June July 2016 Issue 1
MCMA Leadership President: Mark Price, Drummajor@att.net, (281) 659-9552 Vice President: Angela James, angejames@sbcglobal.net, (405) 273-6604 Secretary: Chris Debow, cdebow@worcester.edu, (352)314-9100 Treasurer: Kirk Troen, KirkTroen@yahoo.com, (757) 673-0026 Administrator: Matt Stevenson, mmusmceod@gmail.com or www.marinemusicians.org or (920) 676-1260 Historian: Chris Debow, cdebow@worcester.edu (352) 314-9100 Chaplain: Charles Pearson, crpearson71@hotmail.com (330) 863-1297 Newsletter Editor: Chris Debow & Vicki Rezen, cdebow@worcester.edu (352) 314-9100 Trustee (1-year): Don Martin, djmart@cox.net, (337) 235-8803 Trustee (2-year): Ron Kelly, nitasraggs@aol.com, (714) 633-9981 Trustee (3-year): Steve Shaw, usmctboner1@gmail.com, (765) 482-3142 Reunion Chair: Kirk Troen, KirkTroen@yahoo.com, (757) 673-0026 BAF Liaison: Darryll Bauchert, Sr, DarryllBSr@gmail.com, (239) 482-3653 Countermarch Newsletter Policy The Countermarch is the official publication of the Marine Corps Musicians Association (MCMA). The newsletter will be published bi-monthly and distributed to all members of the organization in either hard copy or email version as a part of the organization s service to the membership. Copies will be provided upon request free of charge to any individual interested in membership in the MCMA. The views herein are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Marine Corps Musicians Association as a whole or in part. Over time, numerous articles will be published from other sources and appropriate credit will be given when the source is known. All members, interested individuals, organizations, etc., are encouraged to submit articles, pictures, etc., for publication. Publication of letters to the editor does not automatically constitute an endorsement of the writer s position unless so noted by the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit and to reject any material that is libelous or obscene. Plagiarism of this publication is encouraged, as it spreads the information presented. Please always, "GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE. Countermarch - usually published by middle of the following; June, August, October, December, February, April Submission Deadline: Last Day of July, September, November, January, March, May Please, electronic submissions can be plain text email, or a Word Document and JPEG picture files work the best. 2
PRESIDENT S REPORT By Mark Price Our 2016 Reunion was fantastic!! I m sorry that more couldn t have been there, but life happens and everyone can t attend every year. My wife and I had a great time! The Marine Corps Museum and our ceremony were fantastic with the presence of all members of the Quantico Marine Band at the ceremony a very special treat. I realize that I am truly blessed! I have my family, my USMC family, my health as it is and so much more. These reunions are important, as are our friendships. That s why these reunions are important to me and others. Trying to stay dry in SE Texas is no problem except for; cell service, internet connectivity, and off and on power interruptions. However, it s making it really hard on the folks that do the Countermarch and their publication deadlines! Again, my apologies! The 2017 New Orleans (NOLA) Reunion is closer than you think. So little time, so much to do! The agenda is fluid right now, but trips to the Band, the French Quarter, Beignets & Café Au Lait, Blues, World War II Museum, Mardi Gras World tours, a tea for the ladies at La Madeleine, trolley cars, House of Blues and who knows what else we can find. Our Pay on Line system will be set up as part of the MCMA Reunion web page. It is one of the priorities for Treasurer Troen and will be incorporated into our business plan. The future is now. Another priority for 2016/2017 will be our face book page(s) up and our web site so that both are user friendly and more informative. New member Dan Cree has agreed to assist us with the face book page and our Web site page so nice to have experienced folks that are tech savvy so we can provide more information and increase our membership as a way to do informal recruiting. Kirk Troen has agreed to be our Reunion Chair for 2017 in New Orleans so we will have a leg up on next year. CWO3 Mike Smith is looking forward to retirement but promises great things and I m sure CWO2 Steve Giove will help us fill any free time if we have trouble. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Our new officers are: Vice President, Angela James; Treasurer, Kirk Troen; and Trustee, Steve Shaw. We want to again thank Steve Schweitzer, Jim Genovese and Jesse Sunderland for their hard work and years of dedication to our organization. I look forward to seeing everyone in NOLA in 2017. See you there! 3
