By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Mt. Prospect, Illinois, native is serving at the Naval School of Music, located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Seaman Matthew Gordon is a 2017 Mt. Prospect High School graduate. Today, Gordon is training to be a Navy musician.
“Once I officially become a Navy musician, I will be responsible for providing music at ceremonies and during community outreach events,” said Gordon.
Gordon joined the Navy less than a year ago for the opportunities serving provides.
" Being a military musician has been a longtime goal of mine, as it is the most stable professional route for euphonium players,” said Gordon. “Vacancies in the military bands do not regularly occur, so when any of the bands are hiring for your instrument, it’s a good idea to take the audition to give yourself as many opportunities as possible to get hired. I’ve submitted for a handful of auditions since I started college, and the Navy audition in 2020 was the one that worked out.”
The Naval School of Music provides specialized training for personnel of the Navy and Marine Corps. This unique facility, the largest of its kind in the world, provides basic and advanced levels of instruction to military musicians of the Navy and Marine Corps to prepare them for the challenges of performance within a wide variety of military ensembles.
According to Navy officials, following basic training, sailors and Marines report to the Naval School of Music to enhance their musical and military knowledge preparing them to receive the musician designator and ultimate assignment to a fleet band. The basic course encompasses the fundamentals of music theory and ear training as well as instrumental performance. During their career, military musicians can apply for advanced training at the Naval School of Music to develop skills in live sound production, rehearsal techniques, music arranging, conducting, drum majoring, theory and ear training.
Gordon believes the same lessons and skills developed in Mt. Prospect contribute to a successful Navy career at Naval School of Music.
“I’m fortunate to have been part of music programs at Lincoln Middle School and Mt. Prospect High School with committed and supportive directors,” said Gordon. “Mr. Fudala at Lincoln Middle School, and Mr. Barnum and Mr. Weber at Mt. Prospect High School all cultivated environments that allowed for great friendships and musical memories. I’m so thankful for my private instructors over my pre-college years, Josh Wirt, Jared Bulmer, and B.J. Hardesty, and my teachers at the University of Georgia, David Zerkel and Dr. Matthew Shipes, who all helped me grow tremendously as a musician.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Gordon is most proud of having the chance to serve.
“I have a general feeling of pride about wearing the uniform and being in a position to represent the Navy through music,” said Gordon.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gordon, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“To me, serving in the Navy means honoring the service and sacrifice of sailors past and present and acting as an ambassador to citizens both within the United States and abroad,” added Gordon. “I also see it as an opportunity to play a small role in the long-standing tradition of United States military bands. This new chapter of my life is a dream come true.”