April 2021 FONAM Newsletter

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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.