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Naval District WashingtonUnited States Navy BandMonday, March 10, 2008
The United States Navy Band is the Navy's premier musical representative in Washington, D.C. The Navy Band is recognized by many as “The World's Finest,“ and is staffed by some of the nation's best musicians. Celebrating 80 years of service to America, President Coolidge signed into law a 1925 bill stating “hereafter the band now stationed at the Navy Yard, known as the Navy Yard Band, shall be designated as the United States Navy Band.“ The Band presents public concerts in the Washington metropolitan area and tours the country annually. Based at the historic Washington Navy Yard, the organization features a concert-ceremonial unit and four distinct specialty groups - the “Sea Chanters“ chorus, the “Commodores“ jazz ensemble, the “Country Current“ country-bluegrass group and the “Cruisers“ contemporary music ensemble.
The U.S. Navy Band performs all styles of music from ceremonial “ruffles and flourishes“ to classical, rock, jazz and country selections as well as marches and patriotic favorites. The Ceremonial Unit performs at official military ceremonies and special events. The group performs at memorial services in Arlington National Cemetery, and presents honors for visiting dignitaries at White House and Pentagon ceremonies. Depending upon performance requirements, the unit is staffed with 15 to 99 pieces. Musicians rotate ceremonial responsibilities with concert performances to support more than 1,300 official ceremonies annually. The Sea Chanters, the Navy's official chorus, perform a variety of music ranging from traditional choral music, including the sea chantey to Broadway musical numbers. The 18-voice chorus appears throughout the United States and often performs at the White House, Vice President's house and for Washington dignitaries. The Commodores offer the finest in America's truly original music. The group features 18 of the Navy's top jazz and big band musicians. The Commodores combine the best of jazz and popular music. Many of the members compose and arrange music for the group in styles ranging from the authentic sounds of the swing era to contemporary music. Country Current is the Navy's premier country music group. The seven-member group was formed in 1973 and quickly established itself in all aspects of country and bluegrass music. They have appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, TNN's “Nashville Now,“ the Wheeling Jamboree and the Academy of Country Music Awards show. They are in constant demand at the most prominent country and bluegrass music festivals. The Cruisers is the Navy Band's newest specialty unit. The group features seven of the Navy's most dynamic performers. The group takes its name from the Navy's versatile, multi-mission ship - Cruiser, and is ready to live up to its namesake by performing a variety of music ranging from classic rock, rhythm and blues, and today's top 40 hits. The Navy Band continues a proud tradition of professionalism and service long associated with the United States Navy. The Navy Band occupies a position of national prominence as both a service tradition and a distinguished musical organization.
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