September/October 2015 w Volume 36 Number 5

Captain Walden RetiresNavy Birthday ConcertSpotlight on MUCS Chris Raifsnider

A Message from theCommanding Officer (Acting)

I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the 14th leader of the U.S. Navy Band, but first, I need to thank the 13th leader, Capt. Brian Walden. Capt. Walden has left an indelible mark on

not just the Navy Band, but all of Navy music. His legacy is one of musical excellence, unceasing service, and a stalwart commitment to telling the Navy story. To say that he will be missed is a huge under-statement. All of us here at the Navy Band, and Navy bands all over, wish the captain and his family well as they embark on the next stage of their life journey.

As for our future, I’m very excited to work with the incredible people here at the U.S Navy Band. I am committed to honoring our past and the standard of excellence that has made the Navy Band what it is, while forging ahead to ensure we remain the face of today’s cutting-edge Navy.

We continue to maintain a very active performance schedule. As I write this, Country Current is touring Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska. Our Navy celebrates 240 years in October, and we’ll be commemorating the occasion with a special concert at the Music Center at Strathmore. The Commodores head out on their fall tour in late October, performing in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Again, I’m delighted to be here at the Navy’s flagship musical organization. Thank you all for your continued support of the Navy Band and Navy music.

Ken Collins, CDR, USN Commanding Officer/Leader (acting)

Volume 36 Number 5Commanding Officer/Leader (acting)

CDR Kenneth Collins

Public Affairs ChiefMUCM Aaron L. Porter

Editorial StaffMUCM Aaron L. PorterMUC Adam K. GrimmMUC Cynthia K. WolvertonMU1 Sarah F. BleckerMU1 Amanda PolychronisMU1 Maia Rodriguez

Layout and DesignMUC Stephen W. HassayMU1 Adrienne W. Moore

PhotographersMUC Brian P. BowmanMUC Stephen W. HassayMU1 James C. AndersonMU1 David B. AspinwallMU1 Jon C. BarnesMU1 Eric A. BrownMU1 Jeremy D. BucklerMU1 Adele D. MayneMU1 David Smith

fanfare is a bi-monthly magazine published by the U.S. Navy Band public affairs staff.

Front Cover: Captain Brian Walden and his wife, Staci, depart through the side boys at his retirement ceremony. Capt. Walden was the commanding officer of the U.S. Navy Band and retired after 35 years of service. (U.S. Navy photo by Musician 1st Class Jonathan Barnes/Released)

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CRUISERSMy wife and I really enjoyed your performance this evening at the National Harbor in Maryland. We look forward to hearing you again.

Ken

fanfare

At 1 p.m. on Friday, July 24, all hands at Navy Band gathered in the Sail Loft for a ceremony that felt familiar but at the same time was one

not often experienced by band members. The contradic-tion in that statement has a simple explanation: it was a retirement ceremony for our former commanding of-ficer, Capt. Brian O. Walden. Retirement ceremonies are regularly performed by the band, but they’re anything but routine for Navy Band commanding officers, which made this one unique.

Capt. Walden’s career was celebrated with all the pomp and circumstance that one might expect for an officer who has contributed 35 years to the Navy and the nation. Starting as a teenager in recruit training and entering the fleet with big dreams of seeing the world and playing the trumpet for a living, Walden’s rise to the top position in the music program was filled with travel, adventure and challenges.

The ceremony was attended by a who’s who of Navy music and two guest speakers, high-ranking leaders that have been strong supporters of the Navy Band: Vice Adm. John F. Caldwell, director of Navy Staff, and Rear Adm. Dawn Cutler, Navy chief of information. Three former leaders of the band were present along with several bandmasters, retired and active. After a solo rendition of the national anthem by Chief Musician Shana Sullivan, the band’s incoming acting commanding officer, Cmdr. Ken Collins, acknowledged the guests and welcomed Walden to the podium, who introduced Cutler.

