Liz sits down with Chief Musician Haley Stiltner, banjo player for the U.S. Navy Band’s country and bluegrass ensemble, Country Current. Chief Stiltner shares her journey from festival jams and East Tennessee State University to becoming the only billeted banjo player in the entire U.S. military.
They talk about auditioning for the Navy, nine weeks of boot camp at age 28, life as a Navy musician in Washington, D.C., and what it means to “take the Navy where ships can’t go.” She reflects on playing the Grand Ole Opry, honoring veterans through music, and how being surrounded by elite musicians has elevated her banjo playing to a new level. It’s a conversation about discipline, service, bluegrass tradition, and the unexpected paths a music career can take.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Official Navy Band website
Country Current — official U.S. Navy Band channel
Country Current live performances & festival sets
Country Current Grand Ole Opry clips (2022 appearance)
Music in this Episode:
"East Virginia Blues" - USN Band Country Current Band at Lakes Music Festival
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