, presented him the proposal to start an active Public Affairs Office (PAO as the USMC terms it) and he said yes. Soon, the Band had it’s first “Concert Information” phone line (same number today, 202-433-4011 - try it!) and official Marine Band letterhead, among other upgrades. The rest is history.

Today there are four people in the PAO shop, which accounts for regular LARGE ads in the weekend section of the Wash. Post, a PAO presence at every concert handing out brochures and the decent-sized crowd at Friday’s Sousa event. Quite a turnaround from the squalid 1980 scene, eh?

Well, that’s enuf HCC history for one Musing. Now you know . . . the rest of the story. This should be “a good talking point” with band directors who ask, “What do we do in Washington?” Tell them the whole story of the Sousa Graveside job and how today’s Congressional Cemetery is clean, paved, manicured and staffed by caring, conscientious docents who will bring this place ALIVE for the students!

Right. So get those buses and planes pointed to DC! We can handle it!!

Musical regards,

Vincenzo

Vince Patterson, DMA, is a professional musician performing and teaching in the Washington, DC area. Since joining the Marine Band in 1974, he has played, sung and conducted in, the Library of Congress’ Coolidge Auditorium, The Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral and many other concert sites on the east coast. Vince heads up the Music Celebrations Washington, D.C. Office.

updated 5:14 a.m. MT, Tues., Oct . 20, 2009

WASHINGTON - Michelle and Barack Obama sat one table over from J. Lo and Marc Anthony, and all four of them were rocking in their seats as Sheila E. shook the house — well, really the tent.

The latest installment of the White House music series was too big for the East Room, so a high-wattage assortment of Latin musicians sent pulsating, can’t-help-but-bob-along rhythms tumbling out of a giant tent on the mansion’s South Lawn.

As it happens, music of all sorts — rock, jazz, country, classical — has been busting out of the White House all year long.

Presidents have long used the White House as a platform to showcase the best of music and the arts: Chester Arthur staged the first formal East Room concert in the late 1800s.

But the Obamas are demonstrating a commitment to use the White House to promote the arts in a huge way. And they’re not just tapping safe, living legends: Fresh faces like bachata band Aventura and Mexican pop sensation Thalia (who lured Obama on to the dance floor briefly) shared a stage with gray eminence Jose Feliciano at last week’s Fiesta Latina.

The Obamas’ musical push started on Day One, when the Wynton Marsalis Quintet played for a private inaugural celebration party of 100 at the White House.

A month later, the White House brought in Earth, Wind and Fire to entertain visiting governors. And days later, the Obamas hosted an East Room tribute to Stevie Wonder that featured Tony Bennett, Martina McBride and Wonder himself. The president called it “the most accomplished Stevie Wonder cover band in history.”

Full Article Here

Music Celebrations is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Craig Jessop as Artistic Director of the 2011 National Memorial Day Choral Festival over Memorial Day Weekend in Washington, D.C.’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

We had a great trip [to Washington, D.C.] and a great musical experience. We would do it again! One of the major highlights was singing a cappella in the Bethlehem Chapel at the National Cathedral. We sang “The Lord’s Prayer” impromptu in that beautiful room. It was lovely!

The choir members were moved by the Lincoln Memorial concert and had great experiences at the Fairfax and Vinson Hall. They loved singing wherever we went, including the NY Ave. Presbyterian Church and the Bethlehem Chapel at the National Cathedral.

Southport Presbyterian is conservative and patriotic, so the wreath laying ceremony at Arlington made everyone of us cry; the four veterans that we chose to represent us and place the wreath didn’t expect to be so emotional, but after it was over, all 4 of them expressed a deep appreciation for the privilege of participating in that ceremony and said they were extremely moved. They’ll never forget that experience!

And as with any trip, the group bonded together in ways that go unnoticed but that are deeply felt. I’ve had conversations with many of them that said how they got to know one another better (which is good team building).

Visit Travel Blog Here

Rhonda Blacklock, Director
Worship Choir of Southport Presbyterian Church

Last Friday, President Barack Obama was the special guest of honor at the Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., and attended the event with First Lady Michelle Obama.

President Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, First Lady Michelle Obama, Gen. James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and his wife, Annette Conway, march down centerwalk to the applause of thousands of guests after Obama was introduced as the guest of honor at the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, July 24.

The Marine Barracks Evening Parade takes place every Friday evening at 8:45pm throughout the summer. It features “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and LCpl. Chesty XIII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington.

Music Celebrations highly recommends our Washington, D.C. touring bands (or any ensemble!) to attend this weekly summer event. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell had recommended 5 elite marching bands in the state of Connecticut for the 2009 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Of those 5 recommended bands, the Portland High School Marching Band accepted their invitation to perform to not only represent their school, but their community, state, and the United States in the celebration of America’s 233rd birthday! Under the direction of Kristin Novak, they made the dream become a reality.

