In the chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy, where we sang for chapel service last October, 2003.

Flotilla 88 D5-SR from Lake Monticello, Virginia certainly has something to sing about.
In the fall of 1999, 10 members formed the “United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Chorus.” Starting as the Flotilla 88 and Friends Chorus, it included a few non-member friends. During the first year, the chorus grew and worked together performing for other organizations.
Commander Andrea Contratto, Director of Auxiliary for the Fifth Southern Region, recognized the chorus as an excellent testimony to the Auxiliary and representation for the Coast Guard. Contratto suggested that all choir members should be Auxiliarists and in 2001 membership was limited to Auxiliarists.
“The members fully agreed they are a stronger unit because of it … professionalism is important to us, including our uniforms and appearance,” chorus member Mary Loose DeViney said.
Now known as the “United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 88 Chorus,” members wear the Auxiliary uniform during performances
Auxiliarist Roger Sethman was active as a crewman and watchstander on Lake Monticello before taking on the additional task of leading the chorus of 32 members. Sethman’s background includes studies under Dr. Paul Calloway, Music Director for the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

Flotilla 88 Chorus at The U.S. Naval Academy.

"All are welcome who have a desire to sing and promote the Coast Guard,” Pat Graham said. “Roger works with each section to reach the perfect pairing of voices and notes. He is patient and demanding, fun and professional, engaging and introspective. He makes us all want to sing and want to perform."
The chorus’ members have excellent music backgrounds but their success comes from the dedication to commit to practicing every Monday night for two hours. They purchase their own music and donate it to the flotilla. The annual fee assessment is $50 per participant. The policies set down for the Auxiliary prohibits soliciting funds for support, so each member is responsible for the costs of travel, music and uniforms.
In spite of their busy chorus schedule, the flotilla members maintain all of the other traditional missions and activities of the Auxiliary. The time they spend together singing and practicing is considered the fellowship that "glues" them together as one unit working in harmony
The mission of the Flotilla 88 Chorus is expanding. Each year they are invited to perform at more functions. Wherever they perform, they promote the United States Coast Guard and Auxiliary with their professional appearance and spirit of volunteerism. They do not limit themselves to boating functions as they reach out into every aspect of their community.
The members of the chorus set their goals high and work hard to reach them. Recently, the Flotilla 88 chorus was honored to be a featured choir at the 13th Annual Choral Festival By-The-Sea in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Flotilla 88 Chorus performing at Ashlawn, historic home of President James Monroe, on July 4, 2003.

In the spirit of Semper Paratus, the Auxiliary chorus continues to practice and grow. They use their harmony in Fellowship and inspiring voices to attract new members and spread their message. The chorus attracts 6-10 new members to Flotilla 88 each year. Flotilla 88 now has 90 members on their roster. The chorus is considered a Public Affairs Mission for the flotilla.
Their ultimate reward is the awareness that they bring to the missions of the United States Coast Guard Forces, and Boating Safety to the forefront, while at the same time, they get to experience the true meaning of fellowship.