At the beginning of the 2009-2010 season, the National Capital Band (Bandmaster James B. Anderson) added several new and returning members to the roster.

With both euphonium players moving from the Washington area over the summer, the band was delighted to welcome back Steve Kellner as principal euphonium. Steve, formerly the principal euphonium of the United States Marine Band and now teaching at the Peabody Institute and University of Maryland, was a member of the band at various times during the 1970s and 1980s. He is joined in the section by Captain Amy Reardon, who played in the baritone section briefly at the beginning of the previous season. Amy serves at the Salvation Army National Headquarters with her husband, Rob, who is member of the NCB tuba section.

In the horn section, Antonio Hodges has joined on solo horn. Antonio, who lives in the Tidewater area of Virginia, is traveling a greater distance for rehearsals than any other member of the band. His commitment is greatly appreciated. Also added to the horn section is Major Linda Penhale, who came to Washington in June as the assistant divisional youth secretary, and Esther Kim, a young person who is a part of the Army’s strong Korean ministry in Northern Virginia and displayed her considerable musical talent at the NCV Music Conservatory at Camp Happyland during the summer.

Learning about the National Capital Band through a listing of recordings on the World of Brass web site, Frank Maki contacted Bandmaster Anderson and has been invited to join the cornet section. An experienced trumpet player, Frank has shown himself to be a strong presence on first cornet, despite having not played cornet previously. Paul Deafenbaugh, who joined the band midway through last season, moves from cornet to flügelhorn for this season.

In addition to the new members mentioned above, NCB bass trombone Matt Sims has been named the Deputy Bandmaster, replacing Major Dan Proctor, who was appointed area commander in Oklahoma City over the summer. Matt, hailing from Bristol, England, is the music director for the Richmond Area Command, where he has built a very strong music program in a relatively short period of time.