Navy Music Program As part of Navy Personnel Command ' s Enlisted Assignment Division ( PERS - 40 ) , the Navy Music Program Management Office ( PERS - 4014 ) is located aboard Naval Support Activity Mid - South in Millington , Tennessee . PERS - 4014 centrally manages the Navy ' s 11 Fleet bands , one support unit , and two premier bands . PERS - 4014 coordinates the assignment and distribution of personnel , equipment and funding to its activities worldwide , and coordinates the accession of applicants desiring enlistment as a Musician ( MU ) . Fleet Bands in the continental United States . Navy Band Northwest . Navy Band Northwest is one of 13 Official Navy Bands located throughout the continental United States , Hawaii , Italy and Japan . The band ' s early history dates back to the Bremerton Navy Yard Band of 1918 and the 13th Naval District Band of 1925 . In 1944 , a group of sailors from various ratings formed a band at Naval Air Station Sand Point in Seattle to welcome the Hellcat Fighter Squadron of Carrier Aircraft Support Unit 7 . The band became known as the Hellcat Band in honor of the fighter squadron returning from combat operations in the South Pacific . The official commissioning of the 13th Naval District Band took place in 1953 at Pier 91 in Seattle . The band moved to Naval Air Station Sand Point in the fall of 1970 where its name was changed to Navy Band Northwest and then to Navy Band Seattle . In April 1985 , the band moved into Building 30 , a remodeled portion of the hangar where the Hellcat Band welcomed home the World War II heroes of Carrier Aircraft Support Unit 7 . Naval Station Puget Sound closed in 1995 as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission . In February 1995 , Navy Band Seattle moved across the Puget Sound to a new facility at Naval Submarine Base Bangor in Silverdale . Navy Band Seattle officially changed its name to Navy Band Northwest on April 1 , 1999 as a result of the Navy Regionalization Initiatives . The mission of Navy Band Northwest is to provide musical support for official Navy functions and Navy Recruiting efforts , and to serve the communities of the Pacific Northwest in a Public Relations capacity . Throughout the years , Navy Band Northwest has built an excellent reputation for quality musical performances . The 35 rated musicians are called upon to perform in various units , including the Ceremonial and Parade Band , Big Band , Contemporary Entertainment Ensemble , Brass Quintet , and Jazz Combo . From time to time , specialized ensembles such as a Brass or Woodwind ensemble are formed to fulfill a specific performance requirement . In addition to their musical duties , band members carry out all administrative and support functions within the band . Navy Band Southwest . Navy Band Southwest is one of the Navy ’ s finest and oldest continuing musical organizations . Now with over 80 years of support to the San Diego community , the band serves as the musical ambassador for the Commander , Navy Region Southwest . In addition to the many military activities it supports , the band ’ s ensembles perform year round throughout the Southwestern United States . The 45 - member organization calls upon its Ceremonial Band for the majority of its work . The band ’ s other performing ensembles include the Wind Ensemble , the contemporary music ensemble , Destroyer s , the Show Band West , the Brass and Woodwind Quintets , and SeaBreeze , the band ’ s VIP reception combo . Navy Band Southwest averages over 600 performances a year . The majority of these performances are in support of the Navy ’ s retention and recruiting initiatives . It also performs for many different community concert series ' and professional sporting events , including regular performances with the San Diego Symphony Summer Pops . As a strong proponent of music education , Navy Band Southwest proudly participates in the Navy ’ s " Partnership in Education " program through educational concerts and clinics for school music programs . Navy Band Southwest is a particularly important part of San Diego ’ s military heritage . From the 30 Sailors who reported for duty in 1923 to the 45 members of today ' s organization , Navy Band Southwest takes pride in upholding its rich tradition and promoting the pride and professionalism of today ' s United States Navy . United States Navy Band Great Lakes . " Pride in Service " has been the theme for Navy Band Great Lakes . From 1911 , when the first band was formed to support the Great Lakes Naval Training Station , to Bandmaster John Philip Sousa in 1917 , to today ' s Bandmaster , their music represents the pride and professionalism that is synonymous with the United States Navy . Consisting of a Wind Ensemble , Ceremonial Band , Parade Band , Jazz Ensemble , Contemporary Music Ensemble , Show Band , Brass Quintet , Woodwind Quintet , Jazz Combo , and various specialty groups , Navy Band