Ensembles
Concert Band
The United States Navy Concert Band, the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, presents a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. As the original ensemble of the Navy Band, the Concert Band has been performing public concerts and participating in high-profile events for over 85 years. Collaboration with celebrities has become a hallmark for the Concert Band. The band was featured with Arthur Godfrey of NBC radio fame in 1927. Gene Kelly was guest star for the first episode of "The Navy Hour" radio program in 1945, which the band produced for an astounding 23 years. More recently, the band featured guest artists Tony Curtis and Gregory Peck. In 2002...more
Ceremonial Band
The Navy Band Ceremonial Unit performs music at official military, government and other special events. Led by the band's drum major, Master Chief Musician Joe D. Brown, Jr., the group’s varied duties include arrival ceremonies at the White House and Pentagon, as well as changes of command, military retirement ceremonies and funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremonial band also supports the Navy’s mission by providing music for community events around the National Capital region. ...more
Sea Chanters
The Navy Band Sea Chanters is the United States Navy’s official chorus. The ensemble performs a variety of music ranging from traditional choral music, including sea chanteys and patriotic fare, to opera, Broadway, and contemporary music. Under the leadership of Senior Chief Musician Georgina L. Todd, the Sea Chanters perform for the public throughout the United States. At home in Washington, D.C., they perform for the President, Vice President and numerous congressional, military and foreign dignitaries....more
Commodores
The Navy's premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores, presents the finest in America's truly original music. A specialty unit of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., the group features 18 of the Navy's top jazz and "big band" musicians. Under the leadership of Senior Chief Musician Philip M. Burlin, the Commodores combine the best of jazz, popular and patriotic music...more
Country Current
United States Navy Band's Country Current country-bluegrass group is the Navy's premier country music ensemble. The seven-member group was formed in 1973 and quickly established itself in all aspects of country and bluegrass music. The group is under the direction of banjoist Senior Chief Musician Keith M. Arneson.
Touring the country each year in support of Navy Recruiting, they have performed with such artists as Boots Randolph, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and David Ball. Country Current performed at the "Branson Cares–Help Start the Healing" tribute to the citizens of Oklahoma City...more
Cruisers
As the U.S. Navy's premier contemporary entertainment ensemble, the Cruisers feature eight of the Navy's most dynamic performers. Formed in 1999 as a specialty unit of the United States Navy Band, the Cruisers are under the leadership of drummer, Chief Musician Leon Alexander. The group takes its name from the Navy's versatile, flexible, multi-missioned ship – the Cruiser – and the band lives up to their namesake by having the capabilities of playing genres of music ranging from jazz & standards, rhythm & blues, classic rock, adult contemporary and pop as well as original material. This elite group has engaged and excited audiences of all ages throughout the U.S. and abroad with world-class musicianship and high energy, fun-filled performances...more.
Chamber Ensembles
There are eight chamber music ensembles formed from members of the United States Navy Band. These ensembles frequently perform at the White House and for functions hosted by the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and many other functions for dignitaries. Chief Musician E. Andrew Carlson coordinates the Chamber Music Recital Series, a performance series comprised of soloists and small group performances in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Many of these ensembles are also featured in our popular Music in the Schools program....more.
