ASHLAND – The official chorus of the U.S. Navy will present a free concert at Ashland High School’s Archer Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21.
The Sea Chanters is a 20-voice chorus accompanied by a three-piece rhythm section. The group will perform a range of songs, from patriotic selections to Broadway showstoppers.
“It’s incredible that we’re able to bring such a top level military group into Ashland,” said Martin Kral, chair of the Music Department at Ashland High School.
About six months before the new Archer Auditorium opened at Ashland High, Kral started inquiring about bringing one of the elite military musical choirs or bands to the new facility. He was excited to find out the Sea Chanters would be coming through Ohio and could make their way to Ashland.
“This concert will highlight our beautiful new facility,” Kral said. “Archer Auditorium is only two years old. It’s the largest auditorium in Ashland County and we’re excited to bring in so many concertgoers to view and hear the space for the first time.”
The concert is free but tickets are required. Up to six free general admission tickets can be picked up at Mike’s Music, 6 E. Main St., or at the Ashland High School office, 1440 King Road.
This special performance by the Navy’s official chorus is part of the Navy Sea Chanters’ national tour. The Sea Chanters perform regularly at the White House, the Vice President’s house, and for dignitaries at Washington embassies.
The history of the Sea Chanters goes back more than 60 years. In 1956, Lt. Harold Fultz organized a group from the Navy School of Music to sing chanteys and patriotic songs for the State of the Nation dinner. An immediate success, Adm. Arleigh Burke, then chief of naval operations, transferred them to the Navy Band, named them the Sea Chanters and tasked this all-male chorus with perpetuating the songs of the sea. In 1980, the group added women to their ranks and expanded their repertoire to include everything from Brahms to Broadway.