Click HERE to read more…

I was very pleased with the experience of marching in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. I think it was great that our students were able to see all of the landmarks, then march through them with a large crowd watching. I think it gave them a better perspective of how big the crowd was since they had seen the area without that many people. The weather worked out great as well.

Florence Hall (tour escort) was INCREDIBLE! I don’t know if there is a way you can clone her and send her with all of your groups, but she is the best tour guide I have ever had. She was always courteous and extremely knowledgeable. She was patient with the students and adults, and she worked well with our bus drivers. She did a great job of listening, and always sought out my opinion.

My personal highlight was being able to do the wreath ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. It was a tremendous honor to be able to participate in such a dignified, reverent ceremony. I think for the performers, they enjoyed several things. First, I think many of them enjoyed the parade. Second, many of them enjoyed the Capitol 4th Concert with the National Symphony, invited guest artists, and the tremendous fireworks show. Last, but not least, many of them had become tired of going in museum after museum until we arrived at the Air and Space Museum. At the Air and Space Museum, several of our students had the opportunity to meet the instructor of the Tuskeegee Airmen, and were able to take pictures with him and get his autograph. At that point, many of them thanked us for bringing them to Washington D.C.

It was an overall wonderful tour experience and I would be happy to serve as a reference for Music Celebrations International.

Jason Venable
Zachary High School Band

The trip was absolutely fabulous! The tour guides, the hotel, the bus operators…everyone went out of their way to make this a great experience for my students. I really appreciate all the ground work you did to make this happen so smoothly!

Joe Trusty
Director
Cabot High School Band

I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time in Washington, D.C., marching in the National Independence Day Parade. We greatly appreciate the tour you set up for us. The bus drivers were wonderful, the hotel was superb, the meals were great, and our tour guides were excellent! The entire trip was so smooth and well planned that all we had to do was sit back and enjoy the sites!! All the chaperones were very impressed with the trip and how well- orchestrated it was. Thanks again for all of your help. It has been a pleasure working with you!

Kathy Nicholas
Olympia High School Music Parent

Our group’s trip to Washington for the National Independence Day Parade was a fantastic experience for everyone. Our thoughts before we began our trip was that our itinerary was very ambitious. Wow! We were so wrong. The Parade was definitely the highlight of our trip as our group proudly marched past so many historic sites to the cheers of the thousands of spectators. We could sense the awe from each of them as they marched past the White House and had the Washington Monument in their view.

All the pieces fell so smoothly into place including the buses, the hotel and our meals. Our tour guides guided us effortlessly through crowds. We ended our trip on a high note with the Capitol Fourth Concert and the fireworks on July 4th followed by our performance at the Jefferson Memorial the next morning. Our twirlers had the thrill of performing in the Nation’s Capitol as well as an incredible educational experience. Thank you to the wonderful staff of Musical Celebrations for the passion you have for creating special memories for so many of our young people. We are so grateful for your planning our trip perfectly.

Many thanks!

Barbara Kupras
Kristi Ochs
Directors, Belchertown Twirlers

2nd Annual Community Band Festival a Hit!
by Vince Patterson, Director, Rockville Concert Band (ACB)

June 27 and 28 saw three top-notch community bands gathered in Washington, DC to perform for the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial. It was the 2nd Annual National Community Concert Band Sousa Festival, produced by Music Celebrations International, a reputed concert tour organizer and corporate member of the Association of Concert Bands. Sunday’s 2 p.m. concert was masterfully led by Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel, Conductor Emeritus, U.S. Air Force Band. He chose an exciting program of Sousa marches, Americana and popular favorites. Many visiting the Lincoln Memorial sat on its graceful rising steps or granite end-stones; some paused, engaged by the Festival Band, at the Reflecting Pool as touring ducks kept time to the music.

Participating bands were:

• Auburn Community Band, Auburn, Indiana, Ms. Kim Randinelli, Director
• Chatham Community Concert Band, Chatham, New Jersey, Brian Conti, Director
• Middlesex Concert Band, Wakefield, Mass., Mark Olson, Director

The previous evening, Col Gabriel really Wowed the three bands, seated in a hotel ballroom, in sections, for a two-hour rehearsal. Before, several people quipped, “where’s his music stand?” This Festival Band was about to witness something many had never seen: an incredible display of consummate musicianship as Col Gabriel conducted the entire rehearsal (and Sunday’s concert!) without scores. He made corrections to misprinted notes in players’ parts, called rehearsal numbers seemingly out of the air, flawlessly fixing, correcting notes and inspiring players’ responses. By 10:15 p.m. everyone KNEW – Col Gabriel’s reputation is well deserved, a testament to his years of score study, guest conductor appearances around the world and succinct, unmistakably CLEAR rehearsal technique. This band was now his and they played their hearts out for him.

The day before, each Festival Band had performed its own concert in Schlesinger Hall, Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Saturday, the Middlesex Band kicked it off at noon with 76 Trombones, Ye Banks and Braes, Old Home Days, On the Mall, Wrong Note Rag and The Rifle Regiment (Sousa), led knowingly by Mark Olson. For the 1 o’clock slot, Ms Kim Randinelli enthusiastically conducted her Auburn Community Band in Mother Hubbard/ Mother Goose March (Sousa), Sousa Palooza, Appalachian Morning, But Not for Me, 80’s Flashback, Caribbean Rondo and The Devil Went Down to Georgia. The Chatham Community Band started promptly at 2 p.m., effectively led by Brian Conti, in Toccata, Under the Double Eagle (Sousa), Someone to Watch Over Me, Richard Rodgers and Chimes of Liberty. Most band members remarked on the fine acoustics and beauty of this jewel of an auditorium just a quick ride from downtown DC.

Typically, bands bus in on Friday, check in to the Festival hotel, enjoy a group “Welcome Dinner!” and (with reservations made earlier) attend the stunningly magnificent “Evening Parade” at Marine Barracks, 8th & I St., SE, Wash., DC. This Marine Corps tradition features – of course – the US Marine Band, Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, Silent Drill Team (spinning ‘bayonets fixed’ M1 rifles), Chesty the bulldog mascot and the button-busting Ceremonial Guard troops stationed at “The Oldest Post of the Corps.” It’s true: seeing stalwart Marines in Dress Blues, Band and Drum Corps in resplendent reds, flags flying and feeling the palpable intense emotions all around you, this event, in itself, is worth a trip to DC!

Col Gabriel’s repertoire at the Lincoln Memorial:

• Washington Post March – Sousa
• Light Cavalry Overture – von Suppe – arr. Fillmore
• Irving Berlin - a Symphonic Portrait - arr. Ades
• Bugler’s Holiday – Anderson. featuring the Festival Band’s trumpets!
• George Washington Bicentennial March – Sousa
• Hollywood – arr. Barker
• Overture 1812 – Tschaikovsky/ arr. Lake (w/ cuts)
• America the Beautiful – arr. Dragon
• The Stars and Stripes Forever! – Sousa. U.S. National March, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, 1987.

Bands around the country are already revving up for next year’s Community Band Festival in Wash., DC, set for June 19 and the 2 p.m., massed band concert – with Col Gabriel - on the Mall, Sunday, June 20, 2010.

This was the best tour we have taken! This was our third visit to D.C. and by far the most effective. The guides and the concert venues were excellent. I could not have asked for a better tour. Everytime my students perform well and are given praise I am happy, but I am even more proud when they learn, share and grow from their tour experiences. It was wonderful!

A highlight was working with Col. Arnald Gabriel. I have worked with “Gabe” since the mid seventies. I have so much respect for his musicianship, his wisdom, his history and his life story. With all that said, I have never seen him work better with young people. My students were like “sponges” as he gave them lesson after lesson in our 90 minute session. He is a national/world treasure with whom we were honored to share our music.

A concert highlight was our performance at the World War II Memorial on June 6 (65th anniversary of D-Day). It was EXCELLENT! The site cannot be replicated with great visual effects, wonderful audience exposure and a very pleasant acoustic environment for instrumental performances.

It’s always a pleasure working with the Music Celebrations staff and I will certainly be telling my colleagues about our wonderful experiences on this tour.

Dr. Marion Roberts, Director
Blue Valley North High School Bands

The performance experience was great! The kids are still talking about it. When we stepped on to Constitution Avenue; the crowd was cheering, the cameras were rolling, and a huge American Flag was waving. We all had goose bumps and felt like we were a part of something great, a part of history.

It was a great experience overall and I will gladly serve as a reference for this event and for Music Celebrations.

George Tepshich, Band Director
Shaler Area High School

The parade was awesome!! They even provided emergency water for our kids. I really appreciated that. The crowd was surreal and it was really professional. The parade was the best part of the trip.

I think Music Celebrations is very organized and professional!! Every question and concern that I had was answered and in a promptly manner. I thought the quality of the facility was great and the tour guide was also really well prepared.

Juan Mendoza, Band Director
Perth Amboy High School

I was very pleased with everything - transportation, hotel, meals & tour escorts. The parade was great! Just the right length. And the audience was awesome! We loved their response to our “Jive” section in our cadence where we did fancy foot and bodywork. The organization in the assembly area was very much appreciated!

My personal highlight was the parade. I got teary eyed as we marched past the Washington Monument. The kids also enjoyed the parade and the audience response. They enjoyed all the sights and the Smithsonian Museums. They really enjoyed watching the precision of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the unknown Soldier in Arlington.

It was a wonderful band trip and I will gladly serve as a reference for Music Celebrations if any bands are considering this experience.

Cindy Scheid, Director
Youngsville High School Band

DC was great! I so appreciate how well organized all of the events were. Mariann, our tour guide, was awesome! The bus service and drivers were also great. Our accommodations were perfect. Everyone had a great time. I will definitely recommend the National Memorial Day Parade and Music Celebrations to other bands for future travel. Thanks so much for making it all so easy!

Janice Wiles
Booster President

I want to express my thanks and appreciation for a wonderful festival experience. Your company has been the best I have ever worked with! The photo slide show is terrific. This is a festival I would recommend be on our schedule on a 4-year rotation. I am trying to develop some “traditions” and this is one of them!

Diane Stallings
Savannah Arts Academy

The Belchertown Twirlers have been selected to represent the State of Massachusetts in the 2009 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. on July 4th. The twirlers will be joining government officials, national military units, sponsored floats, helium balloons and other specialty units in this major national event.

Ms. Barbara Kupras and Ms. Kristi Kupras Ochs, the directors, were informed of this honor based on the decision of the National Selection Committee, which considered and reviewed the twirling group’s application materials and determined the twirling group will be an excellent representative of Massachusetts. The Belchertown Twirlers received a Governor’s Proclamation from Governor Patrick Deval commending the Twirlers on their selection to represent Massachusetts in this prestigious National Parade.

The parade route is on historical Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets. A street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators is anticipated. The National Park Service and the National Independence Day Parade TM are the co-sponsors of this event.

The traditional parade will be a reflection of many American patriotic themes, historical and present, but the major emphasis in 2009 will be Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial.

The twirling group will be in Washington, D.C. from July 2-5, 2009 during which time a complete program of sightseeing and other cultural activities will be part of the experience. The Belchertown Twirlers will also perform in front of the Jefferson Memorial on Friday, July 3rd.

“We also just got notified that we have been selected to stop at the Reviewing Stand for a 2 minute performance. Only 4 groups in the entire parade were selected so we are very proud of the twirlers,” said Kupras.

Following the parade on July 4th, they will join several hundred thousand tourists who enjoy the televised performance of the National Symphony in front of the U.S. Capitol Building and the spectacular fireworks display.

It’s going to be very hard to express the full appreciation our band and parents have for the opportunity we have had through Music Celebrations International. This experience has been truly exceptional. From the very beginning of the planning stages, we commend you for your impeccable assistance, your willingness to make every part of our trip the absolute very best it could possibly be. Our hats are off to you and our horns are raised to you!!;);)

Your enthusiasm and professionalism were more than I could have asked for. Thank you for working with me one on one and making the necessary changes needed throughout the months we worked so closely on this trip together. I could always depend on you responding by email and phone calls almost instantly to my request. That kind of service is unheard of. I have planned several class trips over the years working with travel agents and program coordinators, and I have never experienced anything close to what was provided by you and the MCI staff.

While in the parade staging area we were greeted by more than one member of MCI and somehow, your company has hired so many people who truly love their jobs. Everyone was very accommodating and ready to do anything to assist us. What a great organization of people!

The Memorial Day Parade itself was an honor in so many ways. While at the staging area, we were approached by parade spectators, who wanted to know our story. We visited with Veterans from WWII and the Korean war who were located near our staging area. We were photographed by a freelance photographer from Maryland who found our small town story very interesting. He asked if our students realized what an honor it is to be a part of the National Memorial Day Parade. He said, this parade is second only to the Inauguration Parade for the President of the United States. The whole parade experience was absolutely incredible and all of us will have a lifetime of memories made possible by MCI, our United States Senator Byron Dorgan, who nominated us, and our students’ hard work as a marching band.

If you ever need a reference for another school who is considering a trip planned by MCI please forward them to me. I will be more than happy to share our satisfaction with our association to you.

Once again, THANK YOU from “The Small but MIGHTY Eskimo Marching Band” of Bowbells High School, Bowbells, North Dakota.

Sue Christiansen
Bowbells Music Booster President

Click here to view a slideshow of this year’s National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. We’re adding more photos often, so check back!

Here’s some fantastic insight into the life of U.S. military musicians that was broadcast in December on the Pentagon Channel’s half-hour monthly documentary show, “Recon.”