Photo By Chief Petty Officer William Gaskill | Hospital Corpsman First Class Karylmae Miguel (left) hands a Navy ballcap to Seaman...... read more read more
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GREAT LAKES (NNS) — You don’t need an ear for talent to recognize that the silky-smooth vocals drifting through the Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, are special. In fact, one of those voices might even sound familiar.
In a melody of transition, former American Idol contender Rayvon Owen has rewritten his tune, trading the glitz and glamour of the stage for the disciplined cadence of naval service. As his voice once soared on television screens, it now echoes through the corridors of a different kind of arena, where dedication, honor, and sacrifice take center stage.
Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, and having spent the last decade in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California, pursuing individual musical ambitions, Owen’s decision to enlist in the Navy might be seen as a surprise to many. But for Owen, it was a decision rooted in a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to serve his country in a new way.
“If I’m being honest, I never thought enlisting in the Navy was in my future,” Owen confesses. “But when the opportunity arose to serve my country, it started to make sense. I’ve always had a passion for being an American and the values we hold dear as a country. As I learned more, I began to see that my musical talents could be used for something positive.”
The decision to join the military wasn’t an easy one, but Owen found unwavering support from his family. His mother, in particular, saw it as an incredible opportunity for her son.
“My mother pushed me out the door,” Owen chuckles. “She was so excited for me. I have my full family’s support. As for my decision, I feel like it’s an important time for our country. Music is my power, and I want to make an impact in the best way I can.”
Owen’s journey to eventually joining the Sea Chanters, an ensemble that performs traditional choral music, sea chanteys, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway, and contemporary music as part of the official U.S. Navy Band, began unexpectedly during a lull in entertainment auditions in Los Angeles. Spotting an audition at the Navy Yard in Washington D.C., Owen decided to give it a shot, never imagining it would lead to a new chapter in his life.
“Originally, my intent wasn’t to join, but I did try to keep an open mind,” Owen recalls. “But during the audition process, I had quite a few people say to me, ‘You’d be perfect for this.’ I did my research, consulted with people in the service, and even spoke with Lionel Ritchie, who performed with the Sea Chanters. That’s what made me realize what a great opportunity this could be for me to grow and better myself as a person.”
Though transitioning to military life from the stage was a shock to Owen, he’s found parallels between the two worlds.
“In many ways, I can relate this to my time in the music industry,” Owen reflects. “You have these really big moments, but you can be humbled very quickly too. I see this as a chance to reform and reshape my life.”
His experiences in the music industry, particularly to the rigors of reality television competitions, proved invaluable in adapting to the challenges of boot camp.
“Operating under high pressure and high stress are things that are definitely similar,” Owen acknowledges. “You have to be a good listener, be open to learning, and be aware of your surroundings. When you are, you’ll be ready for opportunities that come your way.”
As Owen nears graduation from RTC, he eagerly anticipates his future role with the prestigious Navy choir. This opportunity with the Sea Chanters will allow him to perform at national events, ranging from the presidential inaugural ceremony to state funerals at Arlington Cemetery.
Though singing as part of an ensemble will be different from his recent solo experiences, Owen is looking forward to getting back to his roots and collaborating with others.
“I love singing with other people,” Owen enthuses. “I grew up singing in gospel choirs. There’s nothing like the blend and the energy of multiple voices backing each other up for a single goal. Now I’ll get to be part of a team whose purpose is to serve our country through music.”
While his focus will be on his responsibilities as a Sailor, Owen remains committed to his personal musical aspirations.
“I was encouraged to continue my goals as an artist all through my interview process,” he asserts. “Even though I’m a Sailor and the Navy comes first, I will have the flexibility to continue to create my own music. I’m sure the choral and orchestral music that I perform in the Navy will serve as inspiration for what I create personally, too.”
As Owen prepares to embark on this new chapter of his life, he carries with him the lessons learned from his time in the music industry and the unwavering commitment to serve his country through song. From American Idol to Navy Sailor, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the spirit of service.
Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks, and all enlistees in the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 41,000 recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp.
For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/rtc.
| Date Taken: | 03.15.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 03.15.2024 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 466281 |
| Location: | GREAT LAKES, IL, US |
| Hometown: | RICHMOND, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 2,870 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, An Anthem of Service: Rayvon Owen’s Journey from American Idol to Navy Sailor, by Marc Lindsay, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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