Great Lakes takes pride in its ability and readiness to perform any genre of music . From 1911 to 1917 Naval Uniform Regulations prescribed that the band wear US Marine Corps Uniforms ( without USMC ) in performance . From 1917 onward the band wore the famous " Crackerjack " uniforms . Navy Band Great Lakes was instrumental in cultural change in the WWII Navy , having enlisted black musicians , and then later creating integrated Navy Bands . Some important WWII Alumni are leader and trumpeter Clark Terry , Saxophonist Von Freeman , trombonist Al Grey , composer and conductor Gerald Wilson , saxophonist Lou Donaldson , saxophonist Willie Smith Willie Smith , composer and arranger Luther Henderson , Major Holley served in the Great Lakes Band . Serving Commander , Naval Service Training Command ' s mission of transforming volunteers into 21st century Sea Warriors , Navy Band Great Lakes performs ceremonies to honor recruits , Sailors , and their families . As the Navy ' s " Ambassadors to the Midwest , " Navy Band Great Lakes performs for hundreds of thousands of people every year , providing musical support for community relations and Navy Recruiting in a nine - state area of responsibility stretching from Indiana to North Dakota . Navy Band Mid - South . Navy Band Mid - South is the United States Navy ' s premier musical organization in the Mid - South region . Attached to Commander , Navy Personnel Command , this diverse group of 35 professional Navy Musicians are all active duty men and women performing full - time for the Navy . The ensembles within the band perform music ranging from Bach and Sousa to the most current pop , country , and jazz hits . The band operates from Millington , Tennessee , and is responsible for an eleven - state area that stretches north into Indiana and Illinois , west into eastern Colorado , and south into Mississippi and Alabama . In addition to being a military ceremonial band , the band maintains other musical ensembles that perform a wide variety of music . Navy Band New Orleans . The United States Navy Band New Orleans is one of 11 official Navy Bands located in the continental United States , Europe and Asia . Since its establishment in January 1971 , the band performs annually for over 26 million people in support of the Navy , Navy recruiting and community relations events . Located at the Naval Support Activity , New Orleans , LA , Navy Band New Orleans represents both the United States Navy and the Crescent City in a wide range of military and community related functions across the Gulf Coast . Navy Band Northeast . Navy Bands have always been an integral part of the Naval presence in Newport , dating back at least to the Civil War period . Navy Band Northeast was officially established in 1974 , and is one of 13 official bands of the United States Navy . The band is located on board Naval Station Newport , Rhode Island , and serves the military and civilian communities throughout the Northeastern United States . Navy Band Northeast provides a wide spectrum of musical entertainment . Whether it is the traditional sounds of a military marching band , the swing of jazz , or the contemporary music of today , Navy Band Northeast has a band for most any occasion . Each ensemble inspires patriotism , elevates esprit de corps , and fosters pride in the United States Naval Service . Navy Band Northeast is recognized as one of the nation ' s finest military bands . They continually strive to define , realize , and maintain the highest standards of excellence in the military and musical communities . U . S . Fleet Forces Band . The Norfolk , Virginia based " U . S . Fleet Forces Band " is the musical representative for the Commander , U . S . Fleet Forces Command , and is the largest of the Navy ' s 10 Fleet Bands . This unit provides musical support for Navy ships , naval base s , foreign dignitaries , and community relations events . Current director is Lieutenant Commander Bruce McDonald , USN Navy Band Southeast . Navy Band Southeast was established in October 1995 . It is a field activity of the Navy Personnel Command . Representing the Commander , Navy Region Southeast and the United States Navy , Navy Band Southeast performs music throughout the state of Florida and the Southeastern United States . The band comprises forty - five professional musicians , all of which are graduates of the Armed Forces School of Music . Navy Band Southeast provides a wide spectrum of musical styles by offering smaller ensembles within itself . Navy Band Southeast is also the command to which American Idol Season 6 finalist MU3 Joel " Phil " Stacey was assigned while on active duty . His success had the added benefit of publicity for both the navy and the navy music program worth an estimated 2 . 