Enterprise Chorus Reaches out with International Language of Music

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Chase, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS Enterprise (CVN 65) chorus is learning new songs as the crew completes its second day of operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Feb. 17.

Enterprise's 50–Sailor chorus conducted its first public performance, Feb. 8, and opened with their rendition of the Turkish national anthem before hundreds of Sailors, Turkish dignitaries and locals, as part of a hangar bay reception to kick off a port visit in Marmaris, Turkey.

"The chorus performed flawlessly," said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Keith Oxley. "We could not be more proud of all of them."

The chorus director, Lt. Jonathan Pohnel, said the chorus exists to inspire the Sailors of Enterprise and act as a catalyst for international friendship between the United States and its allies. He said it is not part of the job to bring Turkish nationals to tears in gratitude for quality of the performance, but it is a benefit.

"It's not only to inspire our Sailors, but to inspire unity with other nations," Pohnel said. "You can use music to do that. Music is an international language, and we want other nations to know we care enough to learn their music," he said. "We may not be able to learn Turkish conversationally before a port visit, but we can learn their songs, and I think that goes straight to the heart."

Pohnel said he was a member of the United States Marine Corps Band before becoming a naval officer. While performing for foreign guests is a goal, Pohnel said he put together the chorus to perform at ceremonies and events for the ship itself.

The music will be a mixture of 'sea shanties', classical, sacred, and patriotic songs. Pohnel said he wants Enterprise Sailors to feel as strongly when they hear the chorus sing the national anthem as the Turkish guests did when they heard theirs. He said he wants the music to bring "goose bumps" to the back of listeners' necks.

The ship's chorus is less than a month old. Auditions were performed Jan. 22, and judged by Pohnel, who holds a degree in music. The chorus practices once a week in harmony and pronunciation, often breaking words down phonetically, especially foreign words. Choral members are also expected to take recordings of the songs with them for personal practice.

"It's cool to have that out-of-rate experience, to do what I used to do and sing," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Shauna Matheny, who has been singing since she was 11 and has a background in musicals and opera performance.

Matheny is also a member of a special, 12-member ensemble within the choir, put together to provide chamber music for smaller events such as formal dinners.

While the chorus is a voluntary act, it could lead to larger possibilities for those in the choir. Within the Navy's music community, there are numerous opportunities for skilled vocalists including "Music for Recruiting," which gives Navy vocalists the chance to recruit new Navy musicians.

For anyone interested in joining the chorus, Lt. Pohnel is still accepting auditions. While the process is rigorous and much is expected of its members, existing members say it's rewarding.

"I think the chorus lets people know there are opportunities on the ship outside of your job," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Skyler Mullis. "We are still Sailors, but we get to enjoy our time while we get to show what we do to different people around the world."

"This is not just something for people to put on their evaluation," said Pohnel. "This helps people remember that they are serving on Enterprise, that they are serving the United States of America, and the music reminds us of our of mission."

Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing 1 are in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility on a routine deployment to conduct maritime security operations and to provide support to operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, log onto www.navy.mil/local/cvn65, or visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.