Navy Band Southeast performs a variety of musical styles

Representing Commander, Navy Region Southeast and the Navy, the band performs music throughout the Southeast Region. The band performs for official military ceremonies such as retirements, change of commands, as well as parades and public concerts. The band also performs at area schools in support of Navy recruiting efforts.

The Navy Band has built an excellent reputation for quality musical performances wherever they perform. The band is comprised of approximately 45 professional musicians, all of which are graduates of the Armed Forces School of Music. These outstanding musicians under the direction of Lt. Cmdr. Rick Bailey, rehearse up to 30 hours each week while also maintaining a very busy performance schedule.

Bailey commented, "throughout the years, our Sailors have become progressively more professional. This is exemplified so clearly in Navy musicians. These are dedicated, talented folks who understand their mission and take a lot of pride in doing their job," stated Bailey. "They spend a lot of time improving their music skills, striving to be the best musical professionals. I'm so impressed with the way they also take care of business that doesn't directly involve playing music. Simply put, they refuse to accept mediocrity in any form. I'm very proud of them and consider it a real honor to serve with them."

Southeast Members of Navy Band Southeast Brass Quintet meet former President Jimmy Carter at one of their engagements. Photo courtesy of Navy Band

Operations Coordinator MU1 Kenny Oliver coordinates all upcoming performances. "It's difficult to accommodate all incoming requests but we try our very best," said Oliver. Navy Band Southeast receives more than 2,000 requests per year from both military and civilian organizations seeking musical support and fulfills 300 to 400 requests each year.

Navy Band Southeast is comprised of six performing units. The band also has solo guitarists, pianists and vocalists who perform year round. Solo vocalists traditionally sing the national anthem at opening ceremonies.

Navy Rock Band " Pride" is made up of eight performers. Pride plays a variety of Top-40 rock and roll music, entertaining audiences at local military events and public concerts throughout Northeast Florida.

The Navy Band Southeast's Jazz Ensemble performs the many different popular styles of jazz. They have entertained thousands of audiences throughout the Southeastern United States, Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba with Latin beats and jazz classics.

With five members, the Woodwind Quintet performs for banquets, dining events, public concerts and school programs. The quintet plays classical and contemporary music from Bach to Mozart and Bernstein to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The trombone section of the Brass Quintet demonstrates their skills at a practice session.

The music of the Brass Quintet encompasses styles from traditional brass quintet literature to the popular music of today. The five performers play music suitable for music education clinics, receptions, military ceremonies, public concerts and schools including a unique educational program specifically designed for elementary children.

The Ceremonial Band has approximately 23 performers and offers a more patriotic musical style specializing in military change of commands, retirements and other military ceremonies.

The Marching Band, which has 40 performers, specializes in pass and reviews and military parades.

To request musical support from Navy Band Southeast, email your request to navybandsoutheast@navy.mil or mail it to Navy Band Southeast, P.O. Box 62, NAS Jacksonville, FL 32212-0062. All requests must include the date, time and location of the event, command and point of contact including telephone number and an email address.

Bandmaster Lt. Cmdr. Rick Bailey directs the band at a recent rehearsal.

For more information, call Navy Band Southeast at 542-5611, Ext. 16.