The Superintendent’s Combo is responsible for supporting functions of the Superintendent and events at the Naval Academy involving distinguished guests. All told, the Navy Musicians of the Superintendent’s Combo played at more than 20 high-visibility events throughout 2007.

''Just as with a ceremonial band’s presence at many military functions, the Combo’s music provides an authenticity to the event by giving another dimension of hospitality to the guests or attendees,'' said Senior Chief Musician Dan Drew, trombonist and leader of the Superint endent’s Combo. ''Additionally, it creates a more relaxed mood by which guests feel more at ease to communicate.''

Musicians assigned to the Naval Academy Band provide a vital service in supporting the many high-visibility events that take place around the Yard. During Commis-sioning Week alone, the Superint-endent’s Combo performed for more than 8,000 guests. And that’s just one aspect of these Musicians’ responsibilities.

Members of the Superintendent’s Combo also perform with the Concert Band, ceremonial bands, marching band, and the Next Wave Jazz Ensemble. This type of musical flexibility requires world-class musicianship. On many occasions, the members of the Combo switch from classical to jazz styles on the same day. They might march with the Naval Academy Band in a formal parade on Worden Field, and then reconvene a few hours later to perform at Buchanan House.

''Being a member of the Naval Academy Band as a percussionist requires versatility,'' explained Musician 1st Class Joseph McCarthy, the Leading Petty Officer of the Superintendent’s Combo. ''As a member of the Concert Band percussion section, we work as a team to create precise rhythms and a wide palette of sounds and colors, on a vast array of instruments. As a member of the Superintendent’s Combo it is my job to create a swinging, comfortable groove on the drum set to inspire the soloists, while hopefully maintaining a steady beat.''

The five members of the Superintendent’s Combo have a wide variety of musical experience and education. Two of its members have master’s degrees, one has a bachelor’s, two taught music at universities before enlisting in the Navy, and two have played with professional orchestras before joining the Navy. In addition to Drew and McCarthy, the quintet also includes bass player Chief Musician James Fowler, pianist Musician 1st Class James J. Wright, and saxophonist Musician 1st Class Cameron Collins. Members of the Superintendent’s Combo are selected specifically for their diversity performing at a high level in a multiplicity of musical styles.