Many people picture a naval officer doing vital work on a battleship or behind a desk. For Dr. Shawn Purcell, Chief Petty Officer, his role puts him on a stage and behind a microphone. Purcell is a jazz guitarist for the Navy Band Commodores Jazz Ensemble. His role gives him a unique ability to showcase the culture and spirit of our country.
Purcell comes from a musical family. He explains, “Almost my entire dad’s side of the family are, or were, professional musicians, so I was surrounded by music, as well as the music business, my entire life. I guess it was only natural that I follow that career path.” The Baldwin-Whitehall School District provided some of the first avenues for Purcell to perform, and his mother was a constant supporter and frequent taxi driver to his many endeavors. “Some of my earliest musical experiences were playing the BHS talent show as well as other local venues such as ‘The Foggy Bottom’ and Belle Vernon ‘Jam & Skate.’ Performing with these musicians/friends helped put me on a musical path. In fact, I still have some cassette tape recordings of these groups!” he says.
After graduating BHS in 1989, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Music in Sound Recording Technology from Duquesne University; Master of Arts in Music from Middle Tennessee State University; and Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance, with a minor in Ethno-Musicology from University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign. In addition to his role in the Navy, Purcell serves as Adjunct Professor of Jazz Guitar and Jazz Arranging at George Mason University.
The Commodores Jazz Ensemble maintains an extensive concert schedule playing everywhere from the amber waves of grain in the midwest to the White House. Purcell notes, “We play approximately 80–90 concerts each year with the full big band, and about 15–20 ‘protocol’ engagements for high-level events for VIPs and dignitaries, such as the Secretary of Defense, the Vice President, and President. During the bulk of the spring and summer, we play a variety of venues in the local region including the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Each fall the Commodores go on a 3-week-long tour throughout the United States. Throughout the winter and especially during the holidays we perform high-level events by and large for the Vice President and President at the White House! We are also featured at international music conferences such as Midwest Convention held in Chicago each December and The Jazz Education Network in New Orleans in January. Public Affairs is a big part of our job, and we bring the Navy to areas that the Navy typically can’t reach. When we are not performing, we are rehearsing most days in preparation for upcoming performances and taking care of all logistics associated with keeping a full-time ensemble running.” It is a deeply rewarding undertaking. He reflects, “Traveling all over the world and performing with some of the greatest musicians on the planet is what I enjoy the most! I also really enjoy recording as a leader and as a sideman. I am currently on the Origin Records label, and I have released 2 records under my own name; “Symmetricity” (2019) and “180” (2022). There is something very rewarding about documenting my music on recordings! My wife Darden is an outstanding jazz vocalist, and we are fortunate to perform together often! Darden also is the Director of Jazz Studies at George Mason University. So, we work together in academic settings as well and she is my boss at GMU!”
Purcell encourages BWSD students to pursue their dreams. He shares, “Follow your passion. As a university professor, I encounter many students that are fearful to pursue a career in the arts due to a ‘lack of financial security.’ I tell these students that there are no guarantees no matter what profession they select, so choose something they are passionate about. While the music business, and the arts in general, can be a financially challenging career path, if you follow your passion and dreams, you will always be fulfilled! If you have the desire and determination, as well as a strong work ethic, the financial success will follow!”
You can find Purcell’s music on his website.
