JAN FEB MAR 1994

A few excerpts from gradeschool essays on classical

music."

sent in by Harry Meuser

I "Refrain means don’tdo It. A refrain in music is thepart you better not try to sing.’

I "Henry Purcell is a well-known composer few peoplehave ever heard of."

I "Music sung by twopeople at the same time is calleda duel."

I "I know what a sextetis, but I’d rather not say."

I "My favorite composeris opus."

I "Probably the mostmarvelous fugue was the onebetween the Hafflelds and theMcCoys."

"My very best likedpiece is the Bronze Lullaby."

I "A Harp is a nudepiano?

CODARETIRED AIR FORCE BANDLEADERSAND SUPERINTENDENTS SOCIETY

Jounbeb 1960

VEDU’S

NEW RAFBL MEMBERSCapt Philip C CheveilardAF Band in Blue, Travis AFBLt. John P GraultyUSAFE Band, GermanyLt. Dean ZarmbinskiAF Band-Golden West, March.AFBLt. Col. Lowell E GrahamACC Band, Langley AFBThe Air Force Band of FlightWright Patterson AFBSMSGT Thomas NicoialAF Reserve Band, Robins AFB$MSGT Clarence AndersonAF Band in Blue, Travis AFB

Message from the Chief,Ma. Frank Hudson

At the December WorldwideUSAF Bandleader’s conference inChicago Midwest Clinic thefollowing were discussed.1. RestructurIng decisions by the

conrd on p. 7

1 Name That Christmas Tune

AIlt#eleft-overievity.......Vhce

1. From Dark till Dawn, Soundless and Sanctimonious2. CelestIal Messengers from Splendid Empires3. me Event Qccurted at One Minute after 11:59 PM with Visibility Unlfrnited.4. Personal Hallucinations of an Alabaster December 25th5. Testmony of Witness to Maternal Parent’s Infidelity with Krls lUingie6. 0 Miniafure Nazarine Village7. May Jehovah Grant Unto Males Happy Retirement8. Heavenly Cherubs Announcing in Song - Listen9. Who’s the MystetySib4hig?10. Village Expectations of 0 YuletIde Emissary

VOLXIV NOt

PERSONALS IJoe and Ruth Drobriy

Here’s my dues for 1994.Ruth and I want to wish everyone aHappy Holiday and the best of NewYears. .J’

G. E. "Doc" and Louise GhoisonContinued success with the

excellent CODA. We look forwardto each issue. I was sorry to readthe article by Aileyne Kurtz. I didn’tKnow Sam had died. He and I gotinto the Band in 1946, and becamegood friends. To all a very HappyNew Year. 1’

Mark and Betty AzzollnaThIngs continue to go well

with us. After 25 years I’ve beendesignated Conductor Laureate ofthe Florida Symphonic Pops. Givesme more freedom to concentrateon the "Kids From Wisconsin’ operation and more tine to do extraguest conducting assignments.

Nick and land our wives arein reasonably good health forseniors approaching the three-quarters of a century mark. Is itpossible?? So an occasional acheand pain should be expected.

I hear from Bobby Herriotand Art Wiggins several times ayear and John Nalezny who lives inStuart, FL comes to have lunch fromtine to tIme. I’ve had the pleasureof being able to present some ofmy former players from ArmedForces Radio and NORAD. Itsamazing how great some of themare stifl able to blow.

We wish you alla 1994f111edwith love and good health. ,t’

contdon p2

Adam and Merlin ShatterIts been another year and I

can say that even with a chronicailment I am feeling rather well.Merlin and I are keeping close toGreensboro and Durham DukeUnIversity Medical Center andenjoying ourselves by walking -

especially In the malls and takingshod one day trips. I continuedoIng woodwork and makingfurniture for our chIldren. I read inthe last CODA where Lou Krlebelvisited Carlisle Barracks in PA. I wasin that Band Carlisle MedicalCorps Just before I went toBandleader’s School!. J"

Hank UhlandI am struggling to age

gracefully with little success hereat the Judson Park "Old Folks Home’where I have been an Inmate formore than ten years. Timepassethil JP Is close to Sea-Tacairport, about halt way betweenSeattle and Tacoma. I go to thelatter quite often to see frIends.

