@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.
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.
@MelissaHDavis
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?