THE VIEW FROM MY FLUTE BORE By Jesse Sunderland JesseFran@gmail.com (925) 381-4848 Well, I m in the process of undergoing my annual post-reunion depression of not being able to walk into the hotel lobby and continue sharing tall tales with you guys. It will wear off (kind of) in a few days then I ll begin looking forward to our next reunion. Those of you who didn t come really need to put New Orleans on your Bucket List. After all, our ranks are depleting and Sousa s Band is adding new members-about twenty in just this past year. Don t catch yourself saying, I wish I could have seen so-and-so just one more time. No doubt, so-and-so is wanting to see you too, so plan now to boogie in New Orleans, okay?! Speaking of boogie-ing... I observed some of our members at the banquet shuffling around as if they were getting ;old... but brother, once the music started, they came ALIVE! I thought I was in pretty good shape and thought they weren t so fortunate... but I had it backwards! Guys like Jim Franklin, Ron Bascone, etc... those guys can really shake their bootie!! I m always impressed with Jim s drum stick expertise-now. THERE s a drummer! Our guys even gave the waitress s a swing for their money! Our president, Mark Price, even threw his back out conducting the Quantico Marine Band. Now I ve heard of getting your back into it, but Mark, really? Observing and hearing the Quantico Marine Band and the USMC Drum & Bugle Corps was an awesome experience. The level of musicianship always blows my mind. I learned something at this reunion (yes, old dogs CAN learn new things!)... the economy and financial closure of orchestra s and symphonies are causing college graduates with Instrumental Performance degree s to look to military bands in order to use their talents... and that is causing a significant increase of college students within the Marine field bands, with a corresponding increase in the performance level of our bands. Who would have thunk it??!! It s very rewarding to see how well the future bodes for our field bands. It was very informative for CWO5 Edmonson to bring us up to date on changes with the Marine music field, including the School of Music. His tenure at Headquarters has moved the band field forward and prepared it for even more positive changes down the parade deck. Fortunately, he ll be with us a while longer. I heard some barracks talk at the reunion about future options concerning our extensive historical library which I m guessing we ll be informed of, possibly in this issue of the Countermarch. It was great being with you character s again and I ll look forward to seeing you on Bourbon Street. I ll be in Joplin, Missouri, the middle of May, to play in an orchestra to commemorate the 5 th anniversary of the tornado that killed 163 people. As I was raised on a farm close by, it will be a personal honor to participate in that occasion. Semper Fi to all and we ll see you on the countermarch! Jesse 4
Transferring Duty Station New Duty - Sousa's Heavenly Band Bobby Bequette April 14, 2016 Carl Hoffman May 31, 2016 IN MEMORIAM Bobby Bequette served in the 1 st MarDiv, 2d MarDiv, 1 st MAW, 2d MAW and Quantico Bands during his more than 20 years in the Marine Corps. He served combat tours in Korea and Vietnam, was known as an excellent arranger and is survived by his wife, Mary. Carl Hoffman, MajGen, USMC (ret) was not a Marine musician, but identified mightily with Marine musicians during his career. He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the start of World War II, fighting on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Tinian and Saipan. He later did combat tours in Korea and Vietnam. When he retired in 1978, he was the Commanding General of Camp Pendleton. After leaving active duty, he stayed in the San Diego area and for many years ran the Carl Hoffman Big Band. He was our guest of honor at our 2010, 25 th Anniversary Reunion at Camp Pendleton. CHAPLAIN S CORNER By Chuck Pearson The first arrivals to North America had sailed here in response to God s call on their lives to be a covenanted people under Him, and to prove to the rest of the world that it was possible for men to live with one another in harmony. It worked well until this harmony was uprooted by England s greed and they started to tax our citizens heavily. That is when our struggle for freedom began. With God s help we formed our armed forces to gain and protect that freedom, and it is our prayer, a sincere hope to guarantee that gift of freedom can never be taken from us by any force on earth. In the long and honored history of America there are those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. That full measure of devotion that s what they gave to the cause. The full measure of devotion and though they cannot hear our applause we honor them forever and keep alive their story we give them the glory. And those of us who did survive and come back home alive we join our comrades and highly resolve yes most highly resolve that they did not die in vain. Amen. 5
