United States Navy Band - Music, Songs, and Lyrics



		Performed by: United States Navy Band Christmas In The Islands Eight Days Of Hanukkah Go Tell It On The Mountain Rock Of Ages We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Since its official designation in 1925, The United States Navy Band has grown to become a diverse organization comprised of 169 enlisted musicians and four officers. Based at the historic Washington (D.C.) Navy Yard, the organization features a concert-ceremonial unit and four distinct specialty groups--the "Sea Chanters" chorus (1956), the "Commodores" jazz ensemble (1969), the "Country Current" country-bluegrass group (1973), and the "Cruisers" rock ensemble (1999). The band also features several chamber music groups.

The earliest music of the American Navy was the chanteyman's song. These melodies of the sea helped soften the rigors of shipboard life. Next came trumpeters, drummers and fifers who were carried on the early frigates to sound calls, give general orders, and perform at funerals and other ceremonies. Bands became a separate section of the crew on many Navy vessels.

The development of shore-based bands in the 1800s led to the creation of the Naval Academy Band, which grew in size and importance during the Civil War. Other band units afloat and ashore played a major role in promoting the morale of sailors and civilians alike. At the start of World War I many outstanding musicians left their famous orchestras and joined the Navy, using their talents to further the war effort.

In 1916, a 16-piece band from the battleship USS Kansas was ordered to the Washington Navy Yard to augment a 17-piece band aboard the presidential yacht Mayflower. The new unit became known as the "Washington Navy Yard Band" and was given rehearsal space near the power plant's coal pile. The increasing tempo of the band's duties led the bandmaster to seek more suitable quarters in the yard's "Sail Loft," and sailmakers were soon cutting and stitching their canvas to the rhythms of the music. The Navy Band still occupies the Sail Loft as its headquarters and rehearsal hall.

In 1923, a 35-man contingent from the Navy Yard Band accompanied President Harding to Alaska. After the president's unexpected death in San Francisco, the band performed "Nearer My God To Thee" as his body was placed aboard a train destined for Washington, D.C.

With the band growing in importance and prestige, 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 legislation also allowed the band to take its first national tour in 1925.

Among those praising the early U.S. Navy Band was the Boston Post which printed on March 13, 1929: "...Some folks have an idea perhaps that Navy music is made up of a few chantey choruses, a jig, and The Star Spangled Banner. To the average American Citizen the performance last night must have been a truly startling eye-opener. They performed like a company of first-rank virtuosi..."

Under the baton of Lt. Charles Benter, the band's first leader, the Navy Band was featured at many historic occasions, including the 1927 return of Charles Lindbergh following his trans-Atlantic flight. Two years later, the band performed for the return of Adm. Richard E. Byrd from his famous South Pole flight. The need for qualified musicians led Lt. Benter to found the Navy School of Music under his charge in 1935. Many of the faculty were bandsmen who taught in addition to their performance duties.

From 1929 to 1939 the Navy Band took to the air waves with Arthur Godfrey on NBC's "Hour of Memories" radio program. During World War II, the Navy Band supported the sale of war bonds and assisted in national recruiting efforts, although the majority of the band's time was spent performing at the daily funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.

Since World War II the Navy Band has continued to serve ceremonial needs at the seat of the government, performing in presidential inaugurals, diplomatic arrivals and national holiday observances. The Navy Band performed for the "Beam of Hope" remembrance ceremony at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. in 2002; the United in Memory memorial service at the Pentagon in 2001; the International Naval Review 2000 festivities in New York City; the 1999 Veterans of Foreign Wars 100th Anniversary celebration at their national convention in Kansas City, Mo.; the 1998 rededication of the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; the 1997 dedication of the Women in Military Service For America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Ceremony of Dedication; the 1995 Korean War Veterans Memorial dedication parade; the 1993 rededication of the Statue of Freedom and the Bicentennial of the U.S. Capitol; and the return of the Iranian hostages in 1981. The creation of four specialty groups has helped meet the public demand for unique types of music and the need of Navy recruiting.

Directed by Capt. Ralph M. Gambone, the U.S. Navy Band expertly presents all styles of music--from ceremonial "ruffles and flourishes" to classical, rock, jazz and country favorites. The organization continues a proud tradition of professionalism and service long associated with the United States Navy.

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