Navy Band Northwest in the spotlight

With the fall season upon us, the Navy Band Northwest is gearing up for their fall concert series, which begins Oct. 17 at 2:30 p.m. with a variety show at the Naval Undersea Museum-Keyport. In November, the band will perform an All Hands Band concert Nov. 21 at 2:30 p.m. at Keyport as well. Each show they perform out in the community is free and open to the public.

“We enjoy performing for the general public because it gives us the opportunity to entertain them as well as showcase the professionalism we have in the program,” said Senior Chief Musician Jim Robo, assistant director of the Navy Band.

The mission of Navy Band Northwest is to provide musical support for official Navy functions and Navy recruiting efforts, and to serve the communities of the Pacific Northwest in a public relations capacity. The 35 rated musicians perform in various units such as the ceremonial and parade band, big band, contemporary entertainment ensemble, brass quintet, and jazz combo. In addition to those responsibilities, specialized ensembles such as a Brass or Woodwind ensemble are formed to fulfill a specific performance requirement. 

“Our primary mission is the military. We provide music for approximately 400 ceremonies a year for events such as change of commands, retirements and major community relations events,” said Robo.

The Navy band also supports other military in the area by combining with the Army for large public performances as well as performing at Coast Guard events.

“Service to the fleet is our number one priority, which is in line with the business motto, customer service, the fleet is our customer, and we work hard to enhance the military’s espirit de corps through music the universal language,” said Lt. j.g. Charles Roegiers, director Navy Band.

Since the Navy Band is forever busy with spreading the Navy message through music, Roegiers recommends commands and civilian organizations book months in advance.

“Getting your request in early is very important because we begin to solidify our military shows three months in advance and civilian shows 60 days in advance.”

For more information about Navy Band Northwest, visit their Web page at http://www.band-seattle.navy.mil or call (360) 315-3448.