The National Capital Band (Bandmaster Dr. Steve Kellner) begins the 2013 – 2014 season with farewells, welcomes and changes in the cornet and horn sections.
The band says farewell to Ruth Choi, whose officer parents were appointed to the staff of Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta. Also leaving the band are Esther Kim and Sam Kim, who will both be attending the University of Virginia. Josh Sears also has an educational commitment that will keep him from participating for at least the first half of the season.
Jim and Susan Shiels were appointed to the Suffolk Corps in southeastern Virginia and have resumed full-time service as officers with the rank of Captain. Despite the long distance, Jim will continue to play in the band, but Susan will be stepping away.
Joining the band are Majors Tim and Donna Carter, Tim on first horn and Donna on second cornet. The Carters were appointed as area commanders in Central Virginia (Richmond) over the summer. Also joining the band from the Richmond area is Sara Elliott, who has moved from Oklahoma to take the position as music director for the Central Virginia Area Command. Sara will be handling the flügelhorn duties.
The Fredericksburg Corps has also hired a new director for its music programs. Kate Wohlman comes over from England to fill this spot and joins the NCB on Bb bass. The bass section is also bolstered by Lieutenant Trey Jones, corps officer at Alexandria Citadel, who has played with the band as a substitute several times in the past couple of years but has now committed to a full season. Also joining the band from Alexandria Citadel is Troy Stupart. Both Trey and Troy will be on Eb bass.
In addition to new players, there have been changes in the cornet and horn sections. Danielle Ashton moves from first cornet to solo horn. John McKee, who joined the band in the middle of last season, moves from solo cornet to first cornet to fill Danielle’s spot, and Rebekah Schramm moves from second to first cornet.
Source:
Brass Crest Staff Report
National Capital Band web site