Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes Bluejacket Choir is about to go on record… or at least on a CD with a collection of historic nautical and patriotic hymns.
This year, in recognition of the Naval Station Great Lakes one-hundredth anniversary, the group is recording compositions as part of the centennial celebration next year.
The 42-member choir is comprised of students attending various learning sites across Naval Station Great Lakes. With students transferring in and out over the course of the recording period, the tones of the group vary from piece to piece, lending a uniqueness to the music.
Some of the American favorites to be recorded include, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "The Star Spangled Banner," "Amazing Grace," "My Country Tis of Thee," "Taps," and of course, "Anchors Aweigh."
TSC's choir has compiled the selection of patriotic songs and hymns that exemplify the unit's vocal talents. Following in the footsteps of the Bluejackets Choir of the early sixties, the group not only makes music, but history.
The Bluejacket Choir has a long and colorful history at Great Lakes. Since before World War II, the chaplains encouraged recruits to participate in the choir to both provide entertainment and spiritual guidance. The choir takes its name from the Bluejacket Chapel aboard Naval Station Great Lakes.
The choir has performed at change of commands, retirements, holiday celebrations and other historical/commemorative events.
The executive officer of TSC, Cmdr. Courtenay E. Murakowski also lends a voice to the group on a regular basis and is very proud of being a part of the group.
"The TSC Bluejacket Choir is an extraordinarily talented and dedicated group of sailors," said Murakowski. "I am quite honored that they have allowed me to participate in their Centennial Celebration project."
Led by Navy chaplain, Cmdr. Lynn Peterson, the group practices after normal working hours at the TSC chapel three times per week.
"We're very excited about this project," said Peterson. "I turned this over to my student choir director and told them to run with it."
The chapel staff has volunteered many hours of their personal time to assist in producing the album. RPC(SW/AW/FMF) Lawrence E. Pieper is the senior enlisted member of the staff. Along with the staff chaplains, enlisted and civilian personnel and a constant stream of sailors coming and going, the group is attempting to record a memorable CD..
"It is truly humbling to be the LCPO for the Bluejacket Choir. The young men and women that make up the choir are the best and brightest of sailors and students at TSC Great Lakes. I would be proud to serve with them anywhere in the future," said Pieper.
"When I look at the history of the choir, I reflect back on the fact that my uncle Charles Malloy was a member of the choir in 1969," he explained. "The Navy shaped his life and values and I see the same thing happening today with the members of the choir."
FCSN Jessica Vadney, from Coxsackie, N.Y., has had a somewhat different path on her joining the choir. As the student director, she comes to TSC with training at the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy and just prior to leaving for active duty, she attended the Boston Conservatory studying vocal performance.
Vadney joined the Navy for the educational benefits. "It's a tough economy out there," she said. "Tuition at the conservatory is between $30 and $40 thousand, and the benefits in the Navy can get me stabilized monetarily."
IC3 Debra Sorrentino, Merritt Island, Fla., has been a member with the choir for about ten months. She enjoys being part of the group and describes it as "being in a family."
"It's a good way to unwind after going to school," she said. "Everyone is excited about the project; they all want to be here. But it's a lot of work."
Commenting about working with the choir, Vadney said, "There're great! It's a whole new experience for me with so many different types of voices from classical to Broadway, to those belting out gospel. It so interesting to deal with the different techniques of all the different singers and having to put them together and make them sound as one."
"Watching the phenomenal leadership of the student directors and the hard work of all the singers they direct is truly motivating and it gives me great confidence that we are leaving our Navy in good hands with these young leaders of tomorrow," Murakowski said.
ETSN Ron Phillip Patrick Westcott, of Charlotte, N.C., has been with the choir for about a year with a four-month break for his "A" school. Leaving Great Lakes in November, Westcott says he loves being with the group. "It's a great way to get to know people and form a bond with new friends. And singing is a great stress reliever.
"It's a great honor to be part of the history of the Navy. Grant it, it's a small event, considering our total history, but it means a lot to be to be put in charge of something like this. Sometimes I feel it's all well over my head, but somehow, everyone just works so well together it just comes together great," she said.
TSC's Commanding Officer, Capt. Caroline M. Olinger is very proud of the choir and impact it has on Naval Station sailors and the general public through various outreach programs.
"The TSC Bluejacket Choir has a rich history here in Great Lakes, dating back to the early part of the last century," Olinger said. "It is motivating to see this talented group carry on the tradition into the 21st century.
"The choir's hard work contributes enormously to TSC's outreach efforts, and they certainly help to keep command morale high," she noted. "I have been quite impressed with by the choir's dedication and professionalism. They certainly take their responsibility seriously … and it shows."
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