“Harmony in Honor: Armed Forces Chorus Serenades at Carter Funeral”

Former President Jimmy Carter returned to Washington this week in a final tribute befitting of his legacy. While the caisson journey along Constitution Avenue and the solemn atmosphere in the Capitol rotunda created some of the most unforgettable images of the state funeral, the contribution from the Armed Forces Chorus to Carter’s service may hold the utmost significance.  

The narrative of the chorus highlights the dedication, talent, and professionalism of the personnel assigned to provide musical support for events of historical importance and international scope. 

Music serves as a crucial element of state funerals, enabling each military branch to pay their respects to the deceased. On Tuesday, as Carter’s remains arrived at Joint Base Andrews, the U.S. Air Force Band group performed “Abide with Me.” Later, at Capitol Plaza, The U.S. Army Band welcomed Carter’s procession with performances of “Hail to the Chief,” “God of Our Fathers,” and “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.”   

While these official cadences and well-known melodies energized the ceremonies, participants of the Armed Forces Chorus — consisting of members from the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, the U.S. Army Chorus, the Navy Band’s Sea Chanters, the Air Force’s Singing Sergeants, and the Marine Band — quietly gathered to rehearse the pieces requested by Carter’s family. 

Today, the Armed Forces Chorus is set to act as the ceremonial core of the funeral service at Washington National Cathedral. Joined by the U.S. Marine Orchestra, the chorus will exhibit traditional hymns that honor the former president’s spiritual foundation: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” “Eternal Father,” “Be Still My Soul,” and “Thou Gracious God Whose Mercy Lends.” 

The service will conclude a challenging week for the musicians involved in the joint ensemble. The winter storm that struck the capital region on Monday necessitated a flurry of last-minute changes, restricting the Armed Forces Chorus to just one group rehearsal. Nonetheless, the team maintained its focus on its mission.   

This determination is rooted in the chorus’s exceptional standards, upheld by a true “dream team” of sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses, each selected from four of the Defense Department’s service branches.

Army Master Sgt. Matthew Heil — a native of Georgia who serves as the lead producer for the U.S. Army Chorus — expressed the Armed Forces Chorus’s capacity to perform despite challenges. 

“Even when our run-throughs are limited, we know this music inside and out,” he mentioned. “When you gather so many seasoned voices together, there’s an emotional spark that drives you.”   

Army Staff Sgt. James Wilson, a first-term enlistee with the Army Field Band, echoed Heil’s thoughts.    

“One of the reasons I enlisted was to honor those who have served,” he noted. “It’s humbling to step into these sacred moments and ease the grieving process for both the Carter family and the nation.”  

In Wilson’s view, every member of the Armed Forces Chorus regards the mission as an act of service rather than merely a performance.   

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Mandi Harper, a soprano with the Singing Sergeants, shared how the significance of the ceremony alongside her peers’ years of combined experience strengthens her resolve.  

“When you see professionals from every branch standing shoulder to shoulder, contributing their talents to honor a fallen president, it elevates you,” she expressed. “We manage to form this expansive joint musical ensemble that feels entirely organic. I’m collaborating with the finest of the finest — musicians who can step into any venue and perform flawlessly.”   

Navy Senior Chief Casey Campbell concurred with her Air Force colleague. As a concert moderator and primary soloist with the Sea Chanters mixed chorus, Campbell’s confidence is bolstered by nearly two decades of service.  

“Everyone in this ensemble can walk in and perform together without a hitch,” she commented. “Nonetheless, we consistently rehearse and refine because we recognize how crucial these moments are to the family and to our nation.”   

For Campbell, the quest for excellence pursued by the Armed Forces Chorus is deeply rooted in the profound mission underlying each state funeral.    

“We speak of time spent away from our families, about traveling or missing holidays, but that pales in comparison to the reality of losing someone dear to you,” she stated. “Witnessing the Carter family grieve in private moments of prayer, and then observing the public paying their respects — it’s a lesson in both history and sorrow.”   

The Armed Forces Chorus symbolizes a remarkable amalgamation of talent, education, and patriotism. In fact, the majority of the service members assigned to the ensemble were accomplished musicians or educators prior to realizing that military service could provide an unparalleled avenue to pursue their passions and perform for a national audience. 

After completing his master’s degree, Staff Sgt. Wilson freelanced in opera in Germany until a friend encouraged him to audition for the Soldiers’ Chorus.    

“I never thought I could serve in that manner,” he admitted. “My brother served in Special Warfare with the Navy, so that was how I envisioned the military to be, and when I finally explored military musician programs, I thought ‘this is a fantastic opportunity to use my skills to contribute in a distinctive way.'”  

Wilson was drawn to the concept of singing for something larger than any individual performance. “One of the reasons I enlisted was to honor those who have served,” he reiterated. 

Campbell’s journey is akin to Wilson’s. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she never imagined her choir-conducting background would lead to a Navy career.    

“I couldn’t conceive that I could serve my country through music and the arts,” she said. “An individual from the Sea Chanters heard me sing a solo at a conference and handed me their card. When a friend of mine enlisted to sing in the Navy explained how wonderful the career was, I auditioned right away.”   

Harper, who possesses both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in vocal performance, realized that a military career would allow her to combine her passion with service. She joined The U.S. Air Force Band in 2011 after teaching at the collegiate level, drawn by the opportunity to reach audiences powerfully. 

For Harper, each performance serves as a reminder that her abilities are best employed in support of a more significant cause. 

“Music can be quite self-serving, but in the Air Force, service comes first,” she remarked. “We have the privilege of honoring those who came before us, be it a former president or a fallen airman.”   

Heil, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army Chorus with an advanced degree from a prestigious conservatory, echoed Harper’s sentiments.    

“It is an honor to join skilled musicians from the Army’s sister services to create something greater than ourselves,” he noted.   

Heil was particularly moved to perform at the funeral of a respected Georgian. “I grew up listening to President Carter speak about compassion and love,” he remarked. “I believe our contribution to the funeral embodies the spirit of the late president’s message.” 

Having participated in three state funerals, Heil views the chance to perform at such prominent events as both a privilege and a duty.    

“My first ceremony was for President Ford; I was a young sergeant and was overwhelmed by the experience,” he recalled. “By the time I performed at President George H.W. Bush’s burial, the lyrics of the songs took on a richer significance … and President Carter’s state funeral … is like a celebration of life that pays tribute to all of his remarkable achievements.”   

President Carter’s final farewell signifies not just the enduring traditions of the nation, but also honors the life and principles of a man who championed service above all else. By drawing from a diverse pool of talent spanning the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, the Armed Forces Chorus has earned its rightful spot at the heart of these traditions.