4 million dollars . MU3 Stacey performed with the contemporary music ensemble " Pride " as well as with the Wind Ensemble and the Ceremonial Band . Fleet Bands outside the continental U . S . . PACIFIC Fleet Band . Hawaii is richly steeped in naval history and the Pacific Fleet Band has long been a part of this heritage . Since before the attack on Pearl Harbor , Navy Bands have been stationed in Hawaii either on ships home ported at Pearl Harbor , or attached to Navy shore installations at Pearl Harbor , Barbers Point and Waikiki . The most recognized and highly decorated Navy Band associated with Hawaii was Unit Band 22 . This was the band stationed on board the at the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor , December 7 , 1941 . On the night of December 6 , 1941 , there was a band competition called the " Battle of Music " at Bloch Arena on Pearl Harbor Naval Station . This competition began on September 13 , 1941 as an elimination tournament held every two weeks . It featured Navy Bands from capital ship s home ported in Pearl Harbor and those attached to shore installations in Hawaii . Four bands were to compete in each round of the tournament with one winner per round selected to perform in the final competition . Each band performed a swing number , a ballad and one specialty tune and then played for the jitterbug contest . The USS " Arizona " band won the first round on September 13 and was not scheduled to play again until the final competition . The last round of the elimination tournament was scheduled , unknowingly , for that December 6 evening in Bloch Arena . Present were bands from the , , and . Scheduled to compete but not present was the band from the , which deployed a few days earlier . Several members of the USS " Arizona " band attended the contest because the first and second place winners would be competing against them in the final competition scheduled for December 13 . The USS " Pennsylvania " band was the winner that evening . On the morning of December 7 , 1941 , while the band from the played Morning Colors , the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor occurred . The entire USS " Arizona " Band , while at battle stations passing ammunition under gun turret number one , was killed in the attack . In the weeks to follow , all the bands that had participated in the " Battle of Music " voted to posthumously award the tournament trophy to Unit Band 22 , renaming it the " Arizona Trophy . " This was a fitting tribute to the heroic members of the band who died that infamous morning . Unit Band 22 now stands the eternal watch on board the USS " Arizona " for all sea service bands . The Commander in Chief , U . S . Pacific Fleet Band ( Unit Band 56 ) was formed when the Pacific Fleet Headquarters was established at Pearl Harbor in February , 1941 . Not much is known about the band ' s history during World War II . From 1959 to 1964 , the Pacific Fleet Band operated from a building at Supply Base Pearl Harbor , just inside the Halawa Gate . In 1964 , the band moved across the street just inside the CINCPACFLT Gate , sharing a building with Fleet Imaging . The band moved to the Pearl Harbor Naval Station Band building at Bishop Point near Hickam Harbor when the Unit Band 03 closed in 1966 . Finally , in 1967 the band moved to its current facility , Building 277 , located at the Pearl Harbor Naval Station Marine Barracks Compound . The current building was used as a Marine Barracks prior to and during World War II and is a historical landmark . It served as work spaces and , during the band ' s first years of occupancy , barracks for band personnel . From 1959 to 1969 the band traveled extensively representing the Commander in Chief of the United States , U . S . Pacific Fleet throughout the Pacific . During these years the band performed engagements in Pusan and Seoul , South Korea , Guam , the Philippines and Okinawa . Also , in 1960 and 1963 , the band , combined with the Barbers Point Naval Air Station Band ( which closed in 1965 ) , traveled to the South Pacific for festivities surrounding the " Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration Celebration . " This trip was made once every three years , rotating with the Hickam Air Force Base Band and the Schofield Barracks Army Band . Ports of call for band performances on these trips included Melbourne , Perth and Sydney , Australia , as well as New Zealand , New Caledonia and American Samoa . In 1968 the band was deployed to South Vietnam for three to four weeks . The band traveled to their performance sites on whatever military aircraft were available at the time . This created some delays in travel . In one instance the band was marooned in Cam Ranh Bay for nearly a week while waiting for any available plane to take them to their next destination . The band did have one notable " close call , " arriving at an airfield within an hour of its having been shelled by the enemy . During this tour , the band performed concerts in Da Nang , Ben Hoa , Cam Ranh Bay and Saigon . From the mid - 