Ralph M. Gambone
Captain, United States Navy (Ret)

Captain Ralph M. Gambone, a native of Annapolis, Md., enlisted in the Navy in 1969 after receiving his bachelor's degree in music from Towson State University in Baltimore, Md. He was first assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy Band in Annapolis, Md., as a clarinet instrumentalist, and also served as conductor of the Midshipman Stage and Concert Bands. While there he earned a master's degree in music from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. After a tour of duty aboard the cruiser USS Little Rock (CLG-4), Gambone was assigned to The United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. After three years with the band and a promotion to chief musician, he was assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel as Assistant Budget Manager for the Navy Music Program in 1978.

In 1981, he was commissioned an ensign and reported for duty as Music Program Liaison Officer for the Navy Chief of Information in the Pentagon. After two years as Director, Navy Band San Diego, he was assigned as The United States Navy Band's Supply Officer in 1985, and a year later assumed the duties of the band's Assistant Leader. From August 1988 to June 1990 he served as Director, Seventh Fleet Band stationed on board the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) in Yokosuka, Japan before returning to The United States Navy Band as Assistant Leader. His next assignment took him to the School of Music in Little Creek, Va., where he served first as Executive Officer from March to August 1994, then as Commanding Officer. Captain Gambone became leader of the Navy Band on August 13, 1998 after a highly successful tour as the 23rd Director, U.S. Naval Academy Band in Annapolis, Md. He was promoted to Commander in November 1997.

In April 2001, Captain Gambone was inducted into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association (ABA), the professional association of master conductors and musicians. The ABA recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of concert bands and membership is considered the highest honor achievable by American bandsmen. In May 1991, he eceived the Distinguished Achievement Award in music from Towson State University (Maryland).

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal (four awards), National Defense Medal, and others.

Captain Gambone is married to the former Darlene Metzler of Severn, Md. He has two children: Angela and Michael. He comes from a proud Navy music family that includes his father, a retired master chief musician, and a younger brother who performed as a clarinetist with the U.S. Naval Academy Band.

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