The Navy - Historic Music of Newport

The Music of the Navy

From as far back as the Civil War and earlier, the Navy has had a musical presence in Newport. The city has been the home of the Naval Academy Band and today is home to Navy Band Northeast.

The Naval Academy in Newport

During the Civil War, the Naval Academy was moved to Newport and housed at the Atlantic House Hotel on Bellevue Avenue. Today the Newport Elks Lodge stands on the spot the hotel occupied. The site is marked with a historical marker.

The Atlantic House Hotel in 1860.

A photo of the Naval Academy Band in Newport, dated 1853.

Music of the Naval Academy Era

Loyal League Quick-Step

Composed by Henry Bedlow and arranged by Naval Academy Band member Philip Pfeiffer in 1863.

Dedicated to Major General Ambrose Burnside.

The Band and Orchestra of the Training Ship New Hampshire

In the late 1800s the orchestra of the Training Ship U.S.S. New Hampshire was one of the more popular groups in town. The
New Hampshire Orchestra was conducted by Professor William McQuown. Here are two articles from 1882, one showing a program by the group and another talking about a reception in Newport for President Arthur. Is it the NH Band or the NH Orchestra? It seems the names were interchangeable!

From the June 29, 1882 Newport Daily News

From the August 26, 1882 Newport Mercury

The Naval Training Station

The Naval Training Station Band played on the base and throughout the city. at the turn of the 20th century. Once the training ship bands were gone, they became the official band of the Naval Training Station. Below we have the summer concert schedule for 1903, including a number of performances by the Training Station Band at parks throughout the city.