@BlueStateBabe
Clarinet brings back a memory:
My younger sister played clarinet in school and each time my friends and I went to the mall on the weekend (what one did in 1978) I had to trot to the music store for Mitchell Lurie 4 reeds.
Yesterday, I discovered that my great-grandfather, who was in the DC Navy Band, played clarinet. So did my sister, and my eldest. I guess my choice of pandemic instrument was pre-ordained. LOL!
In truth, it is one of the less expensive instruments to rent or buy, and a child can carry it on the bus to school daily. But that all would have been irrelevant for my great-grandfather, I would think.
@BlueStateBabe
Very cool history. When was our Great-grandfather in the band?
@MelissaHDavis This record says Army instead of Navy. Interesting. Now I need to check the original records more closely, if I can find them.
@BlueStateBabe
At Arlington?
That part I know nothing about. I had been told they were based in the Naval Yard, which led me to believe he was in the Navy, but maybe that is just a location and not a military division?
Yes. He had quite the, ahem, interesting history, and instead of being buried with family, was buried at Arlington. As was his right, of course.
And by history, I mean black sheep of the family. Of course. I was obviously born into the wrong branch of the family - lol. The other siblings were very productive and contributing members of the community. He...well, let's just say, was the "stereotypical" musician.
@BlueStateBabe
I think that unit maybe became the D.C. National Guard?
@MelissaHDavis @BlueStateBabe
78. I wish I could go back, know everything I now know and replay it with my current knowledge and understanding. PS Did you get an Orange Julius while you were there?