The Salty Dogs are an a cappella ensemble within the Singing Cadets dedicated to singing Sea Shanties and other similar styles of music. The Salty Dogs determine their own music and rehearsal procedures. The group typically meets once a week to rehearse, and periodically performs on campus or during Singing Cadet concerts at the discretion of the Director of the Singing Cadets. Membership in the Salty Dogs is without audition; any Singing Cadet may be a part of the ensemble. The group is run by three appointed officers: the “Captain”, “First Mate, and “Quartermaster.”
The Salty Dogs were founded in the fall of 2020 to bolster the public relations of the Singing Cadets at a time when the pandemic was making performing opportunities few and far between. At the same time, sea shanties were growing in popularity in online spaces, notably, songs like “The Wellerman” and “Leave Her Johnny.” Under those circumstances, a group of Singing Cadets, led by Ethan Keller ’20, capitalized on that popularity to go on campus and promote the Singing Cadets by loudly (and musically) singing those popular shanties. Around that time, the group was comprised of about 10 members. Since then, the group has grown to 20+ members and has become a cultural lightning rod. Simply shout “yarrrr!” and you’ll find the Salty Dogs around you!
Current officers:
