Hi, I am attending KP next year and on my application, I put that I was in my high school band. I've heard that even the smallest hint of musical ability can place you in band company. On the questionnaire, I filled out I put that I do not play anything and do not want to be in the band. I am also an XC runner so I do not want to be put into too many extracurriculars and then get swamped by schoolwork. Should I contact admissions and say something or should I just leave it as it is?
Band Co
- Thread starter usmma2626
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NorCal Parent 2024
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- Jan 23, 2020
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First off, congratulations! You are "embarking" (no pun intended) on a very exciting new chapter of your life. I am a parent of a current mid, but I did not attend KP. Maybe others on here will come at this from a different perspective - but here is mine:
In general, there could be some degree of risk in "contacting admissions" as that could put you "on the Radar". Many say that it is best to keep as low of a profile as possible during Indoc, so you don't want to do things that could put you on the Radar. Regarding Band Co, I think you have done enough to indicate that you do not want to be in Band Co, but there is some chance