HISTORIAN REPORT By Chris Debow I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who looked through the band history books and added changes. This is what makes these books so valuable in that we are continually adding and correcting the information that we have already. On a personal note, this was a very good reunion for me as I had the opportunity to spend time Monday morning (before the reunion started) to visit with GySgt Wharton, the historian for the Marine Band, stop by the Marine Museum later that morning to check out everything that was involved with the plaque, spend two hours with the Marine Museum collection agency in the early afternoon and finally stop by the Quantico Marine Band for a short visit. I was glad to finally get to the hotel in the late afternoon. Tuesday morning found me back with the Quantico Marine Band for a 30- minute talk with the Band. I explained what we would be doing at the Marine Museum on Thursday morning and thanked the Marines that would be playing for us at the Plaque dedication and for the Friday night Banquet. CWO4 Bob Szabo made a decision while I was talking that all members of the band would be present for the dedication ceremony. I personally thought this plaque dedication was of such importance that I bought Challenge Coins for each one of the members of the Quantico Marine Band. At the plaque dedication, after the initial awkwardness of meeting new people was past, the Quantico Marine Bands presence was a definite highlight of the ceremony and seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by all. After being serenaded by the Quantico Marine Band Brass Quintet, President Mark Price and Trustee Steve Shaw did the unveiling. The ceremony ended appropriately with the playing of the Marines Hymn. From now until eternity, Marine musicians will be remembered by all that pass our plaque. The first day of the reunion, I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with Robert Thacker, who was the enlisted assistant to CWO Frank Zam for five years in the late 50 s to the early 60 s. His son drove him to the reunion and was a wealth of information. He also had the opportunity to visit with some old friends from days gone by. Thank you Bob for bringing me up to date in some areas and solidifying other aspects of our history. The venue we had for the history items wasn t as good this year and was difficult for members to get there. Also the room was very small without a lot of seating space. We don t know until we get to the hotel what the room will look like, but I will try to make sure you have better access to the history items next reunion. Unfortunately, our reunion coincided with a record breaking 16 straight days of rain in the Washington, D.C. area, which put a big damper on our Friday visit to 8 th & I. However, GySgt Williams, the assistant Drum Major and LtCol Barclay made things happen and we had a most enjoyable visit. 6
While in the band hall of the Marine Band, we heard a very good dissertation from GySgt Wharton (Band Historian). When questions were asked that she couldn t answer, LtCol Barclay or GySgt Williams was there to take up the slack. We left the Marine Band Hall and went back to 8 th & I to the new Crawford Hall (the old Sousa Hall) for the opportunity to hear the Drum & Bugle Corps practice. The musical power of 70 bugles and 20 percussions was nothing short of outstanding. From the rehearsal hall we went to the Chow Hall, or should I say, Dining Facility. I remember the Chow Hall from our last visit, but this was truly an epicurean delight. I cannot remember seeing so many great, healthy choices. I didn t hear one complaint about the chow! Finally, on our rainy return to our hotel, we made a quick photo op stop at the Marine War Memorial better known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. Thus ends another great reunion for the historian and I am looking forward to all the sights, sounds and Marine musicians at the next reunion in New Orleans. On a personal note, I and Mark Price will be attending a 25 th reunion later this month in California with the members of the 1 st MarDiv and 3d MAW Bands that were in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Hard to believe it has been 25 years. And that ladies and gentlemen is why we have reunions!! They are truly a lot of fun. SECRETARY S REPORT This is a cliff s notes version of the business meeting for those members who could not attend. President Mark Price led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Chaplain Pearson gave an opening prayer followed by the reading of 18 names of Marine musicians and one spouse that have passed since our last reunion. Our bylaws are 30 years old and have stood the test of time, but there were a couple of tweaks that needed to be done to make how we run the MCMA a little easier. For those of you who have been in the position of having to double sign checks, you can understand that the process can take some time (up to three weeks) for people to get paid what the MCMA owes them. Our first addendum that was moved, seconded and unanimously passed was to Article Four, Section 5 that will be added we will utilize an email as the second signature on our checks. The email will be attached to the treasurer s records and this will make payments much easier from this point forward. Additionally, we have found out that banks want to charge us extra for checks that have two signatures. The second addendum deals with Article Four, Section 1 which was moved, seconded and unanimously passed that will be added that a member does not have to be present to be nominated for an elected office; but must be vetted by the President of the MCMA (by email or written form) and that the nominee shall agree to serve (by email of written form) if 7
