The U.S. Navy teamed up with Hagerty on Thursday, March 27. The collaboration between the two bands took place during third period, giving students who attended a musical break before they headed to lunch.
The Navy band is currently touring the southeast United States and is headed next to Brunswick, Georgia. They do about three weeks of touring a year before returning to Washington D.C. where they plan a new route and region to tour for the following year. These collaborations with local schools allow the Navy to build a relationship with students and expose the schools band to professional career options in music.
“It was a little scary at first, I was a little nervous but they were all super nice, it was a warm atmosphere [and] I think I held my own,” senior Alex Tsompanidis said.
Tsompanidis plans to continue music into college and enjoyed being able to play with professionals.
The Navy’s band plays a role in keeping the morale of service members up and exposing them to youth who may not have been aware the Navy had career opportunities for musicians.
“We are there to be the face of the Navy to the public, to improve the spirits of the people at our shows and of the service members, we call it ‘esprit de corps’ [a feeling of pride or fellowship],” Chief Bill Edwards said.
The unit leader for the Navy Cruisers and a trumpet instrumentalist David Smith shared a similar sentiment.
“We serve as ambassadors of the Navy, we’re the music, the sound, the visuals. We’re trying to represent those who serve and gave their life for our freedoms,” Smith said. “Music is a universal language everybody understands, so it’s a good way to form connections.”
Hagerty’s band did not have the chance to rehearse with the Navy before the concert. They were given short notice but still managed to put on a show that had the audience roaring.
“Honestly, they just gave us the music and said, ‘Hey you’re performing on this day, good luck.’ This was the first time I met any of them,” Tsompanidis said.
Some of the Navy band members had the opportunity to play with the Navy when they were in high school, creating a full circle moment for many of the service members.
“It’s nostalgic, I remember the bands coming to my high school, being in this role now is great to connect with the future and plant the seeds that maybe one day they will join the band,” Smith said.