1970s through the early 1980s , the Pacific Fleet Band performed many concerts in Hawaii with such noted local performers as Jimmy Borges , Cheryl Barash , Melveen Leed and Ira Nepus . In 1977 the Pacific Fleet Chorale was formed to compliment concert performances by the Pacific Fleet Band . This ensemble was an all - volunteer chorus , made up of active duty members and dependents of all branches of the armed forces stationed on Oahu . The last concert appearance of this associate unit of the Pacific Fleet Band was in 1980 . Another highlight during 1980 was a March concert at Kapiolani Park . This Concert was held in association with " Rim of the Pacific Exercises " and featured the International Sea Services Combined Wind Ensemble . This group was made up of various military musicians from the participating countries ' naval forces . In 1986 the Pacific Fleet Band made an historic fifteen - day trip to China with the first visit by a U . S . Navy ship to China in thirty - seven years . The Pacific Fleet Band made two significant overseas deployments . First , in 1988 the band traveled to India for the ceremonies commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the American Consul in Bombay . Then , in 1989 the band made a trip to Australia . Performances thrilled audiences in Melbourne , Cairns and Canberra culminating with an outstanding performance at the world famous Sydney Opera House . Although traveling abroad little since 1989 , the Pacific Fleet Band has maintained an active schedule supporting the Pacific Fleet and the local civilian community in Hawaii . The musicians of the Pacific Fleet Band perform their duties with the same zeal and pride that characterizes all Navy Musicians from the past to the present . September 1995 saw the Pacific Fleet Band participating significantly in four major events of international interest . The first was the dedication of the Battle of Midway Monument on Midway Island . The highlight was the premier performance of The Battle of Midway Island march , written and conducted by Ambassador J . William Middendorf , II . It was written in recognition of the men who fought and died to change the course of the war in the Pacific . That ceremony was a precursor to the final ceremonies of the " End of World War II Commemoration " and the 50th Anniversary of VJ - Day Celebrations . Highlights of the band ' s extensive participation were a Presidential Wreath - laying Ceremony on the in Pearl Harbor , an International Parade of Ships and Aircraft off the coast of Honolulu , a Presidential Parade and Review through downtown Honolulu and Waikiki , and an old - fashioned Hangar Dance on board the USS " Carl Vinson " honoring all our WWII veterans . The next event was the opening ceremonies for the Asia / Pacific Center for Security Studies . During all these events , the US / Russian naval exercise , Cooperation from the Sea 1995 was taking place . This marked the first visit of a Russian warship to Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Fleet Band was very much involved while hosting a visiting Russian Navy Band . All these events were attended by the President , Secretaries of Defense and the Navy , Congressional Representative s , senior unified and component military commanders , and a host of foreign civilian and military dignitaries . The Pacific Fleet Band performed over 40 engagements during this nine - day period . In recent years , along with numerous parades the Pacific Fleet Band continues to participate in many annual events including the December 7th Commemoration Ceremony , Memorial and Independence Day Celebrations , the Twilight Tattoo and combined military band concert for Armed Forces Day . In addition to these events , the band has played an active role in opening the USS " Missouri " and Vietnam Memorials and closing Naval Air Station Barber ' s Point in 1999 . In 2001 the band performed for the opening of the movie Pearl Harbor on board the and the 40th birthday celebration of the in Guam . The Pacific Fleet Band of today and the musicians who make up this band are a far cry from the first Navy musicians , who can be traced back to 1798 . At that time , each ship chose a " shantyman " to sing during seafaring duties , while the crew joined in the refrain . A drummer kept the beat and a fifer piped the tune as sailors hauled in their lines . A select breed of sailor , Navy musicians must now meet strict musical requirements before entering the service . After recruit training , their skills are finely tuned at the U . S . Navy School of Music , a tri - service training command for all Navy , Marine Corps , and Army musicians , in Norfolk , Virginia . After graduation , enlisted musicians are assigned to one of twelve Navy Fleet Bands worldwide . The personnel of any Navy Band are true professionals and possess academic training from high school diplomas to doctoral degrees . Many