Navy Band Tour 2009

[Karl H.]

Hi H (slim)I hear the best eats is back home in good old VA.


TUBA GIRL

[WoodSheddin]

Hi H (slim)I hear the best eats is back home in good old VA.


TUBA GIRL

Speakin of good ole VA. I was out this morning spinning around town on the fixie and stopped by your new building for the first time since it has been redone. Had to call Farah on the cell to figure out where some water was to refill. Then took off for a bit more and back to Ft. Myer for a job.

We gotta get a ride in sometime when you guys get back. All that road food sticks to the gut.

[sloan]

Good show tonight in BHM. One question though...what emergency caused one member to flee the stage rapidly with a tuba held high overhead?

And...is that band arrangement for the West Side Story Suite generally available? I *really* liked that one!

[Karl H.]

Good show tonight in BHM. One question though...what emergency caused one member to flee the stage rapidly with a tuba held high overhead?

And...is that band arrangement for the West Side Story Suite generally available? I *really* liked that one!

Hi Kenneth,

Andrew left the stage right before we played our finale, Armed Forces on Parade (most of the DC bands play some kind of salute-the-services medley at the end of shows), because he had "meet and greet" duty after the concert. We generally have a couple of members in the lobby before and after each concert to mix and mingle, doing our best to put forth a positive image of the Navy.

Only problem is, if he's the one who leaves, it's just me to carry the tuba section through the medley and any encores we play (usually at least S + S). Hope I do OK: we have a pretty strong brass section...

The WSS arrangement is a published one. Sorry I can't pull the publisher out of my head, but I'll try to put it in a later post. We also changed it slightly, cutting out the Mambo and moving some tunes around so that we end with the haunting "Somewhere" theme like the movie does. It's a fun, tough part. Gotta stupid mute change (with a page turn!) followed by a muted entrance on a high C with not enough time to get the dang thing in and out: had to have Andrew cover the parts before and afterwards.

BTW, a great big thank you for your dining recommendation! Ended up taking the boss, CAPT Thompson, and Kevin Dines to Jim and Nicks BBQ: outstanding! Great service, (really!) sweet tea, and more good food than you can shake a stick at. I might have had tastier meats, and sauces that are more stimulating (although I don't remember when) but I can't remember any more tender or juicy meats. Everything from the chicken (no need for a knife) to the ribs and pulled pork was cooked to succulent perfection. The sliced beef brisket was so tender it ended up as a mound of lusciousness rather than definable slices. Almost had to eat it with a spoon, 'cause I didn't want to miss a single morsel. As you can tell, we three went a little nuts and ordered combo type meals so we could have a taste of practically everything on the menu.

I only had two regrets: I had no room for dessert (so full I was tasting the BBQ a few times during the big blows of the concert), and I didn't get to meet you and personally thank you.

Karl "Kompletely Kontented" H.

[Karl H.]

Hi H (slim)I hear the best eats is back home in good old VA.


TUBA GIRL

Now this is really scaring me. I certainly didn't send a post to myself. Either...

1. I left the hotel computer with myself logged in and some Navy Band wacko decided to have a little fun;
2. My wife finally figured out how to use the computer at home and also found the Tubenet website on her own (highly unlikely);
3. Sean and/or Farah is playing around with my account back in D.C.; or
4. Someone has hacked the Tubenet.

Anyone want to 'fess up?

Karl "Identity theft is a federal crime: or at least it should be" H.

[sloan]

A few comments on the BHM performance:

My wife the flute player (and every other woodwind player sitting around me) was blown away by the Smetana. Flying fingers, under control and in sync.

What surprises me every time (I don't know why I keep being surprised) is the quality of the sound and the CONTROLLED playing at the lower end of the dynamic scale. For some reason, this was particularly evident in Washington Post, where there were 10 local HS kids sitting in (pity the poor kid who rises from the audience and sees Roger carrying his euph offstage to make room for him). That was the straightest, squarest, most controlled performance I've heard in a long time, and it was VERY EFFECTIVE. I suppose this is MOST evident in pieces that everyone has heard (and played) 100s of times. I guess it's a cliche to call it "military precision".