In her remarks, Cutler said, “I am deeply honored to participate in this most important ceremony for such a distinguished leader as Capt. Brian Walden, the man who has devoted his life to serving our nation and the Navy for 35 years.” Cutler went on to relate what she learned about Navy bands as a public affairs officer. “I learned very quickly about the shared mentality among Navy musicians: only the best – the best talent, best attitude, the best skills.” In closing, she said, “I think any good commander will tell you that the true measure of a leader’s success is not how well he or she performs, but how well the Sailors and their team perform, day to day, during holidays, on tour or

wherever duty calls. And Brian would be the first one to point to these officers and Sailors he has worked with over three decades for all the reasons for his success....but I can’t stress enough the importance of his guidance, leadership and all that he embodies, that enabled your Sailors to be successful. His legacy will serve the Navy and the music program and the U.S. Navy Band for decades beyond his service.”

After her concluding remarks, Cutler introduced Caldwell. In his speech, Caldwell emphasized Walden’s dedication not only to the Navy and the entire music program, but the contributions he will continue to make to music after his retirement. Walden is going on to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, to be the director of bands. “He will continue to serve in great ways,” Caldwell said. “If you doubt for a second that their [Marshall’s] music program will grow, well, think again…it’s going to grow, and they’re going to go on to amazing things with Brian at the helm.” He closed by thanking Walden and his entire family for their service over the last 35 years. Before he left the podium, he awarded the Legion of Merit to Walden, which stated, in part, “Capt. Walden displayed

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Navy Band commanding officer retiresby Master Chief Musician Aaron Porter

Director of Navy Staff Vice Admiral James Caldwell speaks at the retirement ceremony of Captain Brian Walden. Capt. Walden was the commanding officer of the United States Navy Band and retired after 35 years of service. (U.S. Navy photo by Musician 1st Class Jonathan Barnes/Released)

COMMODORESLoved, loved, loved the concert last night at the Fairfax County Government Center. Great evening. Thanks for the performance. Please come back next year.

Pat (Fairfax, Virginia)

Continued on page 6

Performance ScheduleAll concerts are FREE and open to the public. Tickets or reservations are not required unless noted (*). Please note that all concert information is accurate at time of publication, though subject to change due to weather and other conditions. For inclement weather announcements, please call 202-433-2525 or visit www.twitter.com/usnavyband. For the most up-to-date information, please check our online performance calendar at: www.navyband.navy.mil

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SEPTEMBERCONCERT BANDTUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 7:30 P.M.Navy Memorial701 Pennsylvania NWWashington, D.C.

SEA CHANTERSSATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 6 P.M.Walker Pavilion Lovettsville11 Spring Farm Dr. (Town Green)Lovettsville, Va.

COMMODORESFRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 5:30 P.M.Calvert Marine Museum14220 Solomons Island RoadSolomons, Md.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 7 P.M.Heritage Shores Club House1 Heritage Shores CircleBridgeville, Del.

MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 6 P.M.Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millennium Stage2700 F St. NWWashington, D.C.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, 1 P.M.Village Green Pavilion1000 Walter Thomas RoadNSF Indian Head, Md.

CRUISERSSUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 6:15 P.M.Hagerstown Community College11400 Robinwood DriveHagerstown, Md.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18, 7 P.M.La Plata Town Square305 Queen Anne St.La Plata, Md.

WINDJAMMERS WOODWIND QUINTETSATURDAY, SEPT. 20, 3 P.M.Sydenstricker United Methodist Church8508 Hooes RoadSpringfield, Va.

CHAMBER ENSEMBLESTUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 6:30 P.M.The Fountains at Washington House5100 Fillmore Ave.Alexandria, Va.

COUNTRY CURRENTFALL TOURCountry Current is currently on tour; following is a list of their remaining tour performances.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 7 P.M.Tornstrom Auditorium804 Oak St.Brainerd, Minn.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 7:30 P.M.South Dakota State UniversityPerforming Arts Center1601 11th St.Brookings, S.D.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 7:30 P.M.Northern State UniversityAberdeen Civic TheaterAberdeen, S.D.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 6, 4 P.M.Belle Mehus City Auditorium210 N. 6th St.Bismarck, N.D.

MONDAY, SEPT. 7, 2 P.M.Medora MusicalMedora, N.D.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 7:30 P.M.Dawson County High School900 N. Kedrick Ave.Glendive, Mont.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 7 P.M.Shrine Auditorium1125 Broadwater Ave.Billings, Mont.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 7 P.M.Heritage Center Theater1635 Reata DriveGillette, Wyo.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 7 P.M.Main Street Square526 Main St.Rapid City, S.D.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 7 P.M.Midwest Theater1707 BroadwayScottsbluff, Neb.

MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 7:30 P.M.Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts Concert HallUniversity of Wyoming1000 E. University Ave.Laramie, Wyo.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 7 P.M.Cheyenne Civic Center510 W. 20th St.Cheyenne, Wyo.

COMMODORESWe enjoyed the performance by the Commodores at Shamrock Park in Bel Air, Maryland on July 1. The music was a great way to enjoy a summer evening. The musicians were very talented. We hope that you will continue these concerts in Bel Air.

Frank and Valerie (Bel Air, Maryland)

OCTOBERCONCERT BANDTHURSDAY, OCT. 15, 7:30 P.M.Lake Braddock Secondary SchoolLittle Theatre9200 Burke Lake RoadBurke, Va.

SEA CHANTERSTUESDAY, OCT. 20, 12:10 P.M.Church of the Epiphany1317 G St. NWWashington, D.C.

COMMODORESFRIDAY, OCT. 2, 8 P.M.Howard Community College10901 Little Patuxent ParkwayColumbia, Md.

BRASS QUINTETSATURDAY, OCT. 24, 7 P.M.The Falls Church Episcopal115 E. Fairfax St.Falls Church, Va.

COMMODORES FALL TOURThe Commodores jazz ensemble departs Oct. 24 for their 2015 fall tour through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Below is a partial list of tour dates. Visit our website for a complete listing of dates and times.

SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 3 P.M.Garrett College GymnasiumMcHenry, Md.

SUNDAY, OCT. 25, TBDSoldiers and Sailor Memorial HallPittsburgh, Pa.

MONDAY, OCT. 26, TBDStambaugh AuditoriumYoungstown, Ohio

TUESDAY, OCT. 27, 7 P.M.Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention CenterCrause Performance HallLima, Ohio

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28, 7 P.M.Lerner TheatreElkhart, Ind.

THURSDAY OCT. 29, 7 P.M.Evanston Township High School AuditoriumEvanston, Ill.

SATURDAY, NOV. 1, TBDLake Geneva Middle School AuditoriumLake Geneva, Ill.

SUNDAY, NOV. 2, 7 P.M.Waunekee High School Field HouseWaunekee, Wis.

MONDAY, NOV. 3, TBDEleanor Roosevelt Middle School AuditoriumDubuque, Iowa

LOOKING AHEADTO NOVEMBER

CONCERT BANDTHURSDAY, NOV. 5, 7 P.M.Reservoir High School Auditorium11550 Scaggsville RoadFulton, Md.

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SEA CHANTERSUplifting concert tonight by the Sea Chanters on the steps of the Capitol. Thanks for honoring our nation through your service in song.

