The National Capital Band

The National Capital Band concluded its 2010 – 2011 season in its traditional fashion on Monday, 16 May 2011, with a dinner for the members and guests. Held again this year at Maggiano’s at Tysons Galleria, the dinner is a time for the leadership of the band to express their appreciation for the dedication and commitment shown by the members throughout the season.

Highlights of the event included a retrospective of the past season by Bandmaster Steve Kellner. Beginning with the band’s participation at the annual Family Retreat at the end of last summer, he went through the various engagements and events. Of particular note were the ministry weekends in Fredericksburg and Raleigh, and the band’s “in-town” ministry weekend in April, which included its first official participation in the National Cherry Blossom Festival. He also outlined some of the things planned for the upcoming 2011 - 2012 season.

At the end of most NCB seasons, there are a few people who will not be returning to the band in the future. This year, five members were recognized at the dinner, most of whom are moving from the area to pursue educational opportunities:

• Tamar Murray, who will be attending Biola University in Southern California
• Ellim Choi, who will be attending Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia
• Demarr Woods, who is entering the doctoral program at Northern Colorado University
• Josh Webb, who is moving to Hampton, Virginia in preparation for entry into the School for Officer Training at Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta, Georgia
• Scott Bedio, who had committed to play in the band for one season as a substitute while John Reeves was away on military deployment in Iraq

One of the firm traditions of the National Capital Band is the award at each annual dinner of Bob’s Big Note. Started by long-time band secretary and principal cornet Bob Goodier at his farewell dinner in 2000, the Note recognizes a member of the band who exhibits musicianship and ministry “behind the scenes” during the season. The previous year’s recipient chooses the next, without any input from the band leadership. For the 2010 – 2011 season, flügelhorn player Paul Deafenbaugh was chosen by David Mersiovsky.

The dinner concluded with brief remarks from the band’s executive officer, Major Jim Allison, who thanked the members and their families for the generous offering of time and talent throughout the year.