The United States Navy is the biggest and the most powerful in the world. Founded on March 27 of 1794 the U.S. Navy has only grown since then with the number of personnel they have in the Navy, it is the third largest of the U.S. military service branches. The official mission statement of the U.S. Navy is,
“To recruit, train, equip, and organize to deliver combat-ready Naval forces to win conflicts and wars while maintaining security and deterrence through sustained forward presence.”
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Sailors would use melodies to cope with life at sea and work as a synchronized crew.
Back then sailors aboard Navy vessels would use melodies to help with life at sea. These melodies are known as sea shanties, shantyman’s songs, or a maritime work song.
They were folk songs that were sung to assist with rhythmical labor. Which when sung they helped to synchronize labor amongst the crew.
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Musicians amongst the Navy proved to be valuable in more ways than one.
As the United States Navy has only continued to grow many musicians are amongst the personnel. Over time as these musicians would perform at funerals and ceremonies, it was noticed that they promoted morale of not only the sailors but civilians as well.
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Since 1794 the musicians in the Navy have since come together to form diverse musical groups.
Today the United States Navy has six performing ensembles: a ceremonial band, the commodores, a concert band, the cruisers, a country current ensemble, and the sea chanters.
One captivating performance by the Sea Chanters went viral with over 9.1 million views.
Back in 2014, five sailors in the sea chanters delivered a performance that captivated everyone in the audience. Their concert was on the Avenue series for the U.S. Navy Memorial at Memorial Plaza in Washington, DC. Their song selections: the sounds of the Jersey Boys in the 60s.
Even though the songs were from the 60s the crowd loved every minute.
Although in 2014 the 60s were long gone the melodies from the Jersey Boys these sea chanters brought back to life enchanted the audience. Bringing the crowd as one by one they would get up out of their chairs starting to dance and join in song.
Just like sailors singing their sea shanties these men were synchronized with musical rhythms.
During the performance, the sea chanters took turns taking the front stage as they belted out their solos. Balanced and synchronized just as the old sailors would do aboard their boats.
Posted by United States Navy Band on Thursday, June 29, 2017
This is just more proof that a shantyman’s song is timeless.
Even though this video was released back in 2015 people are still discovering this video of the performance today. Still moved and enchanted by the performance even if it is through their laptop or phone.
“YouTube recommended this to me in 2020. I’m not sure why but I’m glad it did. This made me smile and kind of gave me that light feeling (pixie dust and happy thoughts came to mind)… something I really need while in a lockdown and amidst uncertainty.” – Cecile DC
Recently they have been announcing auditions on their Facebook for those who are interested in joining the United States Navy Band.
According to their website benefits and salary for a new member of the U.S. Navy Band is “$64,412-$67,472, plus 30 days paid leave annually and full benefits for members and dependents. Members may also be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program“.
The US Navy Band even offers another band for high school graduates called Fleet Band.
They make sure to note on their career opportunities page for the Navy Band that you are not required to join the Navy or even the delayed entry program before auditioning. But once you complete a successful live audition you are guaranteed a job in the Navy as a Navy musician following recruit training.
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