Ron (Facebook)

Legion of MeritCAPT Brian O. Walden

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation MedalMUCM Michael Schmitz, MUC Stephen Hassay, MUC Courtney Williams and MU1 Antje Farmer

Sailor and Senior Enlistedof the QuarterOct-Dec 2015

MU1 David PerkelMUC Lera League

Letter of CommendationMUC Christian Johanson, MUC Jennifer Krupa,

MUC Greta Loggins, MU1 John Armstrong,MU1 Jon Barnes, MU1 Dana Booher,

MU1 Justin Cody, MU1 Dan LaMaestra and MU1 David Miller

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalMU1 John Armstrong, MU1 Jon Barnes, MU1 Ben Bransford, MU1 Lauren Cook, MU1 Philip Eberly, MU1 Darrell

Fitzpartin, MU1 Dan Frazelle, MU1 Anthony Halloin, MU1 Susan Kavinski, MU1 Patrick Martin, MU1 Dennys Moura, MU1 Kristin Pagent, MU1 Jenny Stokes, MU1 Colin Wise and MU1 Michael Webb

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COUNTRY CURRENTHad plans tonight to see the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note, but it was canceled due to weather. Happened upon the U.S Navy Band Country Current concert as we left dinner. Came all the way to D.C. to see a country concert. Pretty awesome; thanks y’all!

Caroline (Facebook)

exceptional leadership, artistry and technical acumen. His many accomplishments made a significant and lasting positive impact on the Department of the Navy, Navy music and the U.S. Navy Band.”

In his remarks, following a brief performance by Country Current, Walden recognized four very deserving musicians currently in the band that, as he said, “are exceptional examples of what being a Navy musician is all about.” Musician 1st Class John Armstrong received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal was awarded to Musician 1st Class Antje Farmer and Chief Musicians Stephen Hassay and Courtney Williams. After the award presentation, he said, “I used to tell people all the time about going to the Navy Band, I always thought it would be about music, it’s going to be about the highest-level music that I can possibly try to work on, it’s going to be music, music, music… and I don’t say that anymore. What I tell people now is, I get to work with great people, every day, and those great people make great music.” He also recognized the contributions of the band’s ombudsman, Christinia Armstrong, with a letter of appreciation from the 89th Commandant of Naval District Washington, Rear Adm.

Yancy Lindsey. Armstrong has served as ombudsman for many years, not only for the members and families of the Navy Band, but also for the Navy Ceremonial Guard during a time when they did not have an ombudsman.

Walden recognized several people in the audience that were central to his development throughout his career, first as a young enlisted musician and later as a limited duty officer. He also told many stories about his youth

America’s Navy: Ready Then, Ready Now, Ready Alwaysby Musician 1st Class Amanda Polychronis

October marks the 240th birthday of the United States Navy, and to celebrate, the Navy Band will present a concert on Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at

the Music Center at Strathmore. We are very excited to perform again in this beautiful venue.

Hosted by the chief of naval operations, Adm. John Richardson, this year’s theme is “America’s Navy: Ready Then, Ready Now, Ready Always.” Throughout the evening we will celebrate the centennial of the Navy Reserves, highlighting its past, present and future missions and accomplishments. Notable reservist Sailors and their stories will be featured throughout the concert, supported by dynamic video footage and still images. We will also honor our

wounded warrior heroes and their families and will close the concert with a patriotic tribute to our great nation. Three of the band’s six performing ensembles will participate with music ranging from patriotic and classical tunes to country and rock. Please join us as we celebrate the Navy and our great country!

The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Maryland. Free parking will be available at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station garage on Tuckerman Lane.

The event is free, but tickets are required. For more

details and how to acquire tickets, visit our website at http://www.navyband.navy.mil/Navy_Birthday.shtml.

For details on parking and how to get to

Strathmore, please visit https://www.strathmore.org/your-visit/directions-and-parking. ff

Walden retirement continued...

The United States Navy Band Country Current performs at the retirement ceremony of Captain Brian Walden. Capt. Walden was the commanding officer of the United States Navy Band and retired after 35 years of service. (U.S. Navy photo by Musician 1st Class Jonathan Barnes/Released)

Continued on page 8

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Spotlight on...Senior Chief MusicianChris Raifsniderby Chief Musician Cynthia Wolverton

Did you know that the Navy Band has an 18-member support staff that works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly for six performing units? At the helm of this highly-productive team is Senior Chief Musician Christopher Raifsnider. He began his Navy career in 1992 as a clarinet instrumentalist and is now serving as the career information program manager and staff department chief in charge.