There's a wider range of emotion in other pieces on the program, but the two marches and the beginning of Bartered Bride served to demonstrate that "we only sound frenzied when we WANT to sound frenzied".

Note to your friendly announcer - somehow the Hughes never got announced (or, perhaps I missed it). And...if I have to pick a negative...I didn't really care for the arrangement of America the Beautiful. Maybe it suffered by comparison, coming immediately after the Bernstein - that was spectacular.

Glad you liked the BBQ. Next time: Dreamland.

Oh yeah...BHM doesn't seem to actually be in "Region 2". Am I right that you are touring Region 3 next year? Is it possible you'll hit BHM again? Or, am I just confused?

[Karl H.]

Oh yeah...BHM doesn't seem to actually be in "Region 2". Am I right that you are touring Region 3 next year? Is it possible you'll hit BHM again? Or, am I just confused?

I'm not sure, but last night's performance might have been one that was added last-minute after another venue fell through. This happens occasionally, and I'll have to ask our narrator (who is also the tour manager for this section of the tour!) At least the problem was not like the date originally scheduled for 15 March in Texas, where the concert hall was destroyed by hurricane!

We normally travel by bus on at least one leg of the tour: either outward bound or back. By geographical necessity we often pass through some sections of the country normally outside our assigned tour region for that year. The tour managers also try to prevent us riding on a bus all day: can become quite a grind after a while. This year is not too bad, with only a few days of 4+ hours on the bus; any of these things might have had something to do with the concert site choice.

Thanks for all the nice comments and the restaurant tip.

Karl "I just go where they say, and play what they tell me" H.

[Karl H.]

Greetings from Hot Springs!

Had to follow up on the great time I had in Grenada, MS. We knew going in that this date was a fill-in at a less than large venue (our programming had to change as there was not enough room for the necessary percussion gear--as it was, our soloists had to stand off the stage on the floor with the patrons, our piano, bass, and drum set were off stage invisible behind a curtain and wall, and our trombones had to sit in box formation with slides in the row in front of them) and were prepared for less-than-optimal gig. Imagine how our attitude improved when, immediately upon leaving the interstate, we were greeted by two police cruiser who proceeded to escort up through town...

And at every intersection, more police had blockades established and traffic stopped in all directions...

And when we pulled up to the hall, the local band's percussion section cranked out a groove...

And a Jr. Navy ROTC squad lined the walkway, giving us an honor guard reception...

And the crowd standing outside started to applaud us for just getting off the bus...

And there was scrumcious eats provided backstage...

And we received a standing ovation in the hall before the concert began...

Making a short story long, this was the best day of the trip so far. The icing on the cake was getting to hang with Mr. and Mrs. elephant and bloke afterwards. We went to little BBQ place where I had the fried catfish platter and an icy soft drink in a bottle with a slice of lime shoved inside. The elephant let me try his fried pickle slices Man, can you say sour?! I stuck to my fried bottom dweller and hush puppies...

It was such a treat to catch with old friends, and also make new ones. I only wish that we could have stayed in town longer: I had a GREAT time. Special thanks to bloke for going out of his way to get me caught up with the band, who had travelled on to Oxford for the night.

Mi casa es su casa any time y'all are close to D.C.
Thanks for making this sailor welcome when he's a long way from port. Hope to see you again real soon.

Karl "makes tour worthwhile" H.

[Raul I. Rodriguez]

We went to little BBQ place where I had the fried catfish platter and an icy soft drink in a bottle with a slice of lime shoved inside. The elephant let me try his fried pickle slices Man, can you say sour?! I stuck to my fried bottom dweller and hush puppies...

Karl "makes tour worthwhile" H.

Catfish at a BBQ place ??? What's with you, Hovey??? And, you were supposed to dip the
pickles in some Ranch Dressing

Looks like I'll be seeing you in Seguin.
later,
Raul

[Toad Away]

Hey Karl,
PM sent.
Best wishes, you old fart ,
Tim Loehr

[Karl H.]

