Master Chief Petty Officer Richard F. Chappell, USN
French Hornist, Naval Academy Band

Master Chief Musician Richard F. Chappell is a native of Brevard, North Carolina. He graduated from Brevard Junior College in 1968 and received a Bachelor of Music at the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem in 1970. While at the North Carolina School of the Arts he studied French horn with Mr. Fred Bergstone. Upon graduation, Master Chief Chappell worked as Assistant Band Director, Berry High School in Birmingham, Alabama and later as Band Director, Adkin Junior High School in Kinston, North Carolina.

In 1981, Master Chief Chappell enlisted in the Navy Music Program and graduated from the Armed Forces School of Music in May 1982. His first tour of duty was with Navy Band Orlando where he served as French horn instrumentalist and librarian. Since reporting for duty as French hornist in 1985 with the United States Naval Academy Band, Master Chief Chappell's duties have included; Tape Archivist, Drum Major, Minor Property Supervisor, Supply Chief, and Chief in Charge of Fiscal. In addition to his current musical duties with the concert band, ceremonial and marching units, he is serving as Supply Division Chief.

His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Good Conduct (six awards), and National Defense Service Medal (two awards).

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