A free public concert scheduled for June 29, Friday, will mark the 77th anniversary of the School of Music as an established learning site.

The concert will be held at the Gator Theater on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEB LC-FS) in Virginia. The faculty and staff Wind Ensemble of the School of Music will be hosted by the Gator Theater in honor of this important milestone.

“Musician” became an officially recognized rating in 1838, but it was only after 97 years – on June 26, 1935 – when a formal training center for the professional development of Navy musicians was established in Washington, D.C.

The Navy musician still remains to be the only Navy rating with a required level of technical proficiency prior to enlistment. Navy and Marine Corps students study music theory and ear training, participate in drill band and student ensembles, and take individualized lessons with an instructor who is a subject matter expert on their particular instrument.

School of Music Commanding Officer Cmdr. Ralph Ingraham, shared: “At the School of Music we have tremendously talented performers. Concerts such as these not only gives us an opportunity to show off these great performers, but also gives them an opportunity to work on high caliber material in a first-rate ensemble which is critical to all of us in maintaining our skills… In addition, it serves as a moment of inspiration for the high-quality students who are involved in the performance, as well as for the rest of the students, who will have an opportunity to hear a truly great band.”