I know I'm years late and dollars short here, but when I was in the 33d US Army Band (64-65), there was a Public Relations office at Patton Barracks at that time, and there was a Sp.4 named (something) Smith (we all called him "Smitty") who was a photographer and accompanied the band on nearly all our "gigs" and took tons of b/w photos of all those outings.
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Your webmaster recently received the following inquiry from Jim Westerhouse regarding the Alumi Reunion held in March , 1999 in Washington DC. If you can be of help to Jim, please contact him at: JimWest@concentric.net or Dee Tonning, Webmaster at: dtonning@aol.com
Announcements
As the year 2005 comes to a close, CW3 Robert Edmonds (ret.), who was with the USAREUR Band as its bandmaster from 1966-1969 , has gotten in touch with us to provide a resume of his army career and to note the passing of a dear friend, MSGT Gene Louis, who went through Viet Nam unscathed "only to die in a fire at a boys school where he was teaching after retiring."
We also heard from Charley Liegerot, who played tuba and string bass with the 33rd in 1955-1956. Charley filled us in on his activities since leaving the band. His e-mail has also been turned over to the editor for use in the next newsletter. For those who would like to contact Charley, his e-mail address is: cpliegerot@shaw.ca
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Dear Dee,
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An announcement from Frank Schlatter 3/16/2005
Dear Band Members from the late 50’s,
I’m not sure who else has received information from Dick Hays since January, but I do want you to know about the letter I received from him today.
In his letter of 3/12/05, in which he discussed his dues, the most recent newsletter, and his sadness at the passing of Marv Schatz, Dick informed me that Shirley, his wife, had passed away on January 18th after an extended bout with cancer. He wrote that, like Eunice, Shirley realized how much our association with the 33rd Army Band meant to us. He wrote: “Her times playing flute and piccolo at Albuquerque and Minneapolis with the band helped teach that.” He went on to note that they had been planning to return to Germany in 2006 for their 50th anniversary.
Carole and I sent a sympathy card, expressing our own sadness and our condolences.
Frank
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1/10/2005
I know that all the members of the association who were in the band at the same time as Marvin Schatz--will be saddened to learn that he passed away today (January 10). Marv was a fine clarinet player with the band, and we who attended the 33rd ABAA's first three reunions (1997,1999,2001), which Marv was able to attend, were delighted that Marv was together with us.
Unfortunately, because of the rapid onset of lymphoma, Marv was unable to attend the New Orleans reunion, and according to Melissa, his daughter, who informed us of Marv's passing, Marv was devastated that he couldn't make it to the most recent get-together. Melissa said that he felt a deep and loving attachment to the members of the 33rd Army Band, and in his last days he very much appreciated the contacts that were made with him by other band members.
Those of us who knew him will deeply miss him. Our condolences to the Schatz family.
Frank Schlatter
The following message is from Melissa Schatz, Marvin's daughter.
Dear friends and family of Marvin Schatz,
Marvin Schatz, beloved husband of Eunice Schatz, father of Melissa, Allison and Scott, grandfather of Ryan & Jolie and brother of Sylvia, peacefully passed away this morning, Monday, January 10, 2005.
Funeral services will be held at Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 12, 2005, in Livingston, NJ.
The family will be sitting Shiva from Wednesday afternoon until Friday at 4 PM at the Schatz family residence, which is located at 21 Anita Drive, East Hanover, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The American Cancer Society or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Following is Marvin's Obituary:
Marvin Schatz of East Hanover owned accounting firm
Thursday, January 13, 2005
A service for Marvin Schatz of East Hanover will be at noon today in the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Rd., Livingston,
Mr. Schatz, who died Tuesday in Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, was a certified public accountant and owned the firm, M. Schatz CPA & Associates PA in Parsippany, since 1992.
He earned a bachelors degree in business from Baruch College, New York City, in 1956.
Mr. Schatz served in the Army during peacetime, performing with the 33rd Army Band in Germany.
He was a member of the American Association of Certified Public Accountants, a former member of the East Hanover Planning Board and past commander of the Raritan Yacht Club, Perth Amboy.
Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Schatz lived in Springfield before moving to East Hanford 17 years ago.
Surviving are Eunice, his wife of 43 years; daughters, Melissa Schatz Nelson and Allison Johnson Taylor; a son Scott; a sister Sylvia Hameroff, and two grandchildren.
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The 33rd Army Band Alumni Association secretary-treasurer received an e-mail from David "Scotty" Scott, Tuba player 83-86, saying he had come across the association on "Ted's site."
Anyone wanting to get in touch with Scotty may wish to contact the secretary-treasurer for his information. Write obfusa@rt66.com
Frank Schlatter
Hi,
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A Message from David Wood (1/28/05)
Hello - My name is David Wood. I was a member of the 33rd Army Band 1971 - 72. Played Flute. Dick Rabideau, who lives in the same community as I do, and who was a member of the 33rd at the same time referred me to this page. What a wonderful idea. Brought back some very fond memories. If anyone who comes across this wants to contact me I'm at woodd@westelcom.com.
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Message from Frank Schlatter (1/18/05)
The current directory for the 33rd ABAA will shortly be sent to dues-paying
members of the organization. Individuals who would like to receive the
updated edition of the directory (it has now been expanded to include more
membership details), the quarterly "Passing in Review", plus
other informational mailings, should send their $15 annual dues check (made
out to 33rd ABAA) to:
Frank Schlatter, 3111 Futura, Roswell, NM 88201
Please make sure that your current addresses (snail and e-mail) are provided,
and for the 33rd ABAA database, your spouse's name is also
requested.
Frank Schlatter
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A Message from Gary Maki (1/14/05)
Greetings,
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A Message from Allen Lawless (1/12/05)
Hello Dee,
In conducting some research on the 298th Army Band (Berlin Brigade), I stumbled
across your web site, specifically your Sept. 2004 edition of your newsletter
Passing in Review.
In this edition, Vol. VII, No. 2, an article mentioned a talk from Frank Rosato,
former bandmaster of the 156th Infantry Band (later to become the ETO Band,
stationed in London during WWII).
Mr. Rosato is also an item of interest for my research and I was delighted to
speak with him on the phone the other day. I hope to gather yet more information
through him, in addition to the contents as stated in the your newsletter.
I served in the 298th from Jan. 83 to Sept. 91. It was a very exciting time to
be in Germany, unquestionably the highlight of my 20-year military career and
the focal point of my 15 years in Germany. I was privileged to know many in the
33rd and many of us were impressed with the 33rd's level of musicianship.
The purpose of my email is to clarify that Mr. Rosato's band, as the 156th
Infantry Band, later to become the ETO Band, also went through another change.
As mentioned in the article, the ETO Band was authorized only 28 musicians. Mr.
Rosato had requested and received more musicians. However, since the extra
musicians were not authorized under TOE, the band had to be split, on paper
only, into the 300th Infantry and the 298th Infantry Bands.
Following the war, the ETO band was split up into two parties for logistical
reasons, and sent to Berlin to provide musical support in the Potsdam
Conference. According to information I have from Mr. Rosato and Henry P.
Glaviano, the author of his book, The 156th Infantry Band, the "300th
Infantry Band" traveled through Belgium on its way to Berlin and the
"298th Infantry Band" traveled through France, destination Berlin.
Shortly after the "paper band's" arrival, the two bands meshed to
become one again. At some point yet to be determined, but surely before July 4,
1945, the band was redesignated the 298th Army Band.
As such, the 298th Army Band was the longest-serving unit in Berlin, having
arrived in time to perform the official transfer of military authority ceremony,
held on Andrews Barracks on July 4, 1945, between the Soviets and the American
2nd Armored Division, the first American unit to occupy Berlin. The band served
continuously until September 1994, when the last musician finally left the city.
I thank you for the opportunity to provide additional information which may be
of interest to your readers.
Best regards,
Allen Lawless
SFC, USA, Retired
Mentor, OH
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A Message from Dick Rabideau (1/11/05)
Hello Frank and Dee:
I was recently alerted to the existence of the association and the webpage.
What a great idea! Thank you for your efforts. I have only spent a
few minutes there but learned a number of things about people I knew.