Last June I drove to California to see friends and relatives InFresno, Camarillo, Burbank, Hunllngton Beach and Coronado. Hada great two weeks, took my timebetween cities and enjoyed beautiful weather. Hope to go againnext year.

In September I went on asixteen day tour of central Europeand visIted Berlin, Poznan, Warsaw,Auschwitz, Krakow, Budapest,Vienna and Prague, then back toFrankfurt for the return flight. inPoland I had hoped to pick up afew American jokesi I had neverbeen to Poland, Budapest orPrague, so those places were ofspecial interest to me. I am readyto go againi

in Prague Iran by chanceinto a rather amusing incident. Iwas wandering as is my wonttoward the city square, when Iheard the sound of live music. Loand behold, it turned out to be adixieland band composed of sixCzechs. They were doing a fine job

of playing some traditional NewOrleans standards In a mannerwhich would have been readilyaccepted in New Orleans Thiswas an open air performance Thepiece de resistance came whenthe leader put down his trumpet,picked up a megaphone, of thetype Rudy Vallee would have useddonned a Confederate Army capand sang in English ‘Battle Hymnof the Republic’, backed by theband In dixieland style. The leaderwas the only one who spoke anyEnglish.

Well Friends, this has goneon tong enough, perhaps too tongso ru quit. My very best wishes toall, --Keep in Touch, Buy Bonds,Keep em FMng, Remember theAlamo, etc.

I plan to go to "Bill" sburg,VA in Aug.

Dick and his ThurstonDick and I drove to New

Orleans last March for the 1993 ABAConvention. Dick retired Aug31from Southern Music Company sowe are now free to come and go.In November, Dick took a four daytrip to Honolulu for a planningmeeting for the 1994 ABA Convention, to be held this comIng March.We plan to fly to Chicago for theMid West Band clinic. Dick will haveone of his arrangements performedby a visiting orchestra. We willprobably stop off In St. Louis to visitsome of our family. Happy NewYear to all. .1"

Bob and Lynne KuzminskiWe’ve been in the fast lane

ever since leaving Ocaia andarriving In Las Vegas. Our trip wentreally well thanks to the use of a 2way radio from church friends. Ifollowed Bob - he driving the U haulw/trailer and me the car. We spent10- 12 hours on the road each daywith stops for gas, eating and anoccasIonal 15 minute nap for me.We did arrive as planned last Sep24th. We took Route 27 to Tallahassee and then 1-10 to Mobile. ThenNorth to Memphis where we picked

up 1-40 west to Las Vegas. Visitedsome of Bob’s family in MS and afriend in OK along the way. It wasa pretty drive. We stayed In touchwith each other via the radio greatfor back "seat" driving. The radioreally came in handy goingthrough big cities and aroundHoover Dam.

Las Vegas Is really heavilypopulated. Bob likes the churchsituation and working with thechoir. I’m singing in It, so Its nice forboth of us. I’m enjo1ng my Jobcaring for our grandchildren. Wefinally sold our home In Ocala inOctober, We had been looking forone here and finally decided on anew 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathtownhouse w/garage in a "gated"area called Stone Canyon NW. Itwasn’t to be finished until the firstweek of December 1993, so wehad the opportunity of picking outthe carpet, flooring etc. We replaced the Honda with a 1994 4drChevy/Toyota Prizm that we reallylike. Bob sold the Probe and isgetting a 4dr Saturn. Our newaddress is: 1024 Grammy Dr., LasVegas, NV 89128. All the bestto all. J

Ross and Belly WhlteheadWe are still here, and doing

fine in FL. Betty Is still making plasticcanvas dolls and doing Demo Salesat various stores on the week-ends.Quite an experience. I had eyesurgery performed on my left eye toremove a cataract and it is reallygreat. I can now seel They will dothe right eye next and then I willhave a Thatched pair." Goodthing, as we are leaving again onMay 1, 1994 for a year on the road.Going to Baltimore, Dayton, theMidwest, Northwest and then getback home before the snow fails in1995. Keep the CODA coming andwe hope everyone will have had aMeny Christmas and a Happy NewYear. J’

Bill and Eve LaBrulta1993 was certainly a banner

year. We took a 3 week road trip

Page 2

to the east to see relatives and ourthird grandchild - even stopped into browse thru the US Golf Museum.I spent a day in Williamsburg withthe grandchild and daughter-in -

law sort of an audition trip for thereunion and learned that onebetter wear good walking shoesand comfortable clothes. It iswonderful to see and fun to shoplBring plenty money or creditcards! The weather was perfectcoming and going.

