Starting their 23-day tour across the East Coast in celebration of their 100-year anniversary, the Navy Band performed at Spartanburg High School on March 13, 2025. While setting up in the Viking Arena, the Navy Band engaged with the crowd through singing, dancing and clapping, filling the arena with movement and excitement.
Presley Goudelock (11) was glad she attended the concert to see a different side of the military and to create lasting memories.
“I enjoyed my experience at the Navy Band concert, and the music was amazing. The performance made me realize that our military isn’t just about showing our nation’s strength but also about bringing people together. I attended with my friends, and we had a fun time watching together,” Goudelock said.
After students from Spartanburg High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) presented the colors and the national anthem played, the Navy Band kicked off the show with lively, upbeat music that had the crowd cheering. Songs like “Conga“ by Gloria Estefan, “Come Sail Away“ by Styx, “Defying Gravity“ from the “Wicked“ soundtrack and the “Mission Impossible” theme song entertained attendees of all ages.
The band’s choir also helped connect with the audience through vocal performances, adding variety beyond instrumental music. Jazz and blues solos further showcased the musicians’ talents. After the show, audience members were invited to speak with the musicians, learn more about the band and express their appreciation for those who have served or are currently serving in the military.
Chief Musician David Smith, a trumpeter and unit leader of the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers, said he is grateful for the opportunity to perform with the Navy Band and enjoys being on tour. He credited many of his teachers and fellow musicians for influencing his musical journey.
“Well, it’s great playing with the Navy Band. These are top-notch musicians. Many of my teachers played in the band, so I’m a part of this continued legacy. They play great in all different styles of jazz, classical and pop. I feel honored and privileged just to be able to share the stage with them,” Smith said. “It’s great being on tour. In the Navy Band, we are ambassadors for the Navy, so we get to be out there performing for the general public but also for our veterans. It’s a great opportunity to be a visual and audio aid for folks who aren’t familiar with the Navy and to play music and entertain the veterans who served our country.”
In addition to celebrating the band’s 100-year anniversary and the Navy’s 250-year anniversary, part of the band’s mission on tour is to honor those who have served in all branches of the U.S. military. During the performance, they shared historical facts, played the “Armed Forces Medley“ originally written by Derric Johnson, and dedicated songs to veterans.
Jeff Key, the band teacher at Spartanburg High School, said he hopes to host more military bands in the future and felt it was an honor to welcome the Navy Band to SHS.
“When the school opened, we applied for all military bands to perform at SHS. Last year, we hosted the Navy Jazz Commodores from Washington, D.C. They performed in the band room for the band and choir students during the day. I have also been in contact with the Marine’s President’s Own about performing here as well,” Key said. “We are hoping they will be able to come here on one of their tours in the next few years. This is one of the best concert bands in the world, and we are so lucky to have the opportunity to host them here at SHS. It really is a big honor to have them here to perform.”
In addition to the Navy Band’s performance, the Spartanburg High School band program has reached out to several other military branches’ bands, hoping to host their performances in the future. Connecting with the President’s Own Marine Band and other college bands not only promotes Spartanburg High School but also shows the community that there is more to the military than weapons and power. Through the universal language of music, the military is able to inspire, connect and celebrate with people across the country.
