Tucked inside the historic walls of the U.S. Naval Academy is a creative pulse that’s been keeping time for decades. Navy Beats, one of the Academy’s most dynamic extracurricular activities, blends tradition, technology, and pure passion for music - proving that even in a regimented environment, creativity thrives.
Music for the Ages
Navy Beats began in the 1960s as a midshipman-run radio station. Back then, mids tuned in to hear music curated by their classmates, spinning vinyl records late into the night. That legacy still lives on today - quite literally. More than one thousand vinyl records from those early years remain in the studio, a tangible reminder of the club’s roots and its long-standing role in Academy life.
While the format has evolved, the mission remains the same: Bringing people together through music. Today, Navy Beats focuses on live DJ performances and studio production, supporting events across the Yard and giving midshipmen a creative outlet unlike any other.
Related: USNA Club Spotlight: The USNA Orchestra Transports Us
A Greater Connection
One midshipman who found that outlet is David Walker, who joined Navy Beats during the spring semester of 2024. An English major in the Class of 2027, Walker discovered the club through a casual conversation that quickly turned into something much bigger. He had been talking with a friend about his desire to produce and record his own music when the Navy Beats club came up. “So, I reached out and was thankfully able to be a part of it.”
Midshipman Walker now serves as the treasurer of Navy Beats, a role that puts him at the center of both creativity and logistics. He manages funds earned through performances and helps decide what recording and studio equipment the club needs next - everything from DJ setup upgrades to specialized recording equipment. Midshipman Camryn Harris leads the organization as president and Midshipman Julian Ford serves as vice president, also guiding the club’s vision and growth.
What truly defines Navy Beats, though, isn’t just the equipment or the events, it’s the people. “My favorite thing about the group is that we all love music,” Walker says. “You can go in at any time and be surrounded by creative people who are making very high-quality music and aren't doing it to be recognized, but because they truly just love music and being able to not only express themselves through music, but also find an escape from the Academy.”
Going Behind the Scenes and Making the Scenes
That sense of escape and connection draws a wide range of talent. About 40 midshipmen are currently involved, including DJs, producers, and instrumentalists. Some thrive behind a full DJ setup, making music at events, while others focus on the technical side of music creation, fine-tuning volume mastering, experimenting with sound libraries, and building tracks from the ground up.
Walker works primarily on the production side, recording alternative Christian music and R&B. Behind the scenes, the studio is always buzzing. Most producers record themselves, using professional-grade recording equipment to bring their ideas to life. When collaboration is needed, others are brought in, but independence and experimentation are encouraged. “In more recent years, members of Navy Beats have made albums in-house here at the Naval Academy and done very successfully - with some artists having over a million listeners on Spotify,” notes Harris.
On the production side, Navy Beats relies heavily on MIDI controllers and digital audio workstations (DAWs). These tools allow midshipmen to record multiple instruments, manipulate sound, and access a wide range of virtual instruments that might not physically exist in the studio. The result is creative freedom paired with technical precision, which is a rare balance in such a demanding academic environment.
The group also regularly supports events on and around the Yard, including pep rallies, company EOLs (end of liberty), sports games, and military balls, to name a few. They keep the beat moving for the Brigade!
Support the Beat of the Brigade
For Walker, one of the most rewarding parts of Navy Beats is the unexpected connections it creates. “It's always really cool seeing people join the club and finding out that some of my closest friends are also passionate about making music, which I wouldn't have been able to know if it hadn't been for the club.”
Navy Beats is more than a music club: It’s a reminder that midshipmen are multifaceted leaders, artists, and innovators. Harris explains, “Navy Beats are here to be the music of the Brigade.” And this kind of opportunity doesn’t happen by accident. Funding for extracurricular activities like Navy Beats comes directly from sources such as profits generated by shopping at Navyonline.com.
Related: Tour Highlights: Anchors Aweigh Music Tour
As of March 2, 2026, general public visitation and tours at the U.S. Naval Academy are suspended until further notice. Those with DoW or DBIDS ID cards will be allowed to walk or drive onto the Naval Academy yard through Gate 8, however, guided tours are temporarily unavailable.
