Fellow Singers, Musicians, Friends and Supporters,
The holidays are a very special time at the Naval Academy, and music is at the heart of it all. From 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.
As you reflect on 2022 and prepare for a restorative holiday break, we wanted to take a moment to share a few musical favorites from the holiday season:
The Army-Navy game: No matter the outcome, we all have special memories tailgating with Pipes and Drums, singing the National Anthem with the combined choirs, and celebrating big plays with the roaring Drum & Bugle Corps. While millions watched the most anticipated rivalry go into double overtime, we can’t help but reflect that music starts and ends the match as the entire Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen raised their voices to sing the West Point Alma Mater and Navy Blue and Gold
The 75th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah: The Superintendent called it “the official start to the Naval Academy holiday season,” and we could not agree more! This year’s performance was even more special with the commissioning of an original piece of art capturing the festively decorated Chapel and combined Glee Clubs. This long standing tradition is one of the most cherished memories of music on the Yard and we even hear there’s talk of an alumni performance in the future years so we’ll have to dust off our old copies
Music is part of the fabric of life at the Naval Academy and we are committed to ensuring that our music programs have the resources to truly thrive and continue to spread music and joy around our nation and the world.
Because of YOUR SUPPORT, Friends of Naval Academy Music has contributed over $50K directly to the USNA Music Department. This has been our strongest fundraising year ever and the work continues!
Will you help us to keep the momentum going?
INCLUDE NAVAL ACADEMY MUSIC IN YOUR END OF YEAR GIVING
Thank you for being a part of this community and for your generous support.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for 2023,
The Friends of Naval Academy Music Board of Directors
Be sure to check your local PBS listings this holiday season to catch a broadcast of the 2022 Messiah Performance