Initial reactions to the website- Overall, loved the idea and would love
to support your efforts with a membership. It was not quickly clear (on
brief inspection) how to do that (where to send). I guess I start by
sending this email. Might the address be listed or an "if interested,
contact x at the following address." Maybe that was there and I
missed it.
I have maintained contact with at least three (now four thanks to the website)
people from my tour years, having just visited two this past summer. Have
looked for a couple others and maybe the website will help.
I would not mind having my email listed next to my name. Have others felt
similarly? It might make contact easier and less work for someone else.
(Note: Richard's email address is richard.rabideau@verizon.net
)
Which of you takes contact information? What information would you like?
To whom do I send the $15.?
Keep up the good work. My years were listed correctly but my name
misspelled. It is RABIDEAU, not RABIDEAUX as listed. Will send
additional contact information when I hear from you.
Dick Rabideau, 72-73, Trombone
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A Message from Jim Wood (1/9/05)
Hi--happened across the web
site this afternoon--what a wonderful idea!
I'm Jim Wood and was with the band from November 1967 until September 1968
(though I continued to play concerts until my discharge in August 1969). I
played oboe and English Horn--I'd love to know if the beautiful Laubin English
horn I helped order in 1968 is still being used. I joined the 33d in late
1967 where I was greeted by several friends from the Fifth Army Band at Ft
Sheridan, Illinois--George Heller and Bill Aikman among others. They drove
up to Frankfurt the night I arrived in Buzzy Bissette's Cadillac and we drove
down to Heidelberg in the thickest fog I'd ever seen. Then it was off to
the Rote Ochsen
for Ochsenschwansuppe and one or two beers.
The summer of 1968 I was sent to help out Captain Bill Clark at USAREUR
headquarters, and eventually got assigned to work out of the Office of Public
Affairs at Campbell where I helped book Army bands for German events. I
rejoined the 33d for concerts from time to time.
Looking back over the newsletters--I well remember the Bremen festival. It
must have been early 68. Several military bands from NATO allies were there.
Perhaps the biggest event for me was the trip to Harstad, Norway in June of
1968. Bob Lind, one of my best friends from 5th Army Band days joined us
as soloist in the Grieg Piano Concerto, and I made the decision to ask a certain
Fulbright scholar from Frankfurt to marry me. (I'd met her on April 4th).
We got married in August and celebrated our 36th anniversary last year.
Many bandsmen were there for the wedding in Frankfurt.
The newsletter is a great idea, though I was deeply saddened to learn of George
Heller's death last summer. Scanning the newsletters and bulletin board,
it was good to see a few familiar names such as Ralph Stivison, Bob Edmonds, and
Captain Clark. There are some names missing from the alumni roster from
our era--most are probably "lost" of course. Tom Caloia, Larry
Lighthill, Clark Pitts, Buzzy Bissette, Ted Thiele, Bob Martin, Ray
Russell--other names will no
doubt come back to me.
My check for 2005 dues is on its way.
Keep up the good work.
Jim Wood (1967-69)
4 Redwood Road
Acton, MA 01720
978-263-9498
jamesjay.wood@verizon.net
Spouse:
Jeanette Hall-Wood
jeanette.hallwood@verizon.net
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A Message from Vicki Holeman Eschelman (1/4/05)
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I am looking for members of the 1961-63 33rd Army Band that are still alive. I've read about Bandleader Byron Smith passing. Anyone from the years stated above, please reply to me at jwalk50@bellsouth.net. Any information from that period of time would be nice to hear.
A Message from Mike Getzin (5/7/04)
To all interested Clarinetists - with FREE membership
World Clarinet Alliance
WKA has been operational with this uniquely comprehensive web site since April
2000. This organization has been in planning for over 13 years with a meeting
held in Stuttgart Germany in 1988. The principal objective is to
serve the total Clarinet World with Internet-interactive communication and
interaction. Everyone, especially in this communication age
is encouraged to interact online as no Magazine is published because all
materials can be downloaded as needed. As this is a major cost saver
there is no fee to join WKA, which is important especially to persons who
cannot afford to pay yearly fees and currency incompatibilities. This is
a major advantage for everyone as it encourages a high participation for
everyone through access to the core of the site, which contains several pages
including:
Directory of members who can be emailed direct from that page
Article Desktop to submit articles and other documents and presentations and
download them
Community Chat Page to discuss issues of interest
Service Page to contain Member Resumes and Linkages to enhance careers and
interests
Of vital importance is the Open-Source objective of WKA. As seen on the
shell pages throughout the site, link pages are abounding with hyperlink lists
of all the aspects of Music and Clarinet including the Music Festivals
Worldwide, Music Industries, Music Competitions, Music Organizations,
and WKA concepts for interaction. All these listed are invited to
participate to enhance the field.
Everyone is encouraged to join WKA online, and participate by contributing
articles, event information, and also examine their present organization
affiliations and encourage their participation as Alliance partners, as WKA is
supporting their programs.
Join the Alliance FREE and open up your Clarinet World!
A Message from Ralph Stivison (1/12/04)
I received a message from Greg
Browne last year, who told me about the web site. I see I'm listed as
"unknown" - well, let's make that "known". I'd like
to receive updates, and info on when and where the next reunion might be.
I live in Houston, still play trumpet, am in the musician's union, and am
involved in the local music scene.
Here's another trumpet player from my days in the band (spring '68 to early
'70) - Jerry Krzesinski of Buffalo NY.
Regards,
Ralph Stivison
A message from Joseph Turrise (12/20/03)
Hi, I was recently informed about your web site from an old friend Allen
Lennstrom. Allen recently retired from the New York Army Band Reserve. We were
both clarinet players in the 33rd. in 1967.I live in the Chicago, IL.
Area. Over the last 36 years we have kept in touch. Mr Robert E. Edmonds was my
C.O..In November of 1967 I was married to a very lovely German girl. We just
celebrated our 36th. I looked over your list of 33rd. bandsman; sorry to
see Harry Bell passed away. Other members that I recognize that were in the
33rd. in 1967 are Robert Artist, Billie Boyt, George Heller, Paul Hepburn,
John Hutchens, Ron Lozaro, & Leslie Singer. From a good friend of mine;I
know Lislie Singer lives in Germany. The others?
I was happy to see your web site; it made
me think of a lot of good times. I would love to here from any former member.
Sincerely,
Joseph J. Turrise Email: Wachund2@aol.com
A message from Bill Meynier (12/18/03)
I was in the 33rd Army Band from the Fall of 1970 through December 1972. I was a 02N20 - Pianist.
A message from Paul Sawtell:
Hi;
I was wondering if any of your colleagues might be interested in some records I
have from the American recording company SESAC of various military bands.
They are surplus to my requirements and I understand the recordings are quite
rare.
If anyone is interested they may contact me via email at; psjazzpiano@aol.com
and I will be pleased to furnish further details to anyone who may be
interested.
Paul Sawtell
A message from Doug Youra:
I just updated my "Address" book with known email addresses of ARMY buddies who were in the Band during my tenure (57 - 58). However, there are several buddies whose email addresses I don't have or know.
My request is this:
Would all 33rd'ers who served during the yrs (57/58) please supply me with your e-mail addresses (if you have one).
I am Doug Youra and my E-mail addr is: ADYCzechM8@aol.com
Thanks for all your help and cooperation. I look forward to including you in my Address Book and BUDDY List. More than that, I look forward to corresponding and keeping in touch with all of you.
Message from Jim Westerhouse
Hi Everyone,
Just a short message to let everyone know that there is now and
ADDITIONAL email address for yours truly. I'm slowly getting the Premier
Music Center web site into production, but in the meantime, you can also
reach me at an additional email address:
MaestroJim@PremierMusicCenter.com. I will keep my current email address
as well so you won't have to change your address books. I'll let those
interested know when the full web site is up and going. Keep me posted
on what you are doing.
Jim Westerhouse
Premier Music Center
Notice
In
addition to this bulletin board, Greg Browne, former 33rd member, maintains an interactive Alumni
Message Board.
Click
here
to visit that site.