WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) - America’s Navy is coming to Sacramento, California, one of 15 cities across six states to host performances by the United States Navy Band during its 2023 national tour – one of the signature outreach programs of the U.S. Navy. 

The U.S. Navy Concert Band is the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy. As the original ensemble of the Navy Band, the Concert Band has been performing public concerts and participating in high-profile events for 98 years. The band performs a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. 

One of the U.S. Navy Band’s core responsibilities involves touring the country. All of the band’s primary performing units embark each year on concert tours throughout specified regions of the country, allowing the band to reach out to audiences in areas of the country that do not have opportunities to see the Navy’s premier musical ensembles on a regular basis. The concerts are family-friendly events, meant to be entertaining to veterans, families, individuals and those interested in joining the Navy. 

“For many years, Navy bands have been where it matters, when it matters, just like the rest of our Navy. Today, we have Sailors performing around the world, improving relations with our allies abroad as well as telling the Navy story here at home,” said Capt. Kenneth Collins, U.S. Navy Band commanding officer.

The United States Navy Concert Band is scheduled to perform in the Sacramento area: 

March 18, 7 p.m., Cordova High School Gymnasium, 2239 Chase Dr. Rancho Cordova, California 

March 19, 3 p.m., Whitney High School Gymnasium, 701 Wildcat Blvd., Rocklin, California. 

While all tour performances are free and open to the public, some concerts may require advanced ticket reservations. For the most up-to-date ticketing information, visit the band’s website at www.navyband.navy.mil 

The U.S. Navy Band is the flagship musical organization of the Navy and one of 11 Navy bands located around the world; The U.S. Navy Band is based at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C; The Navy Band has been touring the country since 1925; There are six performing ensembles in the Navy Band: the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Sea Chanters chorus, Commodores jazz ensemble, Country Current country/bluegrass ensemble and the Cruisers popular music group; Ensembles from the Navy Band tour nationally 12-15 weeks each year. Sailors in the Navy Band are full-time professional musicians; Almost all of the Sailors in the Navy Band have undergraduate degrees in music, and most have graduate degrees.  

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - During a ceremony held on Friday, February 3, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom recognized California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officers Ryan Ayers and Kenneth Weckman for their actions that went above and beyond the call of duty by awarding them with the Governor’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.  This honor is the highest state award for valor presented to a public safety officer.

On December 6, 2021, Officer Kenneth Weckman was dispatched to a vehicle blocking the roadway in Marysville, California.  As Officer Weckman investigated the abandoned vehicle, he found a woman in crisis in a canal, attempting to smother a small child in the dirt and water.  Officer Weckman immediately attempted to rescue the child from the woman, as she violently resisted.  After a struggle, Officer Weckman was able to save the child from the muddy waters.  With the assistance of other officers who arrived on scene, the woman was safely taken into custody.

On August 6, 2021, Officer Ryan Ayers was off duty driving on US 101 in San Luis Obispo, California, when he observed a crash involving a semi-truck which ran off the road.  Officer Ayers climbed down the hillside to access the cab of the truck and found the driver unconscious.  As the vehicle began to fill with smoke, Officer Ayers, without regard for his own safety, cleared debris to access the driver.  Officer Ayers was able to safely remove the driver seconds prior to the vehicle becoming fully engulfed in flames.

“Officer Ayers’ and Officer Weckman’s heroic actions undoubtably saved the lives of these individuals” said Acting Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “Their bravery, character, professionalism, and willingness to serve with such extraordinary valor exemplify their commitment to the communities they serve.”

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide safety, service, and security.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Valentine’s Day is almost here! Some people give flowers, or candy or a card. You can give all that PLUS 2 songs sung a cappella by a quartet to your sweetheart, friend, or family member! This is an unforgettable gift! Quartets from the award-winning Sacramento Valley Chorus will deliver Singing Valentines 9 am - 8 pm, on Tuesday, February 14. The package is only $40 and can be delivered to a home or a place of business of your choice in the greater Sacramento area, including Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, San Joaquin and Nevada County. Singing Valentines are popular, so call early to ensure availability. Call 916-761-2998, to arrange for delivery. The award-winning Sacramento Valley Chorus, under the direction of Master Director, Dede Nibler, has approximately 60 members.

 

Ladies from the community are invited to attend rehearsals any Wednesday night at 6:30 pm.

 

For more information, visit SacramentoValleyChorus.com.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - It’s a long horn that’s traveled a long way. A 12-ft alphorn – formerly treasured by Carmichael bandleader John Skinner – is echoing around New Zealand hills.

Hand-made in Switzerland, it is now the prized possession of Auckland trumpeter Darrell Daglish, who is perhaps the only pro alphorn player in the South Pacific.

After John Skinner died in 2017, Tim’s Music Store in Carmichael offered his instrument for sale.

Kiwi Daglish had often worked in big bands with the American virtuoso. He jumped at the opportunity to acquire a horn with such personal provenance. “John was not just a dear friend,” says Daglish. “He was also a mentor; I learned so much from him. In my medical industry day job, I often traveled to Switzerland and played alphorn there. It was my 30-year-dream to own one.”

Unknown to the New Zealander, his mentor shared the same passion. Skinner commissioned a centuries old Lucerne company to craft his cedar and cane model in 2019. It took pride of place in the bandleader’s office and was aired – along with lederhosen – at Oktoberfest events.

After his death, his widow hoped the horn would continue its magic and asked Tim’s Music Store owner Scott Mandeville to handle the sale. By sheer fluke, Darrell Daglish spotted the instrument on Facebook. “I was stunned to learn it had belonged to my friend,” recalls the New Zealander. “I immediately contacted the store.”

At $4200, Skinner’s baby was no steal. The greater challenge was getting it to Auckland. Air freight amounted to more than the purchase price. For a more modest sum, a sea passage was booked, and the Swiss treasure began a six-month voyage. “I wasn’t worried about damage,” says Daglish. “I had faith in Tim’s. I knew it would arrive in good shape.”

“It reached my office in an enormous box with a ton of padding. Our entire staff watched me unpack it and I blew some notes there and then. An alphorn is not something New Zealanders often see. Everywhere I go, it’s a magnet for attention. Even my grandchildren love to have a blow.”

The kids have learned it’s not an easy act. “It has no valves or slide,” explains Daglish. “It’s all about lips and facial muscles – and lots of air. Fortunately, I’m a swimmer. I have big lungs. I practice every chance I get. As with any musical instrument, the more you play, the better you get.”

He has hauled the monster to city hall presentations; blown it at band concerts and his alpen tones were central for a New Zealand Dance Company program. He delivered “Here Comes the Bride” at a recent wedding.

“Every time I play it, I think of my American friend,” says Daglish. “John loved New Zealand. I know he’d be delighted to know his beloved horn is making music here.”