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|instrument= [[Clarinet]]
|instrument= [[Clarinet]]
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[[Lieutenant commander|LCDR]] '''Anthony A. Mitchell''' (1918-2009) was a composer and band leader who led the [[United States Navy Band]] throughout the 1960's. He is best known as the composer of numerous marches, including the march ''Our Nation's Capital'', the official march of [[Washington D.C.]]<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref>
[[Lieutenant commander|LCDR]] '''Anthony A. "Mitch" Mitchell''' (1918-2009) was a composer and band leader who led the [[United States Navy Band]] throughout the 1960's. He is best known as the composer of numerous marches, including the march ''Our Nation's Capital'', the official anthem of [[Washington D.C.]]<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Anthony A. Mitchell was born Antonio Alberto Miceli on 26 August 1917, in [[Clearfield, Pennsylvania]]. His father, a Sicilian immigrant, changed the family name to Mitchell a year later and Antonio became Anthony.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref> His father was a painter, but also director of the local band. Mitchell was one of twelve brothers and sisters, all of whom were taught to play musical instruments by the age of six.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>
Anthony A. Mitchell was born Antonio Alberto Miceli on 26 August 1917, in [[Clearfield, Pennsylvania]]. His father, a Sicilian immigrant, changed the family name to Mitchell a year later and Antonio became Anthony.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref> His father was a painter who also director of the local band. Mitchell was one of twelve brothers and sisters, all of whom were taught to play musical instruments by the age of six.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>


==The United States Navy Band==
==The United States Navy Band==
Anthony Mitchell moved to Washington D.C. in 1936 to study at the [[Navy School of Music]]. By then he already had a thorough musical education, learned at his father's side. He graduated from [[The Catholic University of America]] in 1946. For many years Cmdr. Mitchell was the Navy Band's clarinet soloist and dance-band leader.<ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref>
Anthony Mitchell moved to Washington D.C. in 1936 to study at the [[Navy School of Music]]. By then he already had a thorough musical education, learned at his father's side. He graduated from [[The Catholic University of America]] in 1946. For many years Cmdr. Mitchell was the Navy Band's clarinet soloist and dance-band leader.<ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref>


LCDR Mitchell modeled his playing after swing era clarinetest [[Artie Shaw]]. Mitchell was equally adept at all the forms of music the band had to play, including; [[jazz]], marches, patriotic songs, classical [[concertos]] and dance tunes.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>
LCDR Mitchell modeled his playing after swing era clarinetest [[Artie Shaw]]. Mitchell was equally adept at all the forms of music the band had to play, including; [[jazz]], marches, patriotic songs, classical [[concertos]] and dance tunes.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref> When he turned to conducting in the 1950s he followed the example of another of his musical idols, modeling his conducting on [[Arturo Toscanini]], conductor of the [[NBC Symphony Orchestra]]. Cmdr. Mitchell prided himself on being able to conduct the thousands of tunes in his band's repertoire entirely from memory, without using a musical score.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>


The family also produced another military band member. One of Mitchell's brother, Russell, was for many years the clarinet soloist with the [[United States Air Force Band]].)<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>
The family also produced another military band member. One of Mitchell's brother, Russell, was for many years the clarinet soloist with the [[United States Air Force Band]].)<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>

==Crash==
On 25 February 1960 then-Lt. Mitchell was told he would not have to fly from [[Buenos Aires]] to [[Rio de Janeiro]] to join the band's string section at a reception for President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] and Brazilian President [[Juscelino Kubitschek]]. He was the third-highest-ranking member of the Navy Band at the time. As the Navy transport plane approached Rio de Janeiro in a dense fog it collided in midair with a Brazilian airliner above the city's harbor, not far from the landmark [[Sugarloaf Mountain]]. Among the 61 people killed were 19 members of the Navy Band, including its assistant leader, J. Harold Fultz, and most of the string section. Three U.S. sailors playing cards at the back of the airplane were the only survivors.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref> Lt. Mitchell and Mr. Fultz had been out to dinner that night, and as they came up the gangplank to the ship where they were staying Mr. Fultz said "Mitch, I don't need you tomorrow. Why don't you stay here?", saving Mitchell's life.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref> The crash was the single worst event in the band's history, and devastated the remaining members of the band. Navy officials ordered the musicians to continue with their South American tour as if nothing had happened. Many musicians left the band, and its longtime leader was eased out.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref> By 1962 Anthony Mitchell was in charge. He reached the rank of lieutenant commander as the band's third leader since the Navy Band was formed in 1924.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>