band members have experience as performers and instrumental instructors , or have obtained their civilian teaching credentials before entering the Navy . All are capable of playing any style of music with little preparation and most are required to be proficient at playing more than one instrument . The Pacific Fleet Band is under the operational control of the Commander in Chief , U . S . Pacific Fleet . Much of the band ' s activity is in support of the ships of the fleet and the many shore based military commands . Musical support is also provided for other armed forces ' functions when needed . Pacific Fleet Band military performances consist primarily of providing ceremonial music for Changes of Command , Retirements , Morning Colors , Sunset Parades and Ship Arrivals . Other duties include bugling details for military funerals , reception music for flag officers , government officials and visiting foreign dignitaries , and entertainment for special functions such as Navy Birthday celebrations and various command social events . Commander , Naval Forces Europe Band . U . S . Naval Forces Europe Band ( NAVEUR BAND ) is the United States Navy ' s official musical organization in Europe and Africa . It was established in April 2007 by combining the personnel and operational efforts of Allied Forces Band Naples and U . S . SIXTH Fleet Band . The Band is based on Naval Support Activity Capodichino Naples , Italy , and falls under operational control of Commander , Naval Forces Europe and Africa . It performs in an Area Of Responsibility ( AOR ) that encompasses Europe , Africa and Western Asia . They perform in locations as diverse as England , Germany , Iceland , Croatia , Israel , Djibouti , Equatorial Guinea , and South Africa . The Band reaches a combined audience of more than 60 million people throughout over 30 countries in the course of over 500 engagements each year . With approximately 70 members , NAVEUR BAND is composed of active duty Navy and Marine Corps musicians , as well as foreign - service musicians from such countries as the United Kingdom , Greece and Italy . Diversity among the NAVEUR BAND musicians allows for a combination of ensembles to support almost any musical occasion . These units include the Wind Ensemble , Ceremonial Band , Marching Band , Brass Quintets , Woodwind Quintet , New Orleans style Brass Band , Jazz Ensemble , Pop - Rock Units , and Protocol Combos . The primary mission of NAVEUR BAND is to support Commander , Naval Forces Europe and Africa / Joint Forces Command Naples , as well as Commander , SIXTH Fleet priorities . The Band performs for official military ceremonies , including Change of Command , ship arrivals and departures , official receptions and other occasions which serve to enhance the morale and welfare of U . S . and Allied Forces personnel . Also , it is regularly involved in efforts to improve international community relations among partner nations throughout the AOR . Commander , Seventh Fleet Band . The U . S . Navy Commander , Seventh Fleet Band was created as part of the United States Seventh Fleet , which was established upon the renaming of the United States Navy Southwest Pacific Force on March 7 , 1943 . The band is composed of professional Navy Musicians ( MUs ) who together base their United States Navy Fleet Activities out of Yokosuka , Japan , as well as alongside the touring flagship of the United States Seventh Fleet : USS Blue Ridge ( LCC 19 ) . The Commander , Seventh Fleet Band is currently lead by Fleet Bandmaster , Lieutenant Junior Grade Geordie F . O . Kelly and Assistant Director , Naval Musician Senior Chief ( MUCS ) Joseph A . Rundall . The United States Seventh Fleet Band is today composed of six groups of professional Navy Musicians , including their ALL HANDS Band , the CEREMONIAL BAND , the FAR EAST EDITION , the ORIENT EXPRESS , the SHONAN BRASS and their BRASS Band . The Commander , Seventh Fleet Band has for millions of American - allied music lovers throughout the Western Pacific , bringing their " special quality of American Music " to their uproariously enthusiastic fans from Japan , the Philippines , the Republic of Korea , Australia , Thailand , Hong Kong , Malaysia , Singapore , Indonesia , as well as many other cities and countries of the Far East . The U . S . Navy ' s 7th Fleet CEREMONIAL / MARCHING Band is honored with the particular privilege of performing for official military and civic ceremonies , as well as by its duty to provide official representation of the U . S . Navy Commander , Seventh Fleet during musical performance at public concerts throughout the Western Pacific & Asian areas . This distinguished group of professional Navy Musicians is equally honored to uphold their time - tested naval heritage by stirring patriotism and empowering diplomatic or cultural linkages & affairs with international audiences . The Far East Edition of the U . S . Navy