Bill bought himself a newgolf caddie-cart w/remote controland walks 18 holes at least 5 timesa weekl He still works 3 mornings aweek.

I’m still hanging in there.some days by my fingernails but itsreally not that bad. We plan tomake the reunion, and we wisheveryone a healthy Chrisfrnas andNew Year. J’

Bob and Mary TurnerWe will spend the holidays

and our 46th WeddIng Anniversarywith Rob, our son, at Bethesda, MD.Bob stays active in Ping-Ponggames at the college and yearround yard work. Seems as thoughthe growing season seems longerthis year, with all the late rains.Happy Holidays and Good HealthAlways. .h

G.org. and Sadako HowardI have never before written

a Christmas letter but, in the interest of bringing you up to date onevents too numerous to mention, Imust resort to a letter of sorts.

UNPLEASANT EVENTS I COULD HAVEDONE WITHOUT

1. A detached retina and a fourhour operation in a civilian hospital.

2. A corneal ulcer on my righteyelid.

3. A slight stroke in my right arm.

BLESSINGS1. The retina was repaired suc

cessfully.2. After two weeks treatment, the

ulcer was removed.3. Sadako’s Hodgkins Lyrnphoma

st ill in remission.4. Sadako’s prowess as a cook is

unexcelled,5. Sadako and her Toyota Camry

still going and going and going.

We are looking forward toattending the combined Americanand Japanese Bandmasters Association convention in Hawaii inMarch 94.

What a great lifel I trust thatlife will be equally good. Andyou live to be one hundred

Loren and Lynette JohnsonIt was great to renew old

acquaintances at the SAC Band’s50th Anniversary here in Omahalast September. We enjoyed the

Captain Phillip C. ChovailardCapt. Philip Chevailard,

Commander and Conductor ofAmerica’s Band in Blue, Travis AFB,CA, received the Bachelor of MusIcEducation Degree from The OhioState University and the Master ofArts and Ph.D. Degrees from TheUniversity of Iowa.

Prior to his USAF career,Capt Chevaliard held the positionof Conductor, Iowa WesieyanCollege Wind Ensemble; Ass’tDirector of Bands, Michigan StateUniversity; and Director of Bands,San Jose State University.

Capt. Chevailard comes toAmerica’s Band in Blue from his firstAF assignment as Associate Conductor of the USAF Band. Directorof the AF Chamber Piayers andChief of Audio Production. Heproduced the USAF radio programheard on National Public Radio,‘The Greatest Bands in the Land."He also produced the first Compact Discs ever recorded by USAFbands.

He Is a native of ColumbusOhio, and is listed in the International Who’s Who in Music. He is aformer member of the National

holiday with family at our new summer home In Estes Park with all theelk and deer. Our address is 675Steamer Dr., Estes Park CO.

Low and Irene Anderson

its been a long timel Ireneand I will be on our yearly trip toFlorida Ft Meyers Beach duringDecember, January. March andApril.

i’m still enjoying playingevery weekend - trumpet, pockettrumpet, baritone horn andfiugelhorn. When in FL I do thesame, it keeps me off the streetsand out the corner barsl

Hope to see all of you other"old tirnerC some day. J

con/ton p.4

Band Association’s Board of Directors. His military awards include theAir Force Meritorious Service medaland the AF Commendation Medalwith one Oak Leaf Cluster. Heassumed command of the band atTravis in 1988.

Lt. John P. GraullyLt. Graulty, a native of

Pittsburgh PA, entered militaryservice in June 1986 as a clarinetistwith the USMA Band at West Point.He founded the West Point Chamber Winds and has performed inchamber groups throughout the US,Spoieto, Italy and over PublicRadio. In 1984 he was the onlyAmerican to be selected as asemifinalist at the internationalClarinet Competlilon in London.

