On the evening of Monday, November 4th, Mamaroneck High School hosted the United States Navy Band Commodores in McClain auditorium. The Navy Commodores is a jazz ensemble that was formed in 1959 as a branch of the U.S. Navy Band. The group’s eighteen members perform at a range of military and public events and are currently on a tour throughout the Northeast. 

The MHS Jazz Band opened the performance last Monday night before the commodores took the stage, performing songs from a variety of artists from Duke Ellington to John Philip Sousa.

The raspy saxophone, soulful piano, and soaring vocals sold out McClain Auditorium. The performance drew the attention of many, including local veterans and  students participating in band programs throughout the district. 

MHS alumnus Jim DiBuono served in the Navy from 1980 to 1986 after graduating in 1979. DiBuono came to see his family friend and MHS Jazz Band member Leo Federspiel perform. The intersection of his alma mater and military past through this performance made him “ecstatic to see the Navy Band Commodores perform in person at MHS.”

Similarly, retired Captain Jerry Joplin, who led training companies during the Vietnam War, was thrilled to watch the Navy Commodores again. Invited by his grandson in the Hommocks band, Joplin praised the band as “world-class musicians” and found the Navy’s music programs “spectacular,” especially admiring the saxophone players. 

Lead saxophonist and Chief Musician Andrew Francisco has been in the ensemble for two of his 16 years in the Navy. Francisco was drawn to the ensemble after learning that his mentor played the clarinet. He believes that “it is a privilege to be able to play and share the Navy story through the local communities.”

Other band members include Senior Chief Rob Holmes, a baritone saxophonist, who has been in the band for  nearly 25 years. Holmes joined the Navy specifically for this role, and he intends to play with the ensemble until retirement. 

This event was made possible by MHS band teacher Timothy Hooker. Hooker’s father was in the Navy leaving him with “a lot of respect for anyone in the military.” Therefore, when the Commodores inquired about performing at the high school, he was dedicated to making it happen.

 Hooker states that “the opportunity to hear this band is unreal” as he has  “seen them play around the United States all my life.” He says that having the band “on the Mamaroneck stage and to [have the MHS band] open for them is indescribable.” Hooker truly admires “the blend and the balance of the band,” as “nobody is trying to outdo anyone.” 

Other listeners agreed, including Vietnam Veteran Vince Goin. Although it was his first time hearing the Commodores, he states that “the band was terrific,” and everyone “was very professional and talented!” 

As MHS Band clarinetist Patricia Latimer (’26) notes, this concert truly was “a unique experience” for the Mamaroneck community.