Commander , 7th Fleet Band is reputed for its amazing versatility , as the United States only 20 - piece show band operating in the Western Pacific & Asian areas . The Far East Edition performs in a variety of musical styles , ranging from traditional to contemporary Jazz , Big Band , Latin , and other popular music genres of today . This U . S . Navy Commander , 7th Fleet Show Band has been featured as a main attraction at major international cultural events throughout Australia and the Far East , covering more mileage squared than any other Navy Band operating today , under the leadership of ( MU ) First Class , Brian Nefferdorf . The U . S . Navy Commander , 7th Fleet Rock Band , Orient Express , is a group of twelve professional rock musicians dedicated to performing live many of the greatest popular hits of English - language rock , including covers of songs ranging from Stevie Wonder or Journey , to Avril Lavigne to Katy Perry . Orient Express also performs as a Smooth Jazz ensemble , as well as a full - range Dixieland Band . Leadership of the band is coordinated on a talent and personnel level by U . S . Navy Musician ( MU ) Second Class , James Caliva . Premier Bands . The United States Navy Band . Since its official designation in 1925 , the United States Navy Band has grown to become a diverse organization comprising 172 enlisted musicians and four officers . Based at the historic Washington ( D . C . ) Navy Yard , the organization features a concert - ceremonial unit and four distinct specialty units — the " Sea Chanters " chorus ( 1956 ) , the " Commodores " jazz ensemble ( 1969 ) , the " Country Current " country - bluegrass group ( 1973 ) , and the " Cruisers " contemporary music ensemble ( 1999 ) . The band also features several chamber music groups . The story of Navy music is as old as the history of our Navy . Our early Sailors used instrumental and vocal music to accompany their daily lives . Early records of shipboard fifes and drums confirm this proven method of delivering orders over the din of battle . The sea chantey united the voices as it coordinated the efforts of the crew . There were special varieties for specific tasks from hoisting the mainsail to weighing anchor . After - hours entertainment featured the chantey in sentimental thoughts of home and often humorous speculation about their next adventure . The scope and size of these musical groups increased as our Navy grew . Those initial trumpets , fifes and drums were carried on the early frigates to sound calls , give general orders and perform at funerals and other ceremonies . Bands became a separate section of the crew on many Navy vessels . The development of shore - based bands in the 19th century led to the creation of the Naval Academy Band , which grew in size and importance during the Civil War . Other band units afloat and ashore played a major role in promoting the morale of sailors and civilians alike . At the start of World War I , many outstanding musicians left their famous orchestras and joined the Navy , using their talents to further the war effort . In 1916 , a 16 - piece band from the battleship USS " Kansas " was ordered to the Washington Navy Yard to augment a 17 - piece band aboard the presidential yacht Mayflower . The new unit became known as the " Washington Navy Yard Band " and was given rehearsal space near the power plant ' s coal pile . The increasing tempo of the band ' s duties led the bandmaster to seek more suitable quarters in the yard ' s " Sail Loft , " and sailmakers were soon cutting and stitching their canvas to the rhythms of the music . The Navy Band still occupies the Sail Loft as its headquarters and rehearsal hall . Naval Academy Band . 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 . However , 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 Midshipman on parade before dignitaries on Worden Field , advance into Navy / Marine Corps 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 . In addition , the Concert Band performs a year - round concert series that is both highly acclaimed and well received . Performances feature well rounded programs of light classics , popular melodies , patriotic songs , and of course , marches chosen from the band ’ s extensive music library or prepared by the staff arrangers . Special events include the Side - By - Side concert featuring local High School musicians chosen to play with the band under the baton of a special guest conductor , and the annual Finale concert featuring all Naval Academy Band ensembles and closing with Tchaikovsky ’ s “ 1812 Overture , ” complete with live cannon fire ! Smaller ensembles are featured in the Chamber Music Series , a variety of recitals planned and presented by individual band members . The Electric Brigade , the Navy ’ s premier Top 40 Band , aids recruiting by acquainting young Americans with the Navy and the Armed Forces , in addition to performances for the Brigade of Midshipmen in functions ranging from formal occasions such as the Graduation Ball during Commissioning Week to informal dances , pep rallies , and company picnics . These are but a few places where “ The Navy ’ s Oldest and Finest Band ” continues the long tradition of musical excellence and service to America begun so many years ago . From its 66 members , the band also calls upon two jazz groups , brass and woodwind quintets , trombone and clarinet quartets , tuba and percussion ensembles , and two reception combos . Each member of the band hopes to add his or her mark to the progress which has seen a walrus - mustachioed fifer and drummer grow into one of America ’ s top ranking musical organizations . A succession of 26 leaders and hundreds of instrumentalists , each adding his or her special talent to the band ’ s repertoire , continue to instill a sense of pride and patriotism in Americans everywhere . Support Unit . Navy Band Fleet Support Unit . Musical equipment maintenance enjoys a proud heritage at Navy Band Fleet Support Unit where traditional band instrument repair and analog / digital equipment repair come together to lead the Navy ' s Music Program into the 21st century ! Created to provide the material support necessary in the operation of Fleet bands both afloat and ashore , Navy Band Fleet Support Unit performs a variety of diverse services to include : Test & Evaluation of all equipment ; equipment repair and maintenance ; and shipping & receiving of equipment to / from activities Fleet - wide . Comprising professional Navy Musicians and Navy Civilians , Navy Band Fleet Support Unit operates out of Little Creek , Virginia and is responsible for maintaining an inventory in excess of 50 , 000 items . Located aboard the Naval Amphibious Base in Norfolk , Virginia , the Navy School of Music provides specialized training for selected personnel of the Army , Navy , and Marine Corps , and is the first stop after basic training for instrumentalists and vocalists seeking to join the ranks of America ' s military bands . School of Music . Navy School of Music . This unique facility , the largest of its kind in the world , provides basic to advanced levels of instruction geared toward preparing Soldiers , Sailors , and Marines for the challenges of performance within a wide variety of military ensembles . Graduates of the Navy School of Music go on to become musical ambassadors throughout the United States and abroad as members of U . S . Army , Navy , and Marine Corps Bands . Tracing its origins to the early 20th century , the School evolved from intermittent attempts to establish a permanent site to train Navy Musicians . In June 1935 , the Navy School of Music opened in Washington , D . C . , operating in conjunction with the United States Navy Band until becoming an independent activity in 1942 . Students enrolled at the School during this era graduated as complete ensembles — transferring as a unit to serve aboard ships in the U . S . Fleet . Unit Band # 22 , for example , was deployed to the USS " Arizona " — ultimately to be counted among the first casualties during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor . After more than a decade of operating as a Navy - specific institution , the School received a quota of 15 enlisted Marines and , following negotiations between the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Naval Personnel , Army students began being enrolled in January 1951 . With the School now providing training for Soldiers , Sailors and Marines , in a facility that was originally designed to be a temporary structure , it was clear the Navy School of Music had outgrown its home and a new facility was sorely needed . Of the numerous sites evaluated , the School of Music ' s present home , Building 3602 aboard Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk , Virginia proved best suited for instrumental and academic training . Originally built in 1955 as an barracks , Building 3602 was stripped to bare cinderblock and reconstructed with the unique needs of professional military musicians in mind . In April 2005 , building 3602 was renamed to McDonald Hall after Captain John D . McDonald , the School of Music ' s first Commanding Officer at this location . Housed within the Armed Forces School of Music are nine rehearsal areas ( each of which is linked by closed - circuit television ) which can accommodate ensembles of virtually any size and more than 100 studios available for individual practice and instrumental instruction . More than 17 , 000 compositions are kept on file in the music library , and 1 , 000s of musical recordings , reference materials and publications are also available for student use and training . Additionally , a state of the art repair facility is maintained to service the nearly 3 , 000 musical instruments presently carried on the School ' s inventory .