He holds a Bachelor’sdegree In Music from PeabodyConservatory in Baltimore, a MMdegree from the New EnglandConservatory in Boston, and aDoctorate in Music from ColumbiaTeachers College in NY City.

He is the recipient of the USArmy Commendation medal, and

cont’d on p. 6

yourmayyears old.

BIOGRAPHIES I

Page 3

Personals, conPd‘Hap’ Hoyt

moneylHere is my postage stamp

I have been planning tooffend the August bash inWilliamsburg. but it’s beginning tolook very doubtful because ofcommitments I have on the WestCoast this coming summer. In anyevent. I will be camping in my minimotorhome, so I assume lateregistration should not be a majorproblem.

All is well with my family andthose old tImers here about, that Iknow of. Best regards. .

Vic MolzerHave now been completely

retired since July 1, 1983 and don’tknow where the time went. Looking back, I sometimes wish I hadcontinued to work at something.However, I did consider the possibility of a job each morning uponarising, then quickly went to thegolf course and promptly forgotabout iti

Anyway, I wish you all amost Happy New Yearl JGene and Bernice Rosheger

Over the Christmas Holidays,

jHOWTOLEADABAND I1. Rico tho audience and announce the next selection2. Face the band and pick up thelittle white stick3. Tap the little white stick againstthe music stand4. When the music starts, wave thestick at the band5, When the music stops, put thelittle white stick down6. Turn and face the audience andtake a bow

Note: Repeat the above steps until:a. You run out of musicb. The audience leaves

MUSIC DEFINITIONSI

if fast forwardColoratura Soprano one who

can’t find the note, but hasa wild time hunting for it.

p sublto opportunity for someobscure player to becomean Instant soloist

Risoluto stubbornly maintainthe CORRECT tempo nomatter what the conductortries to do

senza sordlno a term toremind a player he forgotto put in his mute severalmeasures back

Treasurers NoteWhen sending in your dues,

If the check is made out for anamount larger than $10.00, pleaselet me know if the additionalamount Is to be applied to futuredues, or a donation.

Also, beginning In 1994, youwill receIve one reminder with thisfirst issue of the CODA for delinquent dues. The next Issue of theCODA April. May June will be sentonly to those members who havepaid and are In good standing.

ThanksCODA is the unofficial publication oftheRetired Air Force Bandleadersand Superintendents Society.Published QuarterlyLouis Kriebel, Editor5647 Rosewall Cir., L.eesbuir, Ft 34748Ph 904 / 728-5966Herman Vincent, Layout/Publisher4126 Hyde Ave., Lake Charles, LA 70605Ph 318/478-6091

..IRAFMIVI -

____

Williamsburg, VA Concerts by:Aug25 28, ‘1994 ACC BandFor reservations: IJSAF Band

Coll 1400-HISTORY eXt 5200 Aln’nen o NoteA final newsletter concerning this Gaff Tournamentevent will be forthcoming within the andnext few weeks. Thich,Much More

I’ve 14 musical engagements booked.I hope everyone has fun over the 1-tolidaysl I’ve enclosed an announcement about my son, Philip. .P

The Maesfro FoundationPresents

Philip RoshegerClassical Guitarist

Philip Rosheger, known internationally as the first American Guitarist to winthe Segovia Competition - Santiago de Compestelia, Spain, 1972- haswritten a body of music that will enrich the future of that instrument. Theguitar music being premiered on August 26, 1993 is being planned for aMaestro recording of Rosheger in 1994. These CD’s will be nationallydistributed. Additionally, the Maestro concerts are broadcast over 160stations throughout the US to an esthiated audience exceedIng onemillion.Curt and Maxine Parsons

This hasn’t been my best year what with emphysema and twobouts with pneumonia, but at present I feel quite well. Maxine is still havingsome improvement in one eye. I enjoy the CODA, even though there aremany new names. I doubt if but few remember mine, It’s hard to believeit’s been 26 years since my retirement. I don’t know if you knew that eventhough they are spending millions at March AFB, they are ciosinq it. Thehospital, and BX whO probably also close. Our best wishes to all. .1’

Conic! on P. 6Coda Page 4

F,’om the Belle v/Ne, IL News-Democrat.. Monday, Dec 20, 1993Chief Master Sergeant Edward A. Schirmer

CMSgt. Ret Edward A. Schirmer, 71, of O’Fauon, II., born Feb. 9,1922, in Fulton, N.Y., died Saturday, Dec. 18, 1993 at Memorial Hospital inBeleville.

