Music in the Military

There was a time when African-Americans could serve in the Navy and nowhere else. But over time, when society changed, the Navy became the branch of service where racism and discrimination were most deeply engrained. Each time that the Navy moved to change its racial discrimination, it turned to musicians to be the pioneers. African-American musicians have stood by their fellow Sailors in the cause of freedom and liberty around the world. These Sailors not only served their country, but also fought for social justice. This podcast explores their story, a rich narrative of the spirit of our nation’s complex history.

You probably know about Francis Scott Key’s inspired poetry, drafted during the bombing of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, but where did the music come from? Is there a really a law that requires Americans to stand when it is played? Can it be sung in other languages?

We think of music and art as bringing us pleasure or entertainment.  But it can also help in -- of all things -- foreign policy.  The State Department has said that hearts and minds can be won through culture just as effectively as through guns of the field.  In this segment, Chief Musician Mike Bayes of the United States Navy Band talks about how music and culture were used during the Kennedy Administration to bring the world a positive view of America -- from Jazz Ambassadors to the creation of elaborate arrival ceremonies at the White House.

Master Sgt. Jari Villanueva, a musician with the United States Air Force Ceremonial Brass, reviews ceremonial music in military, including the historic 1963 funeral for President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery. Sgt. Villanueva discusses the role of musicians in the military, demonstrates battlefield bugle calls and talks about why the 24 notes of  “Taps” are the toughest notes a military bugler has to play.