Spring (and Music) is in the Air! 🌸🎶

Dear FONAM,

As we near the end of the 2025-2026 Academic Year, there are still many opportunities to support and celebrate music with the soon-to-be commissioned officers of the Class of 2026. If you find yourself in the Annapolis area over the next several weeks, please continue to show your support for USNA Music across the packed calendar of events:

April

• Apr 17: Formal Parade (Drum & Bugle Corps/Pipes and Drums) – Worden Field, 4:00 PM

• Apr 18: Spring Oratorio (Men’s & Women’s Glee Clubs) – Strathmore Music Center, 8:00 PM [See more below!]

• Apr 23: Spring Concert (Drum & Bugle Corps) – Mahan Hall, 7:00 PM

• Apr 24: Jazz at Zimmerman Bandstand (Trident Brass) – Zimmerman Bandstand, 12:00 PM

• Apr 24: Formal Parade (Drum & Bugle Corps/Pipes and Drums) – Worden Field, 4:00 PM

• Apr 25: Southern Maryland Celtic Festival (Pipes and Drums) – Jefferson Patterson Park

• Apr 26: Guest Artists with Baltimore Chamber Orchestra (Glee Clubs) – Baltimore, MD, 3:00 PM

May  

• May 01: Hymn Sing (Chapel Organ) – USNA Chapel, 7:00 PM

• May 13: Herndon Climb (Trident Brass) – Herndon Monument, 8:30 AM

• May 19: Commissioning Week Concert (Glee Clubs/Gospel Choir) – USNA Chapel, 8:00 PM

• May 20: Demonstration Performance (Drum & Bugle Corps) – T-Court, 12:15 PM

• May 20: Demonstration Performance (Pipes and Drums) – Ingram Field, 1:30 PM

• May 20: Commissioning Week Organ Recital (Chapel Organ) – USNA Chapel, 4:00 PM

• May 21: Color Parade (Drum & Bugle Corps/Pipes and Drums) – Worden Field, 11:00 AM

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More info on Spring Oratorio 

Join us for an absolute don't miss evening of music performed by the critically acclaimed USNA Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs and a world-class Washington Festival Orchestra!

Program: 

• CHRISTOPHER TIN: The Drop That Contained the Sea 

Then a celebration of America's 250th - featuring patriotic favorites!

• MACK WILBERG: My Country Tis of Thee

• JOHN DYKES: Eternal Father Strong to Save (The Navy Hymn)

• MACK WILBERG: Amazing Grace

• WILHOUSKY: Battle Hymn of the Republic

• PHILIP ROTHMAN: America the Beautiful

• JOHN PHILIP SOUSA: Stars & Stripes Forever

🎟️Tickets are free but required! 

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In case you missed it - Spring Tour recap

The Glee Club had a fantastic Spring Tour with concert stops in Massachusetts at the USS CONSTITUTION, St. Cecilia Parish, and St. Mary - St. Catherine of Siena, in Newport, Rhode Island at the U.S. Naval War College, in New York City at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, and in Philadelphia at St. Patrick Church. Thank you to all who support USNA Music both far and wide! 

Wishing you all a Happy Spring and a Happy Commissioning Week!

Friends of Naval Academy Music

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Naval Academy Music Spring Concerts

Dear Friends of Naval Academy Music,

As you are no doubt aware, some historic events are unfolding in the Middle East involving U.S. Joint Forces. These events affect us all as USNA alumni, family members and Americans and is certainly weighing heavily on the young midshipmen who are developing as future leaders.  

As LtGen Borgschulte, the Superintendent said in a message to the Brigade: “This moment should sharpen your perspective. The fate of nations, the stability of regions, and the lives of your fellow Americans are not abstract ideas. They rest in the hands of officers who are competent, disciplined, and morally grounded.” He has challenged the Brigade to “double down” in their studies and training to become “officers who can think clearly under pressure and act decisively in uncertainty.”

Musical activities, undoubtedly, contribute to that development – allowing midshipmen to hone their skills in precision, teamwork and performing with dignity under pressure. The music program has the support of the Superintendent and needs our support now more than ever.

The Men’s and Women’s Glee Club departs on its Spring Tour this Friday, March 6 travel through the “Colonies” (Boston, New York, Newport and Philadelphia ) to perform public concerts in order to highlight the talents of the Brigade of Midshipmen and to introduce prospective candidates to the opportunities available to them by attending the US Naval Academy.  Coinciding with our nation's 250th Anniversary, it is with honor, pride, and distinction that the Glee Club represents the United States, the Navy and Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Academy.

