Does the Naval Academy have a band?

I'm a high school junior and play the drums in our school's marching band. I'm curious if the Annapolis Naval Academy has a band and what opportunities are available for musicians there.

Absolutely, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis does indeed have a band. Established in 1852, the Naval Academy Band is actually one of the oldest professional musical organizations in the country.

The band has both a Marching Band and a Concert Band which perform at a variety of functions, ceremonies, and events, both on and off the Academy grounds. In terms of specific groups within the band, it's quite diverse. They have everything from an electric rhythm combo called 'Next Wave', to a ceremonial unit, to chamber ensembles like a brass quintet and a woodwind quintet.

For someone like you who plays the drums, the Marching Band could be a fantastic fit since it's involved in parades, football games, and other ceremonial occasions. If you're interested in performing in a smaller ensemble or a different style of music, you might find a place in one of the specialty groups.

If you're considering pursuing your musical interests at the Naval Academy, you need to realize that the band members are professional musicians, so these are not student groups. However, there are many musical groups at the Academy that include Midshipmen (students), such as the Drum & Bugle Corps or the various Glee Clubs.

The Naval Academy encourages its Midshipmen to participate in a wide range of activities, recognizing that such involvement can enhance leadership abilities and teamwork skills. So your musical experience could certainly be an advantage! Just bear in mind that the academic and military commitments always come first.