Band rocks.
Band Co. does require an extra time commitment that is often overlooked by the rest of the Corps. For whatever reason, there's always a bit of a rift between Band and the rest of the Corps. If the Corps looks like crap at parade, everyone likes to blame the Band for the fact that the
rifle monkeys can't stay in step.
But when it rains and the rest of the Corps gets to go sleep when they would otherwise have practice parade, Band Co. simply forms up in the band room for practice.
You'll have some of the best times of your cadetship on band trips, and that makes up for the rest of the annoyance of extra practices. I marched with the Corps in both the governor's and president's innaugurals, but I marched in the Rose Bowl parade and went to Mobile, AL for Mardi Gras with the band.
There are some drumline-specific things that the rest of the Corps (even the rest of the band) doesn't have to deal with. First of all, the Corps marches down to the mess hall for both breakfast and supper. The drumline is out there for every meal formation to provide the cadence. Second, during parades, the drumline gets very few breaks. Even when the rest of the band isn't playing, somebody has to provide the cadence for the
rifle monkeys.
Have you been in touch with COL Brodie, the Band Director? If not, feel free to PM me and I'll hook you up with his information. I can also get you in touch with next year's Band Co. Commander, if you want. I know all of the rising First Classmen in Band Co., since they were rats when I was a First.
Hope this helps.
Jackie M. Briski '09
First Class PVT (Ret.)
Bloodthirsty Band Co.