I love playing New England. The weather’s cool, the drives between hotels are picturesque (and generally short), there are plenty of opportunities to hike, sightsee and hear live music… and the history up here is so rich. Every region of the U.S. has its charms, but I always look forward to New England.

Yesterday was the first gig of the season: a matinee in a high-end high school auditorium in Somerset, Pennsylvania. Matinees are always great because we get the night off, giving us the opportunity to find a proper dinner, movie, concert or whatever. Starting tour with one was especially luxurious.

It was a great first gig for the newest member of the trumpet section: Staff Sergeant Mike DeLaune, on loan from the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Our assistant section leader Sergeant First Class John Altman is filling in for Master Sergeant Paul Stephens on the Jazz Ambassadors’ Fall Tour, and Sergeant First Class Nick Althouse is finishing up his 10-day paternity leave. Mike was good enough to join us from the Old Guard to fill out the section for this tour. He only had one rehearsal per program over the past week, and has been doing great. (If you’re a student, take note: practice your sightreading.)

Yesterday also marked the debut of Colonel Timothy J. Holtan, our new Commander and Conductor, and the return of Captain Curtis Kinzey of the Soldiers’ Chorus. The transition has been smooth so far, helped along by four good programs of music and some solid preparation. The music sounds good and morale is high.

On a personal note, The Walking Dead Season 2 premiere was awesome. And if you’re ever in Somerset, PA and want the best burger you’ve ever had, find the Summit Diner and order the Cindy Sue. Then come back here and leave me a comment. I promise you, that comment will read ‘Thank You.’