Brendler, still aboard the Florida, served through the entire World War I. He returned to Washington, after three exciting years aboard ship, to become a member of the U. S. Navy Yard Band, which then numbered eighteen men.
When the Navy Yard Band was reorganized in 1919, Charles Brendler took his first big step upward toward his goal: He was selected for the chair of solo clarinet in the U. S. Navy Band.
The Navy Band headquarters is not far from the Library of Congress, and there the ambitious musician resumed his studies. He took a course in music history under Carl Engel, Chief of the Music division of the Library. In addition Brendler availed himself of the marvelous opportunity to read, fairly devouring two or more books each week. He read many subjects: history, biography, criticism, and everything he could find about music, including innumerable music scores and their various arrangements, and all the grand operas.
Because of his fine musicianship, Brendler was promoted to Chief Musician, and in 1937 was appointed Assistant Leader. When the Conductor, Lieutenant Benter, retired from service in 1942, Brendler received the appointment to his place and his rank. He gained his highest achievement in 1947, when he was given the rating of Lieutenant Commander of the famous U. S. Navy Band then numbering eighty-eight men. Brendler is the first musician in the regular navy to gain that rank. When John Philip Sousa was made Lieutenant Commander, the honor was conferred on him by the Navy. Commander Brendler won his title, step by step.
Commander Brendler reached the top rank with many honors. He has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Music by Washington University. He is a member of the Press Club of Washington, also of the Variety Club. He is an honorary member—the only one—of the exclusive White House Correspondents’ Club. He belongs to the American Bandmasters’ Association, and other honorary groups.
Lining the walls of the Commander’s studio adjoining the Sail Loft, are various certificates and honorary awards from dignitaries in many states, beginning with far-off Texas. Outstanding among these documents is a citation from the late James Forrestal which reads in part:
“The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending Lieutenant Charles Brendler, United States Navy, for service as set forth in the following citation.
“For outstanding performance of duty as Leader, United States Navy Band.... By his excellent leadership and musical ability, Lieutenant Brendler effected a musical organization which has gained an enviable reputation throughout the Nation and has earned recognition as one of the country’s leading and most versatile musical groups....
James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy.”
Commander Brendler is married and has two grown children, who are both musical—but “home performers,” not professional. His son Ivan was graduated from the Maryland University in 1950. His daughter Alma (“Rickie”), is also a Maryland U. graduate. Both the son and daughter are married.