THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 17, 1996 TAG: 9601160081
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
All Al Asercion has to do is wave his wand and beautiful music begins.
Known far and wide as a conductor extraodinaire, he has also played instruments most of his life, most notably the clarinet and saxophone.
The retired master chief musician spent 17 years with the School of Music at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base as conducting instructor and head of the school's rehearsal division.
``I used to like to play best. You know when you're young you would like to play five solos a night . . . '' he said and laughed. ``Now I prefer conducting.''
He hasn't given up on either, though. Since leaving the Navy, he's been traveling - conducting, lecturing and teaching. Music lovers will still get to hear him play now and then - perhaps on warm summer evenings when he makes guest appearances with the Tidewater Winds at the 24th Street Park.
Full name: Alberto Romen Asercion.
Hometown: Virginia Beach in the United States. General Trias, Cavite in the Philippines.
What brought you to the Beach? The Armed Forces School of Music of the U.S. Navy.
Birthdate: Oct. 14, 19-4gotten
Occupation: Musician - teacher, lecturer, soloist, conductor and adjudicator.
Nickname: Al.
Marital status: Very happily married.
Children: Alex and Alfred.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Relaxing and having fun with the whole family.
Last smart thing you did: Accepted the guest conducting position with the Cultural Center of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra.
Last dumb thing you did: Shall we skip this section?
Favorite meal: My wife's cooking.
Favorite movies: ``Forrest Gump'' (perhaps with a better ending).
Favorite song: ``Kundiman'' (Philippine Love Song), ``Gaano Kita Kamahal'' (How Much I Love Thee composed by Ernani Cuenco).
Last book read: ``Huck Finn'' to my grandsons of course.
Hobbies: My profession and traveling.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My wife would not allow me to tell.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Absolutely nothing! I love her the way she is.
Secret vice: Shrimp and crab legs (half a glass of wine).
Favorite restaurant: The Wave.
Your favorite night on the town: Conducting the famous Tidewater Winds at the 24th Street stage on the beach followed by a dinner with my wife and friends at The Wave (my family's place).
Favorite TV shows: CNN and Discovery Channel.
Favorite sport: Basketball.
Last vacation: Lectured and conducted in the Philippines accompanied by my wife.
Pets: Colin and Logan (my grandsons).
Worst job: None so far.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My marriage. The completion of a master's degree in music and becoming the principal conductor of the Selected Young Musicians from the Philippine in the Philippines.
What would you like as your epitaph? Resounding heavenly music with the true maestro. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
by CNB