Thank God... I'm back in Texas!

Just pulled into Texarkana and it feels good to be home! Thanks for the posts and PMs: I'll get to them ASAP, probably tonight after the concert...

But I can't leave Arkansas and our maintenance day without mentioning the best German meal I and many others have ever had. There is a peculiar little place in Hot Springs called the Brau Haus on Central Ave. in the heart of the Historical district. It's difficult to find: try looking under the Subway (seriously, the sandwich shop). Down a flight of stairs and hidden back to your left is the entrance to a dark, unpretentious hole-in-the-wall type place where you might as well sit at the bar: you're going to spend most of your time with the soft drinks anyway, especially when those available are German-only brews, on tap, served in mile-high steins.

We all tried a variety of entrees, and everything was super. Various wursts were the best, and everyone raved about the sauerkraut (go figure?!). But I went with the recommendation of the bar keep (always a good bet), who told me to get one of the schnitzles, (sorry I can't remember which one, and please don't karp on me about my spelling: my German is for scheidt!) that is; a thin, tender piece of veal lightly fried, with a "hunter's" sauce (a mushroom-based bowl of bliss) on the side, german potatoes, perfectly prepared mixed vegetables and, wait for it, two soft-fried eggs on top!

Man!

Heart attack on a plate!

It wasn't worth leaving my wife for, but it was so indescribeably delicious that I will insist she learn how to cook it!

Wasn't just my opinion: although it pained me to see morsels go, I had to give my shipmates a taste and to a man, they all agreed it was the best German dish they'd ever experienced.

Karl Bob says, check it out: 5 valves up (highest rating).

Gotta run,

Karl "deep in the heart of the northeastern-most corner of Texas" H.

[Tom Holtz]

Hovey, you make tour in Texas sound like fun. I may be on that tour in October of 2010. Write down some of these watering holes. Gonna need something to get me through.

[Karl H.]

Long time no post!

Somehow my posts from Louisiana vanished into the ether, and I won't rehash much, other than to say we had a good time in Monroe doing masterclasses before the concert (and where the boosters provided some excellent Po Boy sandwiches), and had a great venue at Northwestern Louisiana U. in Natchitoches (pronounced "Natchitoches"). The concert hall at NLU had a large stage, and the entire hall was very live with good presence and reverb characteristics (i.e., tubas sounded great there). Was able to get a ride into downtown Natchitoches (I learned this town was featured in the movie "Steel Magnolias") and had an honest-to-gawd meat pie dinner. The famous local place for such delicacies was closed (Saturday at 3 p.m.?!), so we walked down to the river ate at a mom-and-pop place called (go figure) Pop's.

We've now passed the halfway point of tour, and the rest of our time will be spent in the great state of Texas. Lots of places said to be sold out but come anyway (see previous posts on this). Today is a masterclass at Texas A&M at Commerce in the afternoon with a concert tonight.

Hope to see lots of Texas Tubenetters in the next two weeks. Still encouraging recommendations for local eateries/soft drink distributers. Heard rumours of El Guapo in Denton...

Karl "yee-haw" H.

[Liberty Mo]

Karl,
While in Temple, TX. You should try Clem Mikeska's BBQ. I recommend the beef (they use sirloin not brisket) and the homemade bread and butter pickles. The sausage is pretty good too. I do believe it is buffet style.

Right of I-35.

Cheers.

[Alex C]

and had a great venue at Northwestern Louisiana U. in Natchitoches (pronounced "Natchitoches").

Pronounced Nack-a-dish. It's, uh.... Cajun. Kind of.

What's for dinner in Duncanville?

Folks, the Navy band concert in Denton was absolutely terrific. The Murchinson concert hall at UNT is an astounding venue, the acoustics are amazing. It's like the best Bose system ever.

The band was on top with excellent, full-toned tuba sounds all night. I think Karl must have worked his F tuba chops to the bone on the Bartered Bride. What a workout that was.

The euphoniums were terrific, all during the concert you could hear euphoniums sounds sailing over the band whenever they wanted. Lots of fingers, too.

