U.S. Navy Band performs on shore
Saba Naseem
Issue date: 2/27/09 Section: Lifestyles
The United States Navy Band Sea Chanters will bring the song of the sea to the community.
The Sea Chanters are the official chorus of the U.S. Navy and perform a variety of music ranging from traditional choral music to Broadway musicals. The chorus was formed about 50 years ago as an all-male group to sing chanteys and patriotic songs for the State of the Nation dinner. In 1980, women were allowed to join and the group broadened their repertoire.
"The Sea Chanters are one of the most dynamic vocal ensembles in the country and are frequently found at the center of our most important national events," according to a press release. Recent notable performances include the 55th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in 2005 and President Obama's Inauguration Ceremony in 2009.
"They are a presidential support unit," said Bill Edwards, tour manager of the Sea Chanters. "Their primary duty is to entertain presidents, vice-presidents and other members of the White House."
The band consists of 22 members, of which 19 members are vocalists and three are instrumentalists. To join, members are required to pass an audition, to be enlisted in the U.S. Navy and complete a four-year boot camp.
In times of mourning, the Sea Chanters have comforted the nation with their music. They have made appearances at the memorial for the astronauts of space shuttle Columbia and the Presidential wreath laying ceremony at the United Airlines Flight 93 crash site near Shanksville, Pa.
Their performance of "Amazing Grace" at the Washington National Day of Prayer and Remembrance at the National Cathedral after the events of September 11 inspired all in attendance as well as a national television audience, according to the press release.
The Sea Chanters perform across the nation and have received much acclaim from the media. They have appeared on Larry King Live and CBS This Morning as well as at the movie premiere of "Pearl Harbor."
"Throughout their history, the Sea Chanters have remained true to the Navy's watchwords of pride and professionalism, and they continue to flourish in the 21 century and beyond as a vibrant ensemble," according to their official Web site.
Along with a concert, the Sea Chanters will be hosting a hometown heroes display.
"We hope that this will allow the audience to connect to each other and with the music," Edwards said. "We want to bring a piece of the navy to the community and show how it affects people's lives."
The display, located in the main lobby at the Walton Arts Center, will have photos of local veterans or local members of the community currently serving in the Navy.
Admission to the concert will be free, but tickets must be picked up in advance. Ticket holders must be seated 15 minutes before the concert. Unclaimed seats will be released to non-ticket holders at the time.
Those attending will be enjoying an evening of diverse repertoire.
"The band does everything from opera to pop," Edwards said. "This way, we hope that we get a range of music for everybody to enjoy."
To get tickets, contact the Walton Arts Center box office at 479-443-5600 or by visiting its Web site, waltonartscenter.org.
The Sea Chanters are the official chorus of the U.S. Navy and perform a variety of music ranging from traditional choral music to Broadway musicals. The chorus was formed about 50 years ago as an all-male group to sing chanteys and patriotic songs for the State of the Nation dinner. In 1980, women were allowed to join and the group broadened their repertoire.
"The Sea Chanters are one of the most dynamic vocal ensembles in the country and are frequently found at the center of our most important national events," according to a press release. Recent notable performances include the 55th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in 2005 and President Obama's Inauguration Ceremony in 2009.
"They are a presidential support unit," said Bill Edwards, tour manager of the Sea Chanters. "Their primary duty is to entertain presidents, vice-presidents and other members of the White House."
The band consists of 22 members, of which 19 members are vocalists and three are instrumentalists. To join, members are required to pass an audition, to be enlisted in the U.S. Navy and complete a four-year boot camp.
In times of mourning, the Sea Chanters have comforted the nation with their music. They have made appearances at the memorial for the astronauts of space shuttle Columbia and the Presidential wreath laying ceremony at the United Airlines Flight 93 crash site near Shanksville, Pa.
Their performance of "Amazing Grace" at the Washington National Day of Prayer and Remembrance at the National Cathedral after the events of September 11 inspired all in attendance as well as a national television audience, according to the press release.
The Sea Chanters perform across the nation and have received much acclaim from the media. They have appeared on Larry King Live and CBS This Morning as well as at the movie premiere of "Pearl Harbor."
"Throughout their history, the Sea Chanters have remained true to the Navy's watchwords of pride and professionalism, and they continue to flourish in the 21 century and beyond as a vibrant ensemble," according to their official Web site.
Along with a concert, the Sea Chanters will be hosting a hometown heroes display.
"We hope that this will allow the audience to connect to each other and with the music," Edwards said. "We want to bring a piece of the navy to the community and show how it affects people's lives."
The display, located in the main lobby at the Walton Arts Center, will have photos of local veterans or local members of the community currently serving in the Navy.
Admission to the concert will be free, but tickets must be picked up in advance. Ticket holders must be seated 15 minutes before the concert. Unclaimed seats will be released to non-ticket holders at the time.
Those attending will be enjoying an evening of diverse repertoire.
"The band does everything from opera to pop," Edwards said. "This way, we hope that we get a range of music for everybody to enjoy."
To get tickets, contact the Walton Arts Center box office at 479-443-5600 or by visiting its Web site, waltonartscenter.org.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
John Farrell
posted 2/28/09 @ 2:17 PM CST
Members of the Sea Chanters are required to "complete a four-year boot camp"?
Perhaps they are required to serve a four-year enlistment, but no one in any branch of the armed services serves a four-year boot camp. (Continued…)
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