Fall at USNA - Reunions and Concerts!

The Fall Semester is in full swing at USNA, with an exciting schedule of musical activities planned - starting this Friday, September 9 at 7pm in Mahan Hall with the 2/C Parent's Weekend Concert. Music groups will be traveling to Detroit, Indianapolis, Richmond, and performing at events around the yard over the next few months. Be sure to check the schedule and catch a performance!

Tickets for ALL events this year are on sale now!

USNA's Chapel will light up again this year (Oct 28-29) for the spectacular Halloween-themed concert showcasing the talents of midshipmen and Chapel Organist Monte Maxwell.

Fall is also the season for many class reunions - a great time to catch up with classmates, company mates, and shipmates! If you have a reunion this year, take the opportunity to catch up with your "Music-mates" too! Help us to spread the word about FONAM's work and the impact any contribution, large or small, can have on the next generation of music at USNA. If you are interested in getting a group of music alumni from your class together during your reunion for a coffee/chat with a FONAM board member to learn more about how to get involved, please reach out.

Wishing you all a wonderful Fall, hope to connect with you soon!

Sincerely,

Friends of Naval Academy Music

I-Day kicks off USNA summer...and SAVE THE DATE

Happy Summer Friends of Naval Academy Music!

As I'm sure you all know, the Naval Academy swore in the class of 2026 this past week. Nothing like I-day to have all of us cruising the wrinkle cream aisle at Target or just being glad that we're not doing pushups in the Annapolis heat and humidity at our age. In any case, it brings back memories.

It has been a banner year for Naval Academy Music. Despite challenges, every group from the Drum & Bugle Corps, Pipes & Drums, Chapel Choirs, Orchestra, and Glee Clubs all created incredible music and represented the Naval Academy in amazing ways.  

At the end of March, right on the heels of a successful Spring Tour, the Glee Clubs were invited to perform at an exclusive gala event to unveil Flagship Valor — an American Airlines Airbus A321 aircraft with a special wrap — a flying tribute dedicated to recipients of the Medal of Honor.

The aircraft depicts major military conflicts and the six characteristics that embody the Medal of Honor and those who have received it. On board, customers can scan QR codes for access to information about the Medal of Honor and its extraordinary recipients, serving as a teaching tool to pass on these remarkable stories for generations to come. 

🎶🥳SAVE THE DATE🎶

Friday, October 21, 2022, 5pm until we run out of steam...
We’re going to do it again...another "TalleyBash!"

The purpose of the event is to get old friends together, raise a glass, sing a song, tell a tale, recognize our major donors, and encourage everyone to become one. We’ll also do some fun things, auction an item or two for FONAM, that sort of thing.

You don’t need to bring anything, we’ll have food and drink aplenty, but a bottle of wine is always welcome. All USNA Music alumni and Friends of Naval Academy Music are welcome. There’s a lot happening that
weekend, and we encourage people with later commitments to come early, and those with early commitments to come late.

RSVP directly to Doc Talley at j.barry.talley@gmail.com.

A Musical Month for USNA!

March was an incredible month for music groups at USNA, including a successful Glee Club tour through Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas, and amazing Gospel Choir performance in Atlanta, all culminating in an Annapolis homecoming concert on April 1. The momentum is just getting started as USNA music enters another exciting month of events and performances. Be sure to catch an event near you - visit the USNA Music Homepage for more details and ticketing info.

Friday April 8 - Organ Recital and Midshipmen Orchestra concert, Annapolis

Friday April 22 - Spring Oratorio (Mahler Symphony #2), Annapolis

Saturday April 9 - Pipes and Drums Tartan Day Parade, New York

Saturday April 23 - Pipes and Drums Southern MD Celtic Festival, St. Leonard, MD

Monday April 18 - Drum and Bugle Corps, Patriots Day Parade, Boston, MA

Friday, April 29 - Drum and Bugle Corps and Trident Brass Spring Concert, Annapolis

Help keep these tours and events going - show your support for USNA Music programs here.

And They're Off!

Their bags are packed, the busses are loaded, today it begins...the Men's and Women's Glee Clubs are ready to head out on this year's Spring Break Tour!

Be sure to catch a performance if they're coming to your town!

NASHVILLE, TN

Sunday 13 March 2022 at 4:00 pm

Westminster Presbyterian Church

3900 West End Avenue

Nashville, TN 37205

HILTON HEAD, SC

Wednesday 16 March 2022 at 7:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church

540 William Hilton Parkway

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

CHARLOTTE, NC

Friday 18 March 2022 at 7:00 pm

First United Methodist Church

501 N Tryon Street

Charlotte, NC 28202

NORFOLK, VA

Saturday 19 March 2022 at 7:00 pm

Christ and St. Luke's Church

560 W Olney Road

Norfolk, VA 23501

Beat the Dark Ages!

Dear friends,

We hope that 2022 is off to a happy, productive, and hopeful start. As USNA weathers through the dark ages, there are brighter days (despite what the groundhog claimed) and exciting events ahead for musical activities.

