The United States Navy’s official chorus will come to campus March 7

The Navy Sea Chanters are set to deliver a free musical performance Thursday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Concert Hall in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts, offering attendees an opportunity to embrace patriotism and enjoy a performance rooted in maritime history.

Attendees can expect a wide variety of vocal musical genres from the Sea Chanters. Marking their second performance on campus, the musicians’ program will include a surprise array of solos, quartets and instrumental pieces.

According to Daryl Duff, associate professor of commercial vocal studies, the Navy Sea Chanters are professional vocal musicians who are members of the United States Navy.

The Sea Chanters take their professional musicianship to sing and perform in service to their nation. They are a presidential support unit attached to the White House as well as the United States Navy’s official chorus.

“If we were a monarchy, then the Sea Chanters would be the king’s musicians,” Duff said.

Duff has 23 years of experience as a Sea Chanter from 1990 to 2013.

“When the performers meet audience members after the show, people are just so happy. They’re so surprised and fulfilled. They’ll say, ‘I didn’t expect this. This was fantastic…’ We truly do have music for everybody, from two to 92,” Duff said.

According to Duff, the Sea Chanters will honor military service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard in a special recognition during their performance.

“It brings a tear to my eyes to think that every time we ask (active duty, retired or veteran military service members) to stand for their service, we get people in wheelchairs and walkers, and I see 70- 80-year-old or 90-year-old veterans (who) sit and enjoy the performance, but the moment we play their service song, there is a sense of pride and honor,” Duff said. “They have to stand up and there are times when there’s not a dry eye in the building because the music has touched them so much.”

Duff began his experience with the Navy Sea Chanters after graduating from Central Missouri State University, now known as the University of Central Missouri.

After responding to a flyer seeking African American bass singers with operatic training, Duff auditioned successfully, attended boot camp and joined the Chanters at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., in April 1990. Embarking on a 23-year career, Duff performed for numerous prestigious individuals, including multiple presidents, vice presidents, the chief of naval operations and the joint chiefs of staff.

With a strong desire for the ministry throughout his time in the Navy, Duff directed choirs, taught Sunday school and participated in various missions trips. His journey eventually brought him to the Liberty University Distance Learning Program in 2003. Following God’s guidance, Duff transitioned from pursuing a master’s degree in divinity to a master’s degree in music, opening a new chapter in his career as a music educator.

Duff encourages attendance at the upcoming performance on Liberty’s campus.

“Everybody usually smiles when they leave a Sea Chanters performance,” Duff said. “Because of the program, everyone feels a sense of pride in America.”

To learn more about the upcoming Navy Sea Chanters performance and future musical performances on campus, visit this website.

Solem is the asst. feature editor for the Liberty Champion. Follow him on X