Hitting the High Notes: Navy Band Northeast Performance Highlights Navy Week Festivities

When you think of military music, you may imagine the sounds of a rousing march. But as Navy Week sailed into Syracuse, the Navy Band Northeast showed students that they’re about much more than just “Anchors Aweigh.” On Aug. 28, two of the band’s ensembles entertained students at Setnor Auditorium at Crouse College with a variety of classical and jazz pieces. Members even led students in a singalong chorus of the pop anthem “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

The goal was to show students one of the many options that are available when they graduate. “Some students may not know that you can have an actual career as a musician in the military, but many, many people do,” said Brad Ethington, director of University bands and professor of music.

Ainsley Brouse G’26, who is pursuing a master’s degree in wind conducting in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, says the extent of what military bands do was new to her when she came to college. “I think if I had seen that younger, before college, I think it would’ve made music seem more accessible and more achievable that there is not just one path you can go down, but there’s many, many paths that you can go down,” Brouse said.

After their performance, the musicians answered questions from students about what it means to be in a military band and to be a professional musician more generally. “Anytime you can interact with the very best people in your profession in any way, whether it’s just hearing a performance, getting to ask questions, meeting them, that’s only going to be a positive thing and provide benefits,” Ethington said.

Check out other highlights from Navy Week below.