Fans of classic Broadway movie musicals can warm up at the end of February to hot tunes like Greased Lightnin' in the 2022 USNA Winter Musical "Grease" which will showcase the vocal, acting, dancing, and instrumental talents of so many midshipmen across the Brigade.

Friday, February 25, 2022
     7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall

 Saturday, February 26, 2022
     7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall

 Sunday, February 27, 2022
     3:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall

Purchase tickets here.

Further into Spring, the USNA Glee Club takes their world class show on the road….be sure to catch a performance if they are coming to a town near you! All events are open free to the public.

NASHVILLE, TN

Sunday 13 March 2022 at 4:00 pm

Westminster Presbyterian Church

3900 West End Avenue

Nashville, TN 37205

HILTON HEAD, SC

Wednesday 16 March 2022 at 7:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church

540 William Hilton Parkway

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

CHARLOTTE, NC

Friday 18 March 2022 at 7:00 pm

First United Methodist Church

501 N Tryon Street

Charlotte, NC 28202

NORFOLK, VA

Saturday 19 March 2022 at 7:00 pm

Christ and St. Luke's Church

560 W Olney Road

Norfolk, VA 23501

If you haven’t already joined the many alumni who have set up their ~$20 recurring monthly “class year” support (i.e. class of 1997 set up a monthly donation of $19.97, class of 2009 gives $20.09), consider getting that going for 2022. Shout out to the Class of 2020 which has nearly 75% of their music alumni supporting FONAM this way - something for the rest of us to aspire to!!

Show some love to USNA music programs this Valentine's Day by donating to FONAM!

Thank you for helping to make 2022 FONAM and USNA Music's best year yet!

With Sincere Gratitude,

Your Friends at FONAM

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from FONAM

Dear friends, family, and supporters,

The holidays at the Naval Academy mark many special and memorable events.  From the Army-Navy game to the Holiday Orchestra Concert to the annual Messiah performance...even in the midst of exams and end of year requirements, music kept us in the holiday spirit and gave us memories to carry with us for years to come. 

Musical programs at the Naval Academy have thrived in 2021 despite significant challenges, due in no small part to support from Friends of Naval Academy Music, Inc; support made possible by friends and donors like you.  We are unbelievably close to achieving our goal of raising $150K by the end of the year...as you consider your end of year giving, will YOU help us to get there?

2022 will bring exciting new developments for FONAM and for Naval Academy music programs and we can't wait to share them with you in the coming months.

Don't hesitate to reply to this email if you'd like to have a personal conversation with one of us about how your support can and will have a lasting and sustainable impact on the future of Naval Academy music.

With gratitude and best wishes for the holidays,

The FONAM Board of Directors

Fall Fun and Spooky Times with USNA Music

Halloween Concert

It's hard to believe that 25 years ago, the Halloween concert began with just one incredibly talented organist and the chapel organ.  Now, each year, the Naval Academy Chapel is miraculously converted into a Broadway stage, showcasing not only the organ, but the unbelievable musical and technical talents of so many midshipmen. With FONAM's support, imagine what it could be in 25 more years.....  

Click below to share once more in the experience.

Later This Month

For those in the Dallas area, the USNA Glee Clubs and Pipes and Drums will be performing over Veterans Day with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for a three-day “Patriotic Pops” celebration.  The performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, November 12 and 13, and Sunday afternoon, November 14.  Learn more and buy tickets here.

Thank you for being a part of this community.  Please help spread the word about these events and the work of FONAM to friends and classmates and consider making FONAM a part of your end of year giving plans.

A Note from Doc Talley

As plebe summer draws to a close, the Brigade reforms, and Fall semester kicks off, I hope that you all had a safe, healthy, and terrific summer vacation.  The Class of 2025 has proven to be a talented bunch and we are all looking forward to seeing how they integrate and contribute to musical activities around the yard. Check out this video of the Catholic Choir performing the Navy Hymn…. were we ever that young?!

Talleybash is Back! 

Marcia and I are hosting yet another TalleyBash (don’t we ever give up?) on Friday, October 8 from 5-7 p.m...or whenever 😉.  There will be a Navy game on Saturday, October 9, and if you’re planning to come for the weekend, save some time for us.  Raise a glass, sing a song, remember the good times, catch up with old friends. 

What’s the occasion?  We’re celebrating two things: 50 years of supporting music at the Naval Academy, and Friends of Naval Academy Music.  We’ve accomplished much in the last three years; details at the party. 

Let me know if you can attend, and help me spread the word among your musical friends.  RSVP to j.barry.talley@gmail.com.

“Patriotic Pops” in Dallas

The USNA Glee Clubs and Pipes and Drums will be performing over Veterans Day with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for a three-day “Patriotic Pops” celebration.  The performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, November 12 and 13, and Sunday afternoon, November 14.  Learn more or buy tickets here.

Thank you for being a part of this community.  Please help spread the word about these events and the work of FONAM to friends and classmates and consider making FONAM a part of your end of year giving plans.

June 2021 FONAM Newsletter

Dear Friends of Naval Academy Music,

FONAM congratulates all those who were recently selected for promotions. We wish “Fair Winds and Following Seas” to the men and women in the Class of 2021!  During Commissioning Week, the Yard was once again filled with smiling faces, happy families and members of the Class of 2021 eager to celebrate with their families and loved ones.

