University of Idaho music students and faculty to perform at USS Idaho commissioning

MOSCOW, Idaho — Students and faculty members from University of Idaho’s Lionel Hampton School of Music (LHSOM) will bring the university’s sound to a national stage, performing original arrangements by Distinguished Professor Dan Bukvich at the commissioning of the U.S. Navy submarine USS Idaho in Connecticut.

The submarine, known as the Gem of the Fleet, will be commissioned into the U.S. Navy fleet on Saturday, April 25, at Naval Submarine Base New London.

Christened in March 2024, USS IDAHO SSN 799 is a Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine. Much of the vessel’s advanced acoustic stealth technology came from the U.S. Navy’s Acoustic Research Detachment on Lake Pend Oreille in Bayview, Idaho.

“The commissioning of USS Idaho is a meaningful milestone for our state, and we are honored to have our students and faculty represent Idaho on a national stage,” U of I President Scott Green said. “Their performance showcases the talent, dedication and professionalism that define the University of Idaho.”

Six LHSOM students and four faculty members will perform at the commissioning ceremony in a string ensemble and vocal duo.  

Performances are expected to include songs such as U of I’s fight song, “Go Vandals Go,” and Idaho’s state song, “Here We Have Idaho,” both adapted from arrangements by Bukvich. The student and faculty musicians will also perform the national anthem and a medley of all five military branches’ anthems.

Jacinta Howard, a sophomore violin performance major from Sandpoint, said she is proud to represent U of I and the state of Idaho at this historic event.

“As a musician, it is exhilarating to perform before a special audience we would not typically have an opportunity to reach,” Howard said. “I’m especially excited to share this experience with my peers and faculty. Getting to travel together and use the skills we’ve worked to develop in a setting like this is rewarding, and it’s something I never take for granted.”

Sean Butterfield, director of the LHSOM, said the commissioning provides an excellent opportunity for experiential learning.  

“Our students are learning not only the musical skills necessary for a performance at this level — they are also watching first-hand the logistics that go into making this happen,” Butterfield said. “These are invaluable skills, and because this is an important event in our state’s history, their experiences here mean something more. This is something they will remember.”

For more information about USS Idaho, visit ussidahocommittee.org.

Media contact

Alisa Volz  
Communications strategist  
Department of Theatre Arts and Lionel Hampton School of Music  
208-885-6231  
avolz@uidaho.edu