If you are in the area, you can show your support by attending one of the following performances:

Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11:00 AM - PUBLIC CONCERT - USS CONSTITUTION

          1 Constitution Road, Charlestown, MA 02129

Saturday, March 7, 2026, 7:30 PM - PUBLIC CONCERT - St. Cecilia Parish

          18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA 02115

Sunday, March 8, 2026, 3:00 PM - PUBLIC CONCERT - St. Mary - St. Catherine of Siena

          46 Winthrop Street, Charlestown, MA 02129

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 6:00 PM - U.S. Naval War College (Access to Base Required)

          Spruance Auditorium, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

Thursday, March 12, 2026, 8:00 PM - PUBLIC CONCERT - St. Ignatius Loyola

          980 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10028

Saturday, March 14, 2026, 7:00 PM - PUBLIC CONCERT - St. Patrick Church

          242 S 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

If you are in the greater Annapolis area, you can catch one of these upcoming performances by the Glee Club and other musical groups (more info at usna.edu/music):

Friday, March 20, 7:00 PM - Pipes and Drums Spring Concert – Mahan Hall (USNA)

Sunday, March 22, 12:00 PM - Gospel Choir - Guest Choir at United Faith Church of Deliverance (Salisbury, MD)

Sunday, March 22, 1:00 PM - Drum & Bugle Corps – Maryland Live Arts Performance (Annapolis Mall)

Friday, March 27, 7:00 PM - Men’s and Women’s Glee Club – Spring Tour Home Concert (USNA Chapel)

Saturday, March 28 - Pipes and Drums – Washington Tattoo (Washington D.C.)

Friday, April 3 - Trident Brass –Jazz Night (USNA)

As always, you can support the work of Friends of Naval Academy Music by donating here.

You might also consider making a Qualified Charitable Donation: Info on QCDs

Thank you as always for your continued support,

The Friends of Naval Academy Leadership Board

Don't Let the Dark Ages Get You Down!

Happy New Year! Don't let the Dark Ages get you down- there are so many opportunities coming up to enjoy the musical talents of the Brigade. Details can be found at here, but mark your calendars now for these exciting events:

January 17: Gospel Choir at Community Praise Church in Alexandria, VA

January 23: Midshipmen Classical Recital at the USNA Chapel

February 7: Drum & Bugle Corps at the Pontchartrain Parade in New Orleans, LA

February 20, 21, 22: Winter Musical "The Sound of Music" in Mahan Hall

February 27: Gospel Choir Winter Concert in Mahan Hall

February 27-28: Pipes and Drums at Pipes at Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario

March 1: Instrumental Ensembles Concert featuring the Orchestra and Mariachi Marineros in Oxford, MD

March 6-15: Glee Club Spring Tour to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Philadelphia

March 20: Pipes and Drums Spring Concert in Mahan Hall

March 22: Gospel Choir at United Faith Church of Deliverance in Salisbury, MD

March 22: Drum & Bugle Corps at Maryland Live Arts in the Annapolis Mall

March 27: Glee Club Spring Tour "Home" Concert at the USNA Chapel

March 28: Pipes and Drums at the Washington Tattoo in Washington, DC

And that is just the next three months! Check out the link above for info on the entire semester!

🎶⚓Where will you leave your legacy?⚓🎶

Dear friends,

We are at that time of year again - a time when our attention and resources are pulled in so many different directions. We're looking forward into the new year and back on the years behind us with mixed emotions. 

When you think about fond memories and where you want to leave a legacy, some memories of your time with Naval Academy Music may come to mind...

1998 Women's Glee Club and Stowaways member April (Goldsby) McBride said it perfectly:

"When I look back at my time at USNA, so many of favorite memories involve music.  Glee Club provided me with a much-needed creative outlet in the midst of the regimented life of a Midshipman.  I will always treasure my memories of singing "Eternal Father" at the USS Arizona Memorial and Handel's "Messiah" in the Chapel each December.  The music, the travel, the friendships, as well as the lessons in time management and leadership that I experienced as a member of the Women's Glee Club are priceless and I want current and future generations to have the opportunity to have similar experiences.  By supporting FONAM, I can help make that happen."

