UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY GOSPEL CHOIR FACT SHEET

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the United States Naval Academy Gospel Choir (USNA) is to offer musically talented midshipmen the opportunity to sing gospel music together, form bonds of mutual encouragement, and to support diversity outreach efforts of the Naval Academy and the naval service at large utilizing Music, Ministry,  and Mentorship.

DESCRIPTION

The USNA Gospel Choir is an upbeat inspirational, musical ensemble.  Comprised of midshipmen from various locations, races, and creeds, the Gospel Choir is truly reflective of the diverse interests and ethnicities within the Brigade of Midshipmen.  The common bond between the members of this young choir is their anointed voices, musical talents, and passion to praise God through song.  The choir travels to a myriad of professional, cultural, and religious venues across the United States spreading the good news and showing the naval uniform with pride.

Encouraging growth and continued success of the gospel choir's mission is the Naval Academy's way of acknowledging the rich culture of the African-American heritage.  Embracing this heritage is important to midshipmen and gives them a vehicle to educate others in the Brigade.  This education process extends past the gates of the Naval Academy to reach communities, towns, schools, and people who may have difficulty connecting their heritage to the personal sacrifice required of naval service.  Through performances and touring, the gospel choir directly supports diversity outreach and minority recruiting efforts for the Naval Academy and the naval service at large.   

Another vital function of the gospel choir is that it provides an identity and support group for its members.  Once considered an African-American organization, the gospel choir has grown in its membership to support midshipmen from various heritages and backgrounds.  By connecting midshipmen of similar interests, the gospel choir assists in retaining its members for graduation from the United States Naval Academy.    

WHAT MAKES THIS GOSPEL CHOIR SPECIAL

·        The USNA Gospel Choir was founded in 1985 by midshipmen who saw consistent fellowship, praise, and worship as sustaining factors to ensure success at the Naval Academy and throughout their lives.

·    From 1990 until 2006, the gospel choir was under the direction of Mrs. Joyce Garrett.  In 2006, Ms. Karla Scott assumed the position of choir director for the USNA Gospel Choir.

·    For many years the gospel choir has been accompanied by some of the best professional musicians that the Washington DC and metropolitan areas have to offer. 

·   The gospel choir recorded its debut compact disc “Down by the Riverside” in 1996.  The sophomore album “Glory and Honor” was recorded in 2002.  The compact disc was dedicated to the victims who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, including 14 Naval Academy graduates.  The gospel choir has sold over 1,000 copies of this compact disc.  The gospel choir recently recorded its third project, entitled, “In His Presence” to be released in 2006.

·    The gospel choir travels all across the United States annually to spread the word of Jesus Christ through song, and to assist with the outreach efforts of the Naval Academy.  For outreach and cultural significance, the gospel choir has also traveled to Atlanta, GA annually for the Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration.  The Atlanta tour gives choir members the opportunity to sing in the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ministered. 

·    In addition to enduring the rigorous Naval Academy life, which consists of scholastic achievement; physical fitness; leadership, character, and ethics training; and professional development, these midshipmen share their time, experiences, and talents to serve as mentors and an inspiration to youth. 

·    Upon graduation from the Naval Academy, these midshipmen will be commissioned as officers in the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps.