Cloud eleven

I am home after my third day at TUSAB (that’s Armyspeak for The US Army Band). I’m still in observation mode–just sat and listened during rehearsal yesterday, taking my time getting to know the guys. I’ve been given carte blanche to jump in whenever I feel like it, but I think it’s wise to get a sense of where they are and what they do before I, the young whippersnapper captain, jumps in and tries to change everything. (The Army band program is strange; some of these guys have been in the chorus nearly my entire lifetime. They’ve sung for Presidents, kings, queens, popes (just a few days ago), etc. Some serious international bigwigs ask for soloists like Jon Deutsch and Alvy Powell BY NAME. And yet, lil’ ol’ me is their new director. Unbelievable.) Having gotten my uniform ready yesterday, I was able to accompany the chorus to their performance this morning IN THE ROTUNDA AT THE CAPITOL BUILDING FOR THE PRESIDENT AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE AS THEY GAVE THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL IN FORTY YEARS TO THE DOCTOR WHO INVENTED THE CONCEPT OF A MASH UNIT. And Wayne Newton was there, too. That sounds like a joke, but it isn’t. Did I mention this was my third day on the job? Oh yeah and by the way, the chorus is scary good. I wish I had pictures, but I have a feeling there will be other opportunities.