We thought you might be interested in the Service Assignments for the Class of 2021:

Navy Pilot                                        239           Medical Corps                            13

Naval Flight Officer                        50             Supply Corps                                2

Surface Warfare Officer                266           Intelligence                                  11

Submarines                                     140           Cryptologic Warfare                   21

Naval Special Warfare (SEAL)      30             Information Professional          5

Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD)  17     Oceanography/METOC              2

U.S. Marine Corps (Ground)         171           Civil Engineering Corps              6

U.S. Marine Corps (Pilot)              101           Cyber Warfare Engineer             3

U.S. Marine Corps (Cyber)             4   

Commissioning Week also featured an “in person” USNA Glee Club and Gospel Choir Concert.   This was the first concert for either ensemble since March 2020, and possibly the only concert of its kind anywhere in the nation this graduation season.  And speaking of firsts, we send a FONAM shout-out to now-MIDN 3/C Michael Lancaster, member of the USNA Men’s Glee Club, for being the first Plebe to reach the top of Herndon this year!

Special Music from the Music Department:

 We hope you will enjoy the following three YouTube videos made possible by our generous FONAM donors (links in titles):

An especially poignant and meaningful selection by the Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs is:

Light of a Clear Blue Morning

In honor of Commissioning Week, and the Blue Angels demonstration please enjoy the USNA Pipes and Drums ensemble playing: Top Gun and Marine Corps Hymn

A salute to the men and women in the Class of 2021 by the Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs singing: Navy Blue and Gold

Please join some of your Glee Club classmates who are already doing so to establish a recurring donation to support and sustain a program at USNA that meant so much to you.  Please go to www.FONAM.org and set up a recurring donation of the amount of your choice.  Your support will provide the necessary resources to keep the music program at USNA alive.

The Road Ahead

As we look ahead to the remainder of 2021, and beyond, we are encouraged by the new donors who have made the decision to support the USNA music program.  But we need your help in reaching out to your classmates who were involved in any music ensemble and re-connect with them and encourage them to consider supporting FONAM. Please spread the word!  Ask a classmate to visit our website at www.FONAM.org and establish a recurring donation.  Thank you- your support is making a difference.

The USNA Glee Club performances in Dallas in November 2021

The USNA Glee Club will be heading to Dallas, TX in November to appear as Guest Artists for three performances with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, one of the nation’s premier symphonic organizations.  The performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings, November 12 and 13 at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoon, November 14 at 2:30 pm.  More information about tickets for these performances will be available on the Dallas Symphony’s website this summer.

Until our next update, please stay well, safe and take care of yourselves and each other.

April 2021 FONAM Newsletter

Dear Friends of Naval Academy Music,

As we write this message, Spring is blossoming on the Yard, the midshipmen are feeling the semester’s end draw near, and, for the Class of 2021, Graduation and Commissioning are within reach.  Plans are in place for Commissioning Week, with COVID protocols limiting, but not preventing, events and activities. 

Update from the Brigade of Midshipmen:

Plans for midshipmen Summer Training evolutions are being finalized and more details will be provided in a future Outreach message.

USNA Music Program News:

Dr. Aaron Smith, Chairman, USNA’s Department of Musical Activities has been keeping the midshipmen ensembles busy in April, rehearsing and recording some high-quality music. Here are some samples for you to enjoy:

This is a beautiful arrangement of “Simple Gifts” by USNA’s Women’s Glee Club. 

For all of the Rachmaninoff fans, here is Midshipman 2/C Sean Kee playing Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G-minor, Op.23 No. 5.

The USNA Gospel Choir singing “Ride On, King Jesus!”

A Dual-piano piece by Midshipman 1/C Ben Leaman and Midshipman 2/C Sean Kee playing “Valse” from the Sleeping Beauty by Tchaikovsky.

The USNA Men’s Glee Club with a clever and unique rendition of a Sea Chanty, “Boston Harbor”

All of these excellent recordings would not have been possible without the generous gift from FONAM of the recording and editing equipment needed for these opportunities to keep music alive for the midshipmen.  Once again, we thank our donors for being so supportive of USNA music.  It means so much to these mids.

The Road Ahead

As we look ahead to the remainder of 2021 and beyond, we are encouraged by the new donors who have made the decision to support the USNA music program.  But we need your help in reaching out to your classmates, re-connect with them and encourage them to consider supporting FONAM.  Please help us pass the word -- ask them to visit our website at www.FONAM.org and establish a recurring donation of any amount.  Recurring donations are FONAM’s budgetary foundation – they allow us to make plans with confidence and keep the wheels of progress rolling.

The USNA Glee Club performances in Dallas in November 2021

The USNA Glee Club will be heading to Dallas, TX in November to appear as Guest Artists for three performances with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, one of the nations premier symphonic organizations.  The performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings, November 12 and 13, at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoon, November 14, at 2:30 pm.  More information about tickets for these performances will be available on the Dallas Symphony’s website this summer.

Until our next FONAM Outreach Message, please stay well, safe and take care of yourselves and each other.