LV musician now plays for presidents, dignitaries

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004 | 8:46 a.m.

When the bands pass in review in January during the inaugural parade of President Bush, it's probable that one or more bands from Nevada will be taking part. It's much more than probable that one Valley High School graduate will be pounding out a patriotic cadence or providing a beat at an inaugural ball for his fellow musicians in Navy blue.

"Some of my most memorable experiences include playing for the 1997 and 2001 inaugural parades. I'm sure this one coming up in 2005 will be just as memorable," says 1986 Valley graduate Stacy Loggins.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Loggins, the son of Thelma and Walter Loggins of Henderson, is now in his 11th year as a percussionist for the U.S. Navy Band in Washington. The Navy drummer, who began his musical education at Helen Cannon Junior High, was interested in music even before then, playing at home before he could read music.

Having a pre-adolescent untrained drummer at home must have been trying at times for the Texas-born couple. But their early tolerance and encouragement has apparently paid off.

Loggins, who attended Cameron University in Lawton, Okla., and graduated with a bachelor of music degree before enlisting in the Navy, credits his mom and dad for much of his success.

He notes that his mother was a music major at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas). "She was a voice major. She also plays piano quite well, and she and my father both grew up singing in church. My father can't read music, but he has a great ear," he said.

"My mother was my accompanist for solo and ensemble competitions and for my auditions to get into college. It was a treat to be able to perform with my mother," added the musician, who has since earned his master's degree in music from East Carolina University.

Loggins successfully auditioned for the Navy Band in September 1993, then went to basic training, and reported to Washington in January 1994.

"This band is audition specific," he said, "meaning you have to audition for this group specifically and then you enlist in the Navy. If you just enlist as a musician, you won't be placed automatically in the band here in Washington.

"It's considered a specialty band," Loggins said. "Fleet musicians are eligible to audition for our openings when they are available, just as I did."

While he has been assigned to the Washington-based band his entire career, that hasn't kept the Las Vegas sailor from seeing the world.

"I have performed in Russia, Sweden, Canada and Norway, and in every state in the continental U.S.," he said, adding that he has performed for heads of state of other countries as well as high-ranking government and military officials.

The state funeral for President Ronald Reagan in July was a memorable experience for Loggins.

"I was part of an amazing event for a beloved person in this country." he said.

In brief

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