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Naval Academy Band

Superintendent's Combo

The Superintendent's Combo is the United States Naval Academy Band's jazz combo designated to support the many events hosted by the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. The group regularly performs for local military officials and visiting dignitaries from around the globe at the Superintendent's residence - Farragut House - and around the Naval Academy.

The Superintendent's Combo also performs public concerts in and around Annapolis. The group has appeared at The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Jazz Festival, the Frederick Festival of the Arts, and at annual summer concert series throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Additionally, the combo and the Midshipmen Action Group (MAG) have developed a dynamic educational outreach program that blends the experienced, world-class musicianship of the USNA Band members with the enthusiasm for volunteer service of the Brigade of Midshipmen. Their performances introduce children to America's music: Jazz. Topics discussed and demonstrated include the historical origins of jazz, New Orleans, improvisation, and the American heroes of jazz, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Herbie Hancock. The MAG representatives emcee the event, discuss their lives as midshipmen, and occasionally perform with the Combo. The result is a performance that has children clapping and stomping along, and inspired by the music.

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