About
The United States Naval Academy GOSPEL CHOIR, led by Mr. Michael Scott, is an upbeat inspirational musical ensemble. Comprised of midshipmen from various places, races, and creeds, the Gospel Choir is reflective of the diverse interests and ethnicities within the Brigade of Midshipmen. Their common bond is musical talent and a passion to praise through song.
Throughout the year, the USNA Gospel Choir maintains an active schedule and performs not only at the Naval Academy but throughout the nation at churches, schools, and community centers. The choir has taken its message of inspiration, motivation, and exhortation to Atlanta, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Detroit, San Diego, Key West, Orlando, Miami, Pensacola, and Bermuda. Recent notable appearances include the Inaugural Concert "We Are One" performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for President Obama in front of a live audience of over half a million people and a concert tour representing the United States throughout South Korea.
The Gospel Choir is a wonderful part of the Naval Academy family. Not only does it allow its members to express their faith in song, but it also provides the public an opportunity to witness the diversity and talents of today's Brigade of Midshipmen. The Gospel Choir continues to grow and excel, spreading the joy of Gospel Music and assisting the Naval Academy to fulfill its mission.
Performances and Run-Outs
2022-2023
The Gospel Choir is honored to travel to a variety of locations to introduce the public and future candidates to the opportunities available at the US Naval Academy.
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES:
September 9, 2022 - Second Class Parents Weekend Concert
United States Naval Academy
Mahan Hall
7:00 PM, ( Tickets available here.)
The Gospel Choir will travel to DETROIT to perform several public concerts to highlight the talents of the Brigade of Midshipmen and to introduce prospective candidates to the opportunities available to them by attending the US Naval Academy.
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES:
Saturday, October 8, 2022 - Mini-Admissions FORUM
Henry Ford College
5101 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday, October 8, 2022 - Guest Choir
Christ Church Cranbrook
470 Church Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
5:00 PM (Worship Service)
Sunday, October 9, 2022 - Guest Choir
Cass Community United Methodist Church
3901 Cass Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
11:00 AM (Worship Service)
October 9, 2022 - Public Concert!
First Congregational Church
33 E Forrest Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
3:00 PM ( Free; No Tickets Required)
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October 23, 2022 - Guest Choir
New Bethel Baptist Church
1739 9th Street
Washington, D.C.
11:00 AM, FREE ADMISSION (No Tickets Required)
November 13, 2022 - Guest Choir
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
6477 Lincolnia Road
Alexandria, VA 22312
10:00 AM, FREE ADMISSION (No Tickets Required)
December 10, 2022 - Special Performance
Army vs. Navy Football Game
Special Combined Performance with the West Point Gospel Choir
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
1:00 PM, (Tickets to game required)
February 3, 2023 - USNA Black History Month Concert
United States Naval Academy
Mahan Hall
7:00 PM, (Tickets available here.)
March 5, 2023 - Guest Choir
Kettering Baptist Church
1 Kettering Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
11:00 AM, FREE ADMISSION (No Tickets Required)
The Gospel Choir will travel to NEW YORK, NY to perform several public concerts to highlight the talents of the Brigade of Midshipmen and to introduce prospective candidates to the opportunities available to them by attending the US Naval Academy.
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES:
Thursday, March 23, 2023 - Public Concert!
St. Philip's Church (Harlem)
204 West 134th Street
New York, NY 10030
7:00 PM
Saturday, March 25, 2023 - Mini-Admissions FORUM
St. Jean de Baptiste High School
173 E. 75th Street
New York, NY 10021
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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April 22, 2023 - Guest Choir
Community Praise Church
1400 Russell Road
Alexandria, VA 22301
12:00 PM, FREE ADMISSION (No Tickets Required)
May 23, 2023 - USNA Commissioning Week Concert
United States Naval Academy
Main Chapel
7:00 PM, (Tickets available here.)
Voices of Praise
Comprised of nine exceptional members of the Gospel Choir, Voices of Praise is a small breakout ensemble who raise up their voices with inspiring song and adoration!
MR. MICHAEL SCOTT, is an extremely accomplished musician with over 20 years of experience. He studied Music Education at the University of the District of Columbia and Music Technology at the Levine School of Music. He also had the honor of studying Choral and Gospel Music under former Naval Academy Gospel Choir Director, Dr. Joyce Garrett.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Garrett, Michael has performed for every President of the United States since George H. W. Bush at events such as inaugurations, Christmas in Washington, and The Kennedy Center Honors.
He is highly skilled in playing the Hammond B-3 organ, all keyboards, drums, bass guitar, and a host of other instruments. Additionally, he is advanced in music arranging, vocal instruction, and producing live and studio recordings. Mr. Scott’s performing career has taken him to a number of notable venues such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the historic Howard Theatre, the legendary Blues Alley, and Central Park Summer Stage in New York City. His eclectic yet polished style of music has even afforded him the opportunity to perform internationally. Michael’s talents have afforded him the opportunity to play for a number of phenomenal artists such as Israel Houghton, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Bebe Winans, Tonex and many other great artist and musicians. He is currently the Musical Director for Season 2 winner of BET Sunday Best, Y’Anna Crawley, with whom he has had the pleasure of working for over a decade.
He has had the opportunity to produce and play on several recordings of national and local artists. His song “This is the Day” was chosen for the compilation album “Bishops of the Faith” with Bishop TD Jakes, Bishop Paul S Morton and Bishop Clarence McClendon.
His musical directing skills have allowed him to serve as Musical Director for special events such as the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March, the home going services of Mayor Marion Barry, and the Gospel Heritage Conference.
Mr. Scott currently serves as the Director of Music and Fine Arts for the historical Union Temple Baptist Church.
His soulful sound has become a staple of the Naval Academy and shines through in the midshipmen’s ability to master traditional and contemporary music while captivating their audience. He appreciates being a tool through which he may bless others with his ministry and gifts of song.
AmericaContact
Please contact the United States Naval Academy Music Department with any questions or comments you may have.
United States Naval Academy
Musical Activities Department
Mailing Address: Alumni Hall, 675 Decatur Rd. Annapolis, MD 21402-5086
Phone Number: (410) 293-2439
Fax Number: (410) 293-3218
