United States Naval Academy Gospel Choir

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) Gospel Choir is an upbeat inspirational musical ensemble. Comprised of midshipmen from various places, races and creeds, the Gospel Choir is truly reflective of the diverse interests and ethnicities within the Brigade of Midshipmen. Their common bond is musical talent and a passion to praise God through song.

Throughout the year, the USNA Gospel Choir maintains an active performance schedule. The Choir regularly performs at the Naval Academy for Sunday Chapel services, special conferences, and seasonal concerts. Other venues include: churches, schools, and community centers. The USNA Gospel Choir also conducts two annual tours during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday weekend and Spring Break.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday tour takes place in Atlanta. During this trip, the Choir observes the holiday by delivering musical presentations to various Atlanta-area high schools and churches in the local vicinity. Additionally the Choir has the honor of performing at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. Annually, the choir also arranges a Spring Break Tour to spread its message of inspiration, motivation, and exhortation to areas throughout the country. Previous Spring Break tours have taken the choir to Detroit, MI; St. Louis, MO; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA; Dallas and Houston, TX; San Diego and Los Angeles, CA; Key West, Orlando, Miami, and Pensacola, FL; and Bermuda.

In 1990, the choir came under the direction of consummate musician and Washington, DC music educator, Joyce Garrett. She had produced outstanding choral ensembles in the Washington, DC area for many years, and used her talent and skills at the USNA to endow the Gospel Choir with a diverse repertoire of music including traditional spirituals and hymns, praise songs, and contemporary gospel compositions.  Under her direction, the choir has received much recognition and numerous accolades for their inspirational performances and excellence in singing.  Mrs. Garrett directed the choir until the summer of 2006, when Ms. Karla Scott was hired as the new gospel choir director.

Karla Scott has an earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Pedagogy (the science of vocal training) from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC and a Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Maryland at College Park. Ms. Scott has begun Doctoral training in Music at the University of Maryland, College Park.  As a director, Ms. Scott has performed for President Clinton and at the opening ceremonies of Africa University in Zimbabwe, Africa at the invitation of President Mugabe.  As teacher and psalmist and has shared ministry settings with Israel Houghton and New Breed, Twinkie Clark of the Clark Sisters, Richard Smallwood, Smokey Norful, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and many others. 

The existence of the United States Naval Academy Gospel Choir is a key asset to the Naval Academy team. Not only does it allow its members to express their faith in song, but it also provides an opportunity to showcase the diversity and talents of today’s Brigade of Midshipmen. The ability to perform in public venues undoubtedly assists in the recruitment of potential candidates who otherwise would not be exposed to the opportunities offered by attending the Naval Academy. Today, the Gospel Choir continues to excel and surpass the expectations of its founders by spreading the Gospel and playing a vital role in the Naval Academy’s mission.