We hope that as 2025 comes to an end, you'll join April and the rest of our incredible donors in supporting the legacy of music at USNA. We wish you a peaceful and happy end to 2025 and a joyful, prosperous 2026!!

Contribute now

Go Navy! 🎶

The FONAM Board of Directors

Summer 2025 Update and Upcoming Performances

Greetings from Annapolis, where Plebe Summer has just passed the half-way mark. In between early morning PEP, drill practice, obstacle courses, sailing, the shooting range, learning rates, rack-races, sports period (and so much more), the Plebes are very busy learning how to become Midshipmen who work as a team. While most music activities are not active during Plebe Summer, some musical Plebes have been finding a musical outlet by participating in the Chapel Choirs and Drum and Bugle Corps.

Looking ahead to the Fall semester, a full calendar of concerts are on tap. Even thought tickets won’t be available until September 2nd, go ahead and mark your calendars with the following dates now:

September 5th: 2nd Class Parents Weekend Concert, featuring the Combined Glee Club and Gospel Choir

September 12th: Organ Concert and Midshipmen Instrumental Ensemble Concert

October 17th: Gospel Choir Concert

October 31st and November 1st: Halloween/All Saints Concert

November 21st: Midshipmen Music Ensemble Concert featuring the String Ensemble and Mariachi

December 2nd: Trident Band Holiday Concert

December 5th: Pipes and Drums Fall Concert

December 7th and 8th: Handel’s Messiah

We hope that you will be able attend one or more of these upcoming performances!

⚓🎶 Spring Music is in the Air!⚓🎶

Dear Friends,

It's hard to believe that February is almost over! And even though frost still coats the Yard and icicles hang from Bancroft, Spring music is in full swing! There are many events upcoming that we hope you will be able to support in Annapolis and beyond – please see below for a summary of a musically packed season.

Feeling nostalgic? Check out our FONAM Facebook page and Instagram to see throwback photos from prior spring music events. And as always, support the Friends of Naval Academy Music through your donations today!

Donate Now!

Summary of music events – for ticket information, visit music department ticket website:

Instrumental Ensembles Orchestra Concert – Oxford, MD

o   Sunday 3/2 4:00pm - Church of the Holy Trinity

Glee Club Spring Tour

o   Sunday 3/9 3:00pm - Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando FL

o   Tuesday 3/11 7:00pm – Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Tampa FL

o   Thursday 3/13 7:00pm – Riverside Park United Methodist Church, Jacksonville FL

o   Saturday 3/15 7:00pm – Duke Chapen, Duke University, Durham NC

Pipes and Drums Spring Concert

o   Friday 3/21 7:00pm – Mahan

Glee Club National Medal of Honor Museum Opening

o   Saturday 3/22 Arlington, TX

Gospel Choir – Guest Choir at Union Temple Baptist Church

o   Sunday 3/23 – Washington DC

Glee Club Spring Tour “Home Concert” 

o   Friday 3/28 7:00pm – Mahan

“If I cannot fly, let me sing.” - Sondheim

Happy Veterans Day FONAM!

Dear Friends,

It's been a busy Fall at USNA. From National Anthems at football games to the Halloween concert and guest performances at churches and events, the midshipmen of USNA Music have been going non-stop.

This past weekend was no exception. In honor of Veterans Day, the midshipmen of the Glee Clubs and Pipes & Drums had the privilege to participate in the American Veterans Center's annual "American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes" Gala on Saturday evening in Washington DC. This breathtaking event will be broadcast around the country in the coming days. Be sure to check listings and read more about the event here (even the trailer on the website will bring a tear to your eye). 

Without missing a beat, the midshipmen boarded busses to head down to Richmond, VA and as only mids can, got a few hours of sleep and were onstage for a soundcheck with the Richmond Symphony and ready to perform in the "Tribute to America's Heroes" concert that afternoon. 

There's more to come before the end of the year though!

Key Upcoming Dates (more info at usna.edu/music):

• NOV 15 Instrumental Ensembles Concert, Naval Academy Chapel, 7:00 PM

• NOV 16, Navy vs. Tulane, Drum & Bugle Corps, Annapolis, MD, 12:00 PM

• NOV 17, Gospel Choir, Guest Choir at New Bethel Baptist Church, Washington, DC, 11:30 AM

• DEC 03, Holiday Jazz Concert. Trident Brass, Mahan Hall, 7:00 PM

• DEC 06, Fall Concert, Pipes and Drums, Mahan Hall, 7:00 PM

• DEC 07-08, 77th Annual Handel's Messiah, Glee Club and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Naval Academy Chapel, 7:00 PM/3PM

• DEC 14, Army/Navy Gospel Choir Performance, Commanders Field, Landover, MD, 1:00 PM

• DEC 15, Brigade Christmas Carols, Naval Academy Chapel, 7:00 PM

Wishing you all a happy Veterans Day and remembering all those who have gone before us.

