U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters Chorus to perform at State Theatre
Feelings of pride and patriotism will certainly prevail for the audience attending The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters Chorus concert scheduled at 3 p.m. Sunday at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown. A variety of other emotions are likely to be experienced during the performance of this dynamic vocal ensemble as they perform a diversity of choral selections. Their repertoire includes traditional sea chantey, popular music styles and Broadway scores.
The Herald-Standard and the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown are sponsoring the concert.
“The military concerts are always exceptionally good, their performances are heartfelt and get good audience involvement,” said Karen Tweardy, the publisher’s secretary and the newspaper’s promotions coordinator.
The inception of the Sea Chanters Chorus was in 1956 when LT. Harold Flutz organized a group from the Navy School of Music to sing sea chanteys and patriotic music for the State of the Nation dinner in Washington D.C.
The group was an instant success and was incorporated in the Navy Band. The sailors, singing songs of the sea, were named the “Sea Chanters” and have been proudly representing the heritage and traditions of the United States Navy for 50 years.
The Sea Chanters was an all-male chorus until 1980 when women joined the group. Today, the group is under the musical direction of chief musician Keith D. Hinton and is comprised of 16 vocalists, three instrumentalists and a sound engineer.
For the past 50 years, the chorus has been highly regarded and performed at the White House for the president and various heads of state.
Recently, the group has received greater critical success, according to Russell J. Rathier, senior chief musician/unit lead tenor.
“We’ve always performed at the White House, the difference is that, in the past, we would have sung at holiday parties on a lower level. Now we are often the main entertainment following state dinners,” Rathier said.
The chorus has achieved success performing in civilian venues as well. Most notably they were requested to perform with the Cincinnati Pops and received rave reviews.
They also have performed on the “Larry King Live” show on CNN and the “CBS this Morning” show. Recently they performed at the somber event of the state funeral service of President Gerald R. Ford.
The depth of talent and professional musical experience of the vocalists provides the diversity for the show, which offers variety of musical genres.
“It is a privilege to work with such quality musicians and hear great musical concepts achieved and exceeded every time I rehearse or perform with this group,” Hinton said.
While the concert maintains the traditional neat rows of ensemble singers, performing traditional choral music, sea chanteys and patriotic selections, vocalists will entertain the audience.
The vocalists act out scenes from a classic play such as “Guys and Dolls,” a recreation of an Andrews Sisters performance or even a doo-wop selection, as smaller ensembles or soloists step forward from the group, creating a captivating performance.
“We try to keep an emotional flow going through the whole program that will take the audience on an exhilarating emotional journey,” Hinton said.
He makes an analogy of the steep climbs and downward plunges of a roller coaster ride. As if that isn’t enough, the show is peppered with some unexpected surprises to delight attendees.
Rathier said he is excited about the way the chorus is performing, added, “The Sea Chanters are definitely on a roll, or should I say we’re the Navy ‘riding a wave.'”
Tickets for the show are free of charge, but are required. Only a few are left and are available by calling 724-439-7518. Check for tickets at the door on the day of the performance 15 minutes prior the start of the show.