Tell us about your musical background.In a lot of ways I think my early years were the

perfect storm for creating a military musician! I grew up in Pennsylvania, a state with a rich tradition of band music, and my elementary and high school band teachers were a married couple who happened to live across the street. Sometimes they would correct my mistakes as I practiced scales with the windows open (“That’s a B-flat!”). I earned a Bachelor of Science in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Music in wind instruments from the University of Michigan. After graduation, I taught instrumental music in public schools for two years before joining the Navy. I was a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Band for five years before transferring to the U.S. Navy Band, and in 2004 earned a doctorate in orchestral instruments (clarinet performance) from the Catholic University of America.

What prompted you to transition from performing to support staff? Was this a difficult decision for you?

While performing with the Concert/Ceremonial Band, I spent several years working as an assistant in the career information office and found the work very rewarding. When the full-time staff position became available, it was certainly a difficult decision to make the transition because I truly enjoyed playing every day alongside so many highly-talented musicians. But now I have the opportunity to contribute to the Navy Band in a different capacity as CIPM and staff department CIC.

What are the responsibilities of the CIPM?

As CIPM, I serve as the band’s career counselor, responsible for managing the Navy Enlisted Retention and Career Development Programs. My job encompasses several areas including auditions, assisting new members who are transitioning into the Navy, reenlistments, security clearances, educational assistance programs and providing counseling to members who are about to make the transition to a civilian career. Overall, it’s my job to make sure all of our Sailors have the opportunity to enjoy long, productive careers and understand the many Navy programs available to assist them each step of the way. It’s been a very rewarding duty because I spend most of my time at work helping the wonderful people at Navy Band.

Could you share some highlights of your time with the band?For a musician, I can’t imagine another job

that would create so many interesting memories. Performing with the band on national tours and concerts has always been very rewarding, but the most meaningful highlights of my career have been the many times I’ve participated in ceremonies honoring fallen Navy members. I’ll always remember performing “Eternal Father” at the dignified transfer of Sailors killed in the attack on USS Cole and at the Pentagon for survivors of 9/11, and the many full-honors funerals in which I’ve participated at Arlington National Cemetery.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?I still enjoy practicing, teaching and performing

locally on clarinet and saxophone, but since we’ve recently purchased a “pre-owned” house I’ve

Senior Chief Musician Chris Raifsnider

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CONCERT ON THE AVENUEI’ll just say it. The @usnavyband is the best thing about America. Particularly when performing…

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Contact Information:Public Affairs OfficeThe United States Navy Band617 Warrington Ave. SEWashington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5054202-433-3366

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been dedicating lots of time to home improvement projects! Mostly, I enjoy spending time with my family at home, hiking, reading, and an occasional motorcycle ride with friends.

Name three CDs you are currently listening to? Wow, this is a tough question! My iTunes collection

is my most valued possession and I’m constantly switching between artists and styles. I recently discovered Brian Wilson’s “Smile” recording. I never get tired of listening to Bill Evans… this morning I listened to Lee Morgan’s “Sidewinder” three times! ff

Spotlight continued...

in South Carolina and his early days as a Navy musician. Walden thanked the band’s current junior officers, Lt. j.g. Luslaida Barbosa and Lt. Christopher Cornette, and the senior enlisted leader, Master Chief Musician Kevin Dines. In closing, he mentioned that the CNO appointed Cdr. Ken Collins as his replacement, saying, “You’re about to enter the best job that anybody can get, and you’re going to work with the best people. The band is lucky to have you in the Navy music program.”

The Navy Band and the entire Navy music program wish Capt. and Mrs. Walden and their family fair winds and following seas. We hope to see them again at a tour concert, or perhaps at the next alumni gathering in 2016. ff

Walden retires continued...

COL. Finley R. Hamilton Awardfor Outstanding Military Musician

MU1 Casey Campbell