Michael S. Grant
Lieutenant, U.S. NAVY

Lieutenant Michael S. Grant was the Acting Leader of the United States Naval Academy Band, a position he assumed on October 1 st, 2006. He transferred from the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., where he served as Specialty Groups Department Head, Supply Officer, and Associate Conductor. Born in 1957 and raised in Middlebury, Vt., Lt. Grant enlisted in the Navy in 1977. Upon completion of initial training, he served in the Navy's SIXTH Fleet Band in Naples, Italy, followed by a tour of duty as a member of Navy Band New Orleans.

In 1981, he left the Navy to further his education at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned a bachelor's degree in arranging, graduating magna cum laude. After graduation, he returned to the Navy as a member of Navy Band Great Lakes. Additional duty stations included the Armed Forces School of Music, Navy Band Guam, and Recruit Training Command San Diego as a Company Commander and Director of the Recruit Training Command Drum and Bugle Corps. At Navy Band San Diego, he attained the rank of Chief Musician and served as ceremonial conductor, trumpet instrumentalist and leader of Navy Band San Diego's Show Band. In 1998, he completed his master's degree in management and was commissioned an Ensign on May 1. As a Bandmaster, his first assignment was at the U.S. Naval Academy Band as its Assistant Leader and Associate Conductor followed by an assignment as Director, Navy Band New Orleans. Promoted to his present rank in May 2002, Lieutenant Grant reported to Yokosuka, Japan, for duty as Director, SEVENTH Fleet Band. Upon completion of this overseas tour, he attended Florida State University where he earned a master's degree in conducting.

His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Unit Commendation (four awards), the Expert Rifleman Medal, the Expert Pistol Shot Medal and others.

HISTORY