He had been a musician in the USAF and had served in World WarII. He was the Band Superintendent of the Military Airlift Command Bandwhen he retired in 1973. He was also a member of many groups andorganizations, including AINAD Brass Band, Noblemen Dance Band, theMusicians Union, Masonic Lodge #576, Scott AFB Chiefs Group, Air ForceSergeants Association, and DANIA Shrine Club of O’Faiion. Schirmerserved a choir director at Scoff AFB for 28 years. He retired from his civilservice position as Biliefing /Reservatlons clerk at Scott AFB in 1992.

Schlrrner was preceded in death by his parents, Edward andFlorence G. Mason Schirmer.

Survivors Include his wife, Mary Schirrner of O’Fallon; a son, TeddySchirmer, who resides In Germany; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 21, at SchlldknechtFuneral Home in O’Fallon, with It. William Ziegler officiating. Burial was atJefferson Barracks Cemetery, St. Louis. A Masonic service was held onMonday at 7PM.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.Ed will be long remembered as a professional musician, dedicated

to the USAF Band Program, and an exceptional leader as Chief of TheMilitary Airlift Command Band.

Nadya NamisnakAt press time, we learned through the American Legion’s Sousa

Post newsletter that Michael Namisnak’s wife, Nadya was recently killed Inan automobile accident. Michael, formerly of the NY National Guard, is abrand new member of our Society. His address is 26003 75th Ave., FloralPark, NY 11004-1118. We offer our profound condolences.

Marge Nestico

We Just received word that Marge Nestico, wife of Sammy Nestico,passed away on Jan 16, 1994. Hlsaddressls 38141 Bear Canyon Dr.,Murleta CA 92562. More information will be in the next Issue.

L

1 COMMUNITY BANDS 1Several of our members

that we know about are Involvedwith local Community Bands. Frompersonal experience, this can be amost rewarding add-on to anactive now retired musician,whether as a player or a conductor.

As a matter of information,we would like to know Just howmany of our total membership IsInvolved with this movement, andin what capacity conductor orassistant.,, or player what Instrument and chair.

Providing there is anyinterest, perhaps we can helporganize a sharing of programs,Information, etc. that would behelpful to all. Most of us know thefeeling of ‘being all alone outthere.’ It doesn’t have to be thatway any more.

If any of you have anysuggestions along this line, pleaselet me know. Right now, I am the‘permanent guest conductor’ ofour local Community Band.

One of our recent newmembers Toni Ryon Is the executive officer of the ACB, which is theofficial umbrella organization for allCommunity Bands. I believe thetitle refers to Association of Community or Concert Bands. Shouldwe need assistance, I feel sure herorganization would be glad to help.

MEDICAL NEWS

Oscar McGregor . .has just undergone surgery. We are Informedthat he Is doing Just fine, and theDr.s have assured him that all Iswell.Ed Bridges., writes that he is nowfacing a major health challenge.We feel sure he and Joyce wouldappreciate a note.

Bill LaBrutta..went in for surgery onJan 11. We are sure that he andEve would also enjoy hearing fromyou.

Page 5

A Message from the President/Editor

Biographies, cont’da member of the honor society ofPhi Kappa Phi. He was a distinguished graduate of OTS in 1990.His first assignment was the USAFAcademy Band.

He has developed anexpertise in the music of Sousa. Here-created and presented twoconcerts that Sousa performed inColorado Springs over one hundred years ago.

He was assigned to theUSAFE Band in October,1993. He ismarried to Charlotte Fresher, adouble bass player.

SMSGT Joseph TaylorSMSGT Joseph Taylor,

percussionist with the ACC Heritageof America Band, Langley AFB, VA,

is a native of Washington. DC. Hehas served in the USAF since 1973.He holds a Bachelor of MusicEducation degree from East Carolina university and a Master of Artsin Education degree from LouisianaTech University.