We were also treated to a special event, Brian Bowman joined Roger Behrend on stage for a duet. It is not an exaggeration to say that Dr. Bowman was on top of his game and sounded as good, or better than I have ever heard him. My jaw dropped on the floor. Bravo, Brian Bowman.

[Karl H.]

I only have a couple of words to say about last night's concert at UNT:

The Best!

Everything came together for me in a kind of cosmic reunion of my life, past and present. First of all, the Murchison is a sonic delight: if I had my way, I'd only rehearse and perform in that hall (the kids at UNT are really fortunate). Lots of Navy Band members have passed through North Texas, and the crowd was delighted to have all the alums acknowledged during the show.

The afternoon of the concert, I had the privilege to hear some outstanding tuba players from Don Little's studio. Tuesday's are their weekly departmental, and I heard (forgive me for not mentioning names--I'm terrible with names and I would forget someone) folks who were preparing solos for Falcone tapes, followed by an orchestral excerpt session. To a man, they were all fundamentally rock solid: no thin sounding shallow breathers here! I was SO impressed with the talent and dedication displayed by these young men. Wonderful lyricism, astounding technical skills, sensitivity to musical nuance, and above all an eagerness and enthusiasm that rekindled the joy I feel living in music: it's like dipping your spinal cord in champagne! I expect to hear great things from these students in the very near future.

Then there were all the reunions. Alex Cauthen was at the departmental and concert. Alex was my teacher for a year when Don was on sabbatical to Germany, and he got to share Don's frustrations in dealing with an inconsistent, under talented undergrad with an Alexander tuba. I hadn't seen him for 20 years until I ran into him at last summer's ITEC: twice in 8 months is much better, my friend.

I hadn’t seen Sandy Keithley in over 30 years! Sandy was the very first tuba teacher I ever had. I was fortunate that my junior high band director (kids started band in 7th grade during the Jurassic Age) Jerry Roe had established a scholarship program that enabled me to study privately. Sandy was also the first teacher of a more talented kid a year older than me: Mark Wolfe.

I ended the evening having dinner and soft drinks (a local Texas product, Ziegenbock?) with my high school band director, Lee South. Mr. South was largely responsible for my decision to stick with music rather than attempt to become the next Roger Staubach, an attempt that would have come to less than naught. I owe him a great deal.

Course, I was terrified to walk into Don’s studio again (“…we’ll just play a little, ok Karl?”). Sweaty palms, feelings of not being prepared… just like all those lessons years ago. I’m teasing, but I can’t really talk too much about Don without getting all sloppy.

The music world is a small one, and that of the tuba player is even smaller. I’ve been truly blessed to come into contact along the way with great musicians who are also good people.

Thank you all for what you’ve done for me, and for making yesterday special.

Karl “will this post ever end?” H.

[Karl H.]

Welcome back!

After a well-deserved rest day, the band hit the road for a direct to site haul to Aggie-land and a rehearsal and performance at the ABA convention. Giant hall on the campus of Texas A & M, and a very enthusiastic group of bandmasters showed up for our evening concert. Always a treat to have a group of guest conductors stand in front of us, and last night's group did a great job. I'm old so I can't remember all the folks names, but I can remember Ray Cramer (ex-IU), who gave a very musical and precise rendition of Bulgarian Dances.

Off to Kingwood, but on the way we will be stopping at Navy Band member Andy Wheeler's parents place for a picnic/barbecue they promise will be memorable. Expect a critique after...

BTW, the Kingwood sponsor originally scheduled us in a 700-seat hall (go figure), but they gave out 800 tickets in 45 minutes, started reprinting, and have so far distributed over 2,200 tickets!

Sounds like a gym job is in the offing...

Karl "week and a day to go" H.

[Mikelynch]

Excellent performance by the band last night in Georgetown! It was really a treat to hear the band here in the Austin area.

Anyone close to Sequin should be sure to make the show tonight (3/10), as I hear on good authority that Roger will be a soloist.

MIke Lynch

[Karl H.]

As the four floppy-haired lads from Liverpool crooned “…it’s getting very near the end.” Since my last post we’ve done concerts in Georgetown, Seguin and Kerrville (probably others too), spending two nights in Austin and also working out of a hotel in downtown San Antonio.

Hey, it’s tough duty.

Austin is just a cool town! Some of us might have spent too much on soft drinks down on 6th Street, but it was worth it. Even on a Sunday night 6th Street started to light up around midnight. Found a free blues club (well, at least there was no cover that night) with a really good band called, strangely, Friends. Almost had enough diet cokes to venture up on stage (it was open mike night) and demonstrate that I have next to no bass chops…almost. Dropped by THE university and got to visit briefly with Steve Bryant and his TA Nathan (MAN, I’m bad with names). And speaking as a native Texan and a current employee based in D.C., the Texas Capitol has it all over the National one: rose-colored granite, no body searches to get in, friendly folks everywhere, and I just walked in to a Senate committee hearing.

Cool.

Had terrific Tex-Mex at the Rio Grande Café that included two of the best virgin margaritas I’ve ever had: even better ‘cause Roger paid for ‘em! The next day went cruising for lunch and came across a scene right out of Seinfeld: a line of folks in coat and tie standing in a line out the door and around the block waiting to get in—to a sandwich shop! It was called something like Thunderbird Subs (!#@!@#! names!) on a street named something like Lavaca (aaaaaahhhh!) a couple blocks south of the Capitol. I couldn’t stand the wait, so I ate next door at the inevitable Tex-Mex place…

Also a big thrill was visiting the most b****in bike shop in the world, Lance Armstong’s Mellow Johnny. Not only were there amazing new bikes and equipage, but several one-off pro TT bikes were on display (Hincapie, Popovich, etc.). On the corner of 4th and Nueces, it’s an easy walk from all the 6th Street fun. And don’t miss the stuff hidden downstairs: a high-tech fit lab and the Kevin Livingston training room! Gnarly…

Two nights in San Antonio is great any time of year and under any circumstances. We seemed to have brought a touch of sea air, as it rained like crazy, breaking the area’s long drought. Made a pilgrimage to the Alamo…

(moment of reverent silence, please)

… and learned that my son’s birthday shares two interesting bits of trivia: after a 13-day siege, the Alamo falls in 1836; and 37 years ago, Shaq is born.

I’ll share my dining experience in San Antonio with you in the next post. Y’all only have two more chances to hear this year’s tour programs, and only one to hear Roger Behrend solo with the Navy Band: the last concert in Wharton.

Karl "Chief Hovey's Bulging Waists Club Band" H.

[Rick Denney]

...a line out the door and around the block waiting to get in—to a sandwich shop! It was called something like Thunderbird Subs (!#@!@#! names!)

That would be Thundercloud Subs. Oh, man, do I miss Thundercloud Subs. Nothing on the same planet around here.

Also a big thrill was visiting the most b****in bike shop in the world, Lance Armstong’s Mellow Johnny. Not only were there amazing new bikes and equipage, but several one-off pro TT bikes were on display (Hincapie, Popovich, etc.). On the corner of 4th and Nueces, it’s an easy walk from all the 6th Street fun. And don’t miss the stuff hidden downstairs: a high-tech fit lab and the Kevin Livingston training room! Gnarly…

I haven't done the bike-shop crawl in Austin since LA opened his store. Last time I did, Skip Huysak was the man, and then there was Freewheeling. That puts it back a bit.

Two nights in San Antonio is great any time of year and under any circumstances. We seemed to have brought a touch of sea air, as it rained like crazy, breaking the area’s long drought. Made a pilgrimage to the Alamo…

(moment of reverent silence, please)

That would have been the case before I met the Daughters of the Republic of Texas up close and personal. But that's another story. They'll enforce the silence (reverent or not) by making lots of noise.

"Chief Hovey's Bulging Waists Club Band"

Been there; done that.

Rick "waiting on the edge of his seat for a nostalgic gustatory and gastronomic review" Denney