Cheers,

Friends of Naval Academy Music

Thank you!

Friends,

We hope that this note finds you well. On behalf of the Friends of Naval Academy Music Board of Directors, our amazing community of alumni, and the midshipmen who benefit directly from our contributions - THANK YOU for your generous support to Friends of Naval Academy Music.

Last school year, with support like yours, the music department was able to realize some remarkable achievements. Among them were:

• The Glee Clubs’ Spring Tour to Japan

• Benjamin Britten's War Requiem, the 60thAnnual Spring Oratorio, at Strathmore Concert Hall

• 4 new trumpets and 6 new mellophones for the Drum & Bugle Corps

• The Gospel Choir’s team offsite and performance in Richmond, VA

• A team bonding trip for the Chapel Choirs to Hershey Park

• The Gospel Choir’s Black History Month Concert with host Songwriter and Recording Artist, Jonathan Nelson

• The Pipes and Drums' trip to the Royal Military College of Canada for Combined Rehearsals and Performances

• Members of Trident Brass attended the Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, LA

Already in 2024, FONAM has stepped in to secure 150 digital music screens for the Drum & Bugle Corps, replacing the old music lyres that hold paper music on instruments.  A crucial equipment update to D&B’s operations that wouldn’t have been possible without your support.  

If you are not already a donor, we would ask you to show your support for the future of Naval Academy Music!

Donate Now

Sincerely,

Friends of Naval Academy Music

⚓ Do you remember your I-Day? ⚓

Do you remember your I-Day?

For many it is a blur of activity, uncertainty and mixed emotions. There are tearful goodbyes and brave smiles until we were whisked away with our eyes in the boat marching too soon to be familiar chorus of detailers shouting. 

We might not have clocked it at the time, but for many of us, it was our first time saluting the flag and hearing the National Anthem while wearing a uniform - a pretty big moment. Today, the Class of 2028 will do the exact same thing. 

Many of us joined musical groups during plebe summer...whether it was in the Drum & Bugle Corps or a Chapel Choir, it gave us a moment to relax (a little bit) and to enjoy making music with new (and in some cases soon to be lifelong) friends.

What is your favorite memory from your Plebe Summer? (and yes, of course, YOUR class had the last REAL Plebe Summer!)

Share your memories and tag a friend!

Share your Memory!

Show your support for the Class of 2028 and the future of Naval Academy!

Donate Now

Congratulations Class of 2024!

Commissioning Week is upon us and the entire Naval Academy community once again celebrates the achievements of the incredible men and women who have made it through 4 years by the bay. This year's graduating class of 2024 has overcome some particularly unique obstacles having entered Plebe Summer during the thick of the pandemic years, but adapted and overcame challenges nonetheless. They will no doubt continue to thrive as they serve their nation as commissioned officers. 

Music has been a part of these midshipmen lives, whether they were involved in a musical activity or not. Each of their voices has sung Navy Blue and Gold and the Star Spangled Banner more times than they can probably remember and they've marched in time to the music of the Drum and Bugle Corps and Pipes and Drums. These melodies bind us together as alumni and patriots and we know you'll likely be humming one of them for the rest of your day (you're welcome).

Let's all show our support for the Class of 2024 and their legacy with a contribution to FONAM. These contributions directly benefit music programs and all midshipmen by keeping USNA music alive.

Commissioning Week Music Events

• MAY 21 - Men's and Women's Glee Club and Gospel Choir Commissioning Week Concert. USNA Main Chapel- 8:00 PM

• MAY 22 - Pipes and Drums Turnover Formation Performance USNA Tamanend Court - 12:15 PM

• MAY 22 - Drum & Bugle Corps Demonstration Performance USNA Radford Terrace - 12:30 PM

• MAY 22 - Commissioning Week Organ Recital USNA Main Chapel 4:00 PM

  For more info visit www.usna.edu/music

If you are already a current recurring donor be sure to keep your profile and credit card info up to date! Thank you so much for your support!