Traditions

The NMA has been holding reunions long enough for traditions to evolve. These are not intended to be exclusive; rather, they are designed to include all NMA members in the social and musical experience of an NMA reunion.

1) Only members of the NMA may play in our musical ensembles.

- Playing in NMA bands is central to the camaraderie we enjoy. Many reunion attendees travel great distances at a considerable sacrifice to take advantage of this important privilege of membership.

2)The rehearsal conductor will provide dance band players the opportunity to rotate on and off the bandstand.

- Dance band rehearsals consist of players and those waiting a turn to play. Be respectful so all may have playing time.

3) During jam sessions in the lounge, horn players should maintain a small, perhaps three-man front line. Please play a few tunes and then call for someone to replace you.

- Our jam sessions bring out the best in us; sometimes they bring out all of us. Crowding the bandstand creates  interminable tunes and a worn-out, unhappy rhythm section. Tunes will go by faster with a three-horn lineup. After you’ve played a few numbers, you might want to keep your axe at the ready--before you know it, you may be called back to play again!