==Band Leader==
==Band Leader==
Having risen to the rank of [[warrant officer]] Lt. Mitchell served as the band's leader from 1962 to 1968. He made several recordings with the Navy Band, including the 1963 recording ''The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band''.<ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref><ref>http://www.allmusic.com/album/three-hit-albums-from-the-us-military-bands-w119980/review</ref> The album was the Navy's contribution to a unique [[Department of Defense]] organized four album set featuring each military branch band.<ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref> The albums were released to raise funds for the National Cultural Center in Washington D.C.<ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref> The Center was renamed the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]] in 1964 to honor the fallen President. Lt.
Having risen to the rank of [[warrant officer]] Lt. Mitchell served as the band's leader from 1962 to 1968. He made several recordings with the Navy Band, including the 1963 recording ''The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band''.<ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref><ref>http://www.allmusic.com/album/three-hit-albums-from-the-us-military-bands-w119980/review</ref> The album was the Navy's contribution to a unique [[Department of Defense]] organized four album set featuring each military branch band.<ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref> The albums were released to raise funds for the National Cultural Center in Washington D.C.<ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref> The Center was renamed the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]] in 1964 to honor the fallen President. Lt.


Mitchell directed the band's weekly performances on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, founded the Washington Area Soloist's Festival<ref>http://musiced.about.com/od/fourthofjuly/a/inauguration_5.htm</ref>, introduced a series of children's concerts, and led the band's first appearance at [[New York City]]'s [[Carnegie Hall]]. He also composed ''Our Nation's Capital'', the official anthem of the District of Columbia, as well as marches to honor national parks and the ''National Cultural Center March'' (later renamed the ''John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts March'') for the opening of the Kennedy Center.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref><ref>http://www.allmusic.com/album/three-hit-albums-from-the-us-military-bands-w119980/review</ref>
Mitchell directed the band's weekly performances on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, founded the Washington Area Soloist's Festival<ref>http://musiced.about.com/od/fourthofjuly/a/inauguration_5.htm</ref>, introduced a series of children's concerts, and led the band's first appearance at [[New York City]]'s [[Carnegie Hall]]. He also composed ''Our Nation's Capital'', the official anthem of the District of Columbia, as well as marches to honor national parks and the ''National Cultural Center March'' (later renamed the ''John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts March'') for the opening of the Kennedy Center.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= |first= |title=The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band |journal=RCA Victor |date=1963 |volume=LSP 2688 |number= |pages= }}</ref><ref>http://www.allmusic.com/album/three-hit-albums-from-the-us-military-bands-w119980/review</ref> </ref> At the funeral of President [[John F. Kennedy]] in 1963, Lt. Mitchell strode alongside his bandsmen during their slow march from the Capitol to [[Arlington National Cemetery]], playing dirgelike music all the way.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>


==Retirement==
==Retirement==
Anthony Mitchell retired from the Navy Band in 1968, having attained the rank of Lt. Commander. He received an honorary Doctor of Music Degree from [[Saint Francis College]]<ref>http://musiced.about.com/od/fourthofjuly/a/inauguration_5.htm</ref>.
Anthony Mitchell retired from the Navy Band in 1968, having attained the rank of Lt. Commander. He received an honorary Doctor of Music Degree from [[Saint Francis College]]<ref>http://musiced.about.com/od/fourthofjuly/a/inauguration_5.htm</ref>. Following his retirement from the Navy Mitchell taught at a Prince George's County junior high school. He also worked as a guest clinician, and judged music contests. His wife of 63 years, Helen Rittenhouse Mitchell, died in 2005. Cmdr. Mitchell last led the Navy Band in 2006, when he was 89. He conducted without using a score.<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>


Mitchell died on 20 January 2009 of complications from [[lupus]].<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>
Mitchell died on 20 January 2009 at age 91 of complications from [[lupus]].<ref>Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==

Revision as of 23:56, 26 July 2011

Anthony A. Mitchell
Background information
Birth nameAntonio Alberto Miceli
Born(1917-08-26)August 26, 1917
Clearfield, Pennsylvania
DiedJanuary 20, 2009(2009-01-20) (aged 91)
Occupation(s)Conductor, composer, clarinetist
InstrumentClarinet

LCDR Anthony A. "Mitch" Mitchell (1918-2009) was a composer and band leader who led the United States Navy Band throughout the 1960's. He is best known as the composer of numerous marches, including the march Our Nation's Capital, the official anthem of Washington D.C.[1][2]

History

Anthony A. Mitchell was born Antonio Alberto Miceli on 26 August 1917, in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. His father, a Sicilian immigrant, changed the family name to Mitchell a year later and Antonio became Anthony.[3] His father was a painter who also director of the local band. Mitchell was one of twelve brothers and sisters, all of whom were taught to play musical instruments by the age of six.[4]

The United States Navy Band

Anthony Mitchell moved to Washington D.C. in 1936 to study at the Navy School of Music. By then he already had a thorough musical education, learned at his father's side. He graduated from The Catholic University of America in 1946. For many years Cmdr. Mitchell was the Navy Band's clarinet soloist and dance-band leader.[5]

