Ever since the founding of the Naval Academy in 1845, when the “Band” consisted of a fifer and a drummer, music has been an important part of Naval Academy life. Officially formed in November 1852, the United States Naval Academy Band has established a reputation for outstanding musical support to the Brigade of Midshipmen and the surrounding community. The current version of the Naval Academy Band is a far cry from the thirteen men who reported to Annapolis over 150 years ago. Today, due to the unmatched versatility of its members, the band is able to blend tradition and change into a wide variety of musical styles.

The United States Naval Academy Marching Band may head up a column of midshipmen on parade before dignitaries on Worden Field, advance into Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for a contest on the gridiron, escort a fallen shipmate to his final resting place, or represent the Navy and Naval Academy on “Main Street, USA” in their Memorial Day celebration.

The Concert Band performs a year-round public concert series featuring a variety of programming from light classics and marches to classic band literature and patriotic songs. Special events throughout the year include the Side-By-Side concert featuring local high school musicians, and the Summer Finale concert, featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”. Smaller ensembles and soloists are featured in the Chamber Music Series, a variety of recitals planned and presented by individual band members.

Acting as the United States Naval Academy’s musical ambassadors to the nation, Electric Brigade, the Navy’s premier Pop Music Ensemble, supports the Brigade of Midshipmen and is also a major public relations tool for the Navy. In addition to performances for Naval Academy functions ranging from the Graduation Ball during Commissioning Week to informal dances and pep rallies, Electric Brigade supports Navy Recruiting by performing at Naval Academy Admissions events around the country.