Sgt. Taylor’s decorationsInclude the Meritorious ServiceMedal with one Oak Leaf Cluster,the Air Force CommendationMedal, the Air Force AchievementMedal, and the HumanitarianSeMce Medal with Bronze Star.

He also served as a memberof the US Bicentennial Band andChorus, for which he received theJoint Services CommendationMedal, in his off duty time he enjoysplaying golf.

In "Labor of Love’Louis C. KriebelPresident/Editor

Personais, conI’dJohn and Bert Goodwin

Things are well with us. JohnstUl playing g a lot of tennis - someteaching but mostly enjoying life,and why not? We hope we canmake it to Williamsbug in August tosee everyone again. I’m muchstronger and doing quite well - itsbeen a good year for us, Hope allis well and our best wishes toeveryone.

LE Col. Lowell GrahamI am delighted to support an

organization which I feel has doneso much to tie the career fieldtogether, both during and afteractive duty. I applaud everyone’sefforts and encourage you to keepup the quality product. J’

Feb. 1, 1994As we enter 1994, after 14 years as a staff member of our Society, I would like to reminisce and give you

a brief history of our Society.In 1979, Coionel George S. Howard asked me about becoming a staff member of a new ‘to be tormed"

retiree band directors organization. Then, as now, I seemed to be the only one who had kept an alphabeflcalcard file with each name, address, phone number and spouse’s name, of each of our retired band directors.Shortly after our phone conversation, I received a letter from LTC Paul P. Weckesser, telling me about the forming, and purpose of the Society. ‘The Society is to formed to tie us together in spirit and camaraderie, as well asprovide historical record." A current list of the retired band directors, as of September, 1979 was enclosed. Itreflected sixty nine 69 names. Staff members of the original organization were: Col. George S. Howard, ‘President/Chief Emeritus"; Major Harold L Copenhaver, "Executive SecretaryfTreasurer", CWO Louis C. Kriebei, ‘FieldRepresentative" and ITC Paul P. Weckesser, "Founder," I have since learned that Vince was one of the first torecommend to Colonel Howard the idea of a band directors retiree society.

I sent a letter to each retiree asking for their achievements since retirement and it was published In our‘Retiree Bulletin" and mailed to each member. I would type the bulletin, mall it to Cope - he would have itreproduced and mail them. We aiso included information of general interest to all, such as: deaths, concerts,etc.

in 1987, Cope retired from the staff and LTC Richard Thurston accepted the position of Treasurer. Dickremained with us until 1988 when his workload exceeded his available time. Then, hi 1988, Major HermanVincent accepted this responsible position.

There were some other changes made within the next few .years; Colonel Howard, Chief Emeritus, LouisC. Krlebel, President, Herman Vincent, Vice President/Treasurer.

in 1985, we invited the band superintendents to join our society. They - during many band directors PCSmoves - assumed the position as director of the band; and many wanted to keep in contact. So the name waschanged to: "The USAF Retired Band Directors & Superintendents Society."

The present name 01 our publication, "CODA" was "invented’ by our Vice President/Treasurer/Layout-Publisher of the CODA, Herman Vincent. He has devoted many hours on his computer to make the publicationcommunicative, enjoyable and attractive as well as professional. Vince and I jointly edit each issue of theCODA and keep in contact with the active duty band commanders. We have recently Invited all the activeduty Commanders and Superintendents to join our Society.

We depend on each of you for dues, information and continued support. Your cooperation and assistance is appreciated.

Coda

CSAF cannot be released until afterthe Presidents budget message InFebruary.2. USAF Bands will be utilized in drugdemand reduction programs.

3. The next Bandleader’s conference will be held in Chicago at theMid West in Dec. 1994.4. The OJT program will be revised,using new computer technology.5. Navy, Army, and Marine bands-branch personnel made presentations.

6. USAF/MPC provided a briefing onofficer assignments.7. Contingency plans ore underwayfor funerals of any of the five livingformer Presidents.

Art Wiggins or Wiggins Ait

‘Thought you all might like to havea copy of my latest arrangementlHappy Holidays - Happy NewYear.

Wig

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