elected. At times, not everyone who would like to serve can always attend the business meetings, hence the change in the bylaws. Overall, everyone was in agreement that our bylaws have done well for us, but just needed these minor changes to make business a little easier. President Price brought up the topic of a possible reunion at a musical venue that is not close to a Marine Field Band. He brought this subject up so that we can talk with each other through the next year and discuss this at our next business meeting. The reason for this discussion is due to the sequestration that has made it extremely difficult for the MCMA to get support from the field bands in the civilian community. Jesse Sunderland gave the Trustee s Report after he and Ron Kelly checked the treasurer s books and found everything in good order. This is probably the most important job the trustees can do as this is a check and balance for the membership. The 2015 Minutes, Administrator s Report and Reunion Chair s Report was handed out in hard copy form to all attending the reunion. This made the business meeting much shorter, giving members the chance to read these reports before the meeting and then making any additions as needed. A motion was made, seconded and the 2015 Minutes were unanimously approved. Even though the weather didn t cooperate, and there were the usual last minute changes, Matt Stevenson, with input from President Price, did an excellent job in putting the 2016 reunion together. Jim Genovese gave his last report as treasurer and as of 30 April, 2016 our treasury had a balance of $18,651.84. Jim also served four years instead of the usual three so we now have two of our four elected officers, elected on staggered terms instead of all elected officers changing at the same time. This will give us much better continuity. Steve Schweitzer gave his last report as our web site manager and has turned those duties over to Kirk Troen. All agreed that Steve has done an excellent job in keeping our web site up to date, but passing this on to Kirk will bring new insight and changes to our web site. Additionally, the Historian s Report was very short and Chris Debow talked about finding the new material to finally achieve our goal of locating the first Marine field band. There was no report from the BAF Liaison due to medical and schooling issues from Darryll Bauchert. Motions were made, seconded and approved to send monetary donations of $250.00 to both the Band of America s Few and to the Semper Fi Injured Warrior Fund. Next year s reunion will be in New Orleans and a motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed to allow the executive board the leeway of finding the best option for reunions dates around the 18 th to 22 nd of April, 2017. In other words, we are going to be looking at these dates (keeping in mind that Easter is the 16 th of April and Jazz Fest starts April 28 th ) as a starting point to get the best possible deals with a hotel and transportation 8
for our reunion. Kirk Troen is our reunion chair and he will be working with President Price to get everything scheduled as soon as possible. A motion was made, seconded and after discussion, unanimously approved to have our 2018 Reunion with the 1 st Marine Division Band stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. We had three elections that took place and your new Vice President is Angela James, Treasurer is Kirk Troen and Three Year Trustee is Steve Shaw. Steve Schweitzer was also extended for one year as Vice President so that we have the Vice President and Treasurer elected in off years from the President and Secretary. The Vice President and Treasurer will now go back to the normal three year rotating schedule. We had our closing ceremony and all felt we accomplished quite a bit in a shorter meeting. A very successful auction followed. L to R Jim Genovese, Ron Kelly, Jesse Sunderland, Mark Price, Steve Schweitzer, Charles Pearson, Chris Debow Listening to the head of Marine Corps Music Program CWO 5 Mike Edmondson 9
Pre Plaque Dedication Quantico Band Members before plaque dedication MCMA Members before plaque dedication 10
Clyde Croswell with Quantico Band Members MCMA President Mark Price by the plaque after dedication. 11