LCDR Mitchell modeled his playing after swing era clarinetest Artie Shaw. Mitchell was equally adept at all the forms of music the band had to play, including; jazz, marches, patriotic songs, classical concertos and dance tunes.[6] When he turned to conducting in the 1950s he followed the example of another of his musical idols, modeling his conducting on Arturo Toscanini, conductor of the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Cmdr. Mitchell prided himself on being able to conduct the thousands of tunes in his band's repertoire entirely from memory, without using a musical score.[7]

The family also produced another military band member. One of Mitchell's brother, Russell, was for many years the clarinet soloist with the United States Air Force Band.)[8]

Crash

On 25 February 1960 then-Lt. Mitchell was told he would not have to fly from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro to join the band's string section at a reception for President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Brazilian President Juscelino Kubitschek. He was the third-highest-ranking member of the Navy Band at the time. As the Navy transport plane approached Rio de Janeiro in a dense fog it collided in midair with a Brazilian airliner above the city's harbor, not far from the landmark Sugarloaf Mountain. Among the 61 people killed were 19 members of the Navy Band, including its assistant leader, J. Harold Fultz, and most of the string section. Three U.S. sailors playing cards at the back of the airplane were the only survivors.[9] Lt. Mitchell and Mr. Fultz had been out to dinner that night, and as they came up the gangplank to the ship where they were staying Mr. Fultz said "Mitch, I don't need you tomorrow. Why don't you stay here?", saving Mitchell's life.[10] The crash was the single worst event in the band's history, and devastated the remaining members of the band. Navy officials ordered the musicians to continue with their South American tour as if nothing had happened. Many musicians left the band, and its longtime leader was eased out.[11] By 1962 Anthony Mitchell was in charge. He reached the rank of lieutenant commander as the band's third leader since the Navy Band was formed in 1924.[12]

Band Leader

Having risen to the rank of warrant officer Lt. Mitchell served as the band's leader from 1962 to 1968. He made several recordings with the Navy Band, including the 1963 recording The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band.[13][14] The album was the Navy's contribution to a unique Department of Defense organized four album set featuring each military branch band.[15] The albums were released to raise funds for the National Cultural Center in Washington D.C.[16] The Center was renamed the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 1964 to honor the fallen President. Lt.

Mitchell directed the band's weekly performances on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, founded the Washington Area Soloist's Festival[17], introduced a series of children's concerts, and led the band's first appearance at New York City's Carnegie Hall. He also composed Our Nation's Capital, the official anthem of the District of Columbia, as well as marches to honor national parks and the National Cultural Center March (later renamed the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts March) for the opening of the Kennedy Center.[18][19][20] </ref> At the funeral of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, Lt. Mitchell strode alongside his bandsmen during their slow march from the Capitol to Arlington National Cemetery, playing dirgelike music all the way.[21]

Retirement

Anthony Mitchell retired from the Navy Band in 1968, having attained the rank of Lt. Commander. He received an honorary Doctor of Music Degree from Saint Francis College[22]. Following his retirement from the Navy Mitchell taught at a Prince George's County junior high school. He also worked as a guest clinician, and judged music contests. His wife of 63 years, Helen Rittenhouse Mitchell, died in 2005. Cmdr. Mitchell last led the Navy Band in 2006, when he was 89. He conducted without using a score.[23]

Mitchell died on 20 January 2009 at age 91 of complications from lupus.[24]

Discography

Title/Program Collaborators Year(s) of Recording Record label
The National Culture Center Presents The United States Navy Band United States Navy Band 1963 RCA Victor LSP 2688
Three Hit Albums from the United States Military Bands United States Navy Band, United States Marine Corps Band, United States Air Force Band 2009 Collector's Choice ASIN: B00020QWXW

References

  1. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  2. ^ "The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band". RCA Victor. LSP 2688. 1963.
  3. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  4. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  5. ^ "The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band". RCA Victor. LSP 2688. 1963.
  6. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  7. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  8. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  9. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  10. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  11. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  12. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  13. ^ "The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band". RCA Victor. LSP 2688. 1963.
  14. ^ http://www.allmusic.com/album/three-hit-albums-from-the-us-military-bands-w119980/review
  15. ^ "The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band". RCA Victor. LSP 2688. 1963.
  16. ^ "The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band". RCA Victor. LSP 2688. 1963.
  17. ^ http://musiced.about.com/od/fourthofjuly/a/inauguration_5.htm
  18. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  19. ^ "The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band". RCA Victor. LSP 2688. 1963.
  20. ^ http://www.allmusic.com/album/three-hit-albums-from-the-us-military-bands-w119980/review
  21. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  22. ^ http://musiced.about.com/od/fourthofjuly/a/inauguration_5.htm
  23. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  24. ^ Schudel Sunday, March 29, 2009, p.
  • Schudel, Matt (Sunday, March 29, 2009). "A LOCAL LIFE: ANTHONY A. MITCHELL, 91

He Served His Country With Music". Washington Post. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); line feed character in |title= at position 39 (help)

  • "The National Cultural Center Presents the United States Navy Band". RCA Victor. LSP 2688. 1963.
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