Mayo Group Keth Mayo kneeling with others which served with his father Mike Mayo. L to R Back Row: Charlie Butler, Jim Genovese, Rod Gasche, Ron Kelly Front Row: Ron Bascone, Jesse Sunderland, Bob Griswold, Charles Pearson, Clyde Croswell L to R Jim Genovese, Guest Speaker CWO 5 Mike Edmonson, MCMA President Mark Price 12
Annual Auction Above Items on the block Below Prize Items! The 1 st item 1950 s 2 headed snare drum, l to r Clyde Croswell, Jim Franklin, Jim Genovese. Clyde was the high bidder and presented the drum to Jim who will bring it back to working condition but not alter the looks. 13
The 2 nd item is a 1960 s leather pouch with cover, Chris Debow is explaining it. Morning colors at 8 th & I Marine Barracks MCMA members were standing tall in the covered area due to rain. Proper respect was paid and the moment was priceless. 14
At Quantico Band Hall Gene Belschner & Art Theirault Jesse Sunderland Mark Price Rod Gasche Steve Schweitzer 15
Clyde Croswell with newly elected MCMA Vice President Angela James Group Photo at Sousa Hall after Commandant s Own Rehearsal Jim Franklin making sure Stanley Crane could check in at registration and visit with friends. 16
At National Marine Corps Museum a special close display to Rod Gasche Incase you can not read the small print the Edison Phonograph was donated by Rod to the museum. Also, please note that most of the pictures are from Rod Gasche, thanks for being the MCMA Photographer. There are a few from Matt Stevenson. 17
Sousaphone Section - Key of A for (Administrator) By Matt Stevenson It is hard to believe that over 30 days have passed since the reunion. We have just remembered our brothers and sisters which made the ultimate sacrifice Memorial Day. As summer is starting to settle in, hopefully all will raise our flag high for Flag day and at the same time wish our Army brothers and sisters a Happy 241 st Birthday. Then it is time to prepare to celebrate your FREEDOM July 4th! I presented all of my reports at the reunion which provided members with the demographics of MCMA membership and a current roster with both hard copy and electronic available now upon request. MCMA will be seeing a fair reduction on the roster due to the following of our rules and regulations which requires the roster to be purged of any members which have not renewed for 3 years. Not sure what the damages are as I write this, but know there are a considerable number of members which have not been heard from since 2012 and before. The highlight of reunion 2016; I believe was the dedication of the MCMA plaque at the National Marine Corps Museum. It brought the past and present together and leaves a legacy for the future of Marine Musicians. There are some commemorative coins left from this event and are available through MCMA President Mark Price to the best of my knowledge. Please consider a mini reunion of your own with buddies throughout the year. It may only be lunch or dinner but as time marches on these opportunities to gather with each other reduces. For now, that is all from the north woods of Wisconsin and Moose Manor. Come for a visit anytime as coffee is hot, beverages cold and always listening to music of all sorts. 18
Marine Corps Musicians Needed! Fellow Marine Musician, Please consider joining our ranks of former and present Marine Corps Musicians. We are an active group that continues to practice our profession of music. We publish a bi-monthly newsletter called Countermarch which is dedicated to furthering the camaraderie of all Marine Corps Musicians. It also provides a glimpse into our colorful history. We meet once a year in a general assembly to discuss association affairs and, once again, become Marine Corps Musicians. We visit, play, march, reminisce and bring honor and recognition to our members, past & present. Our 2017 reunion is being hosted by the New Orleans Marine Band. When together in reunion, we span a time frame from the late 1930s to the present. We're Marines, retired, past and present united with active duty Marine musicians who host and celebrate with us in our love of music and Marine Corps. The annual membership dues of $30 are allocated by the following ratio: A $19 publication, $6 toward annual reunion expenses, and $5.00 to MCMA Awards There is the opportunity to receive six years membership for the price of five. We hope you will consider membership in our organization. After all, we are THE FEW, THE PROUD; THE MARINE MUSICIANS...no one else can make that statement. For additional information: Web Page: www.marinemusicians.org Email: mmusmceod@gmail.com Enlistment Rates $30 a year or $150 for 6 years Marine Musician Associate Member BAF Members - $5 a year Send Dues To: MCMA Administrator W7292 Stevenson Road Wausaukee, WI 54177-9304 Name: * Address: * City, State Zip: * Phone: Email: * Spouse or Significant Other: * Date of Birth: * Dates in the Marine Corps: * Boot Camp: MOS: * Instrument(s) Played: * Units: * 19
MCMA Administrator W 7292 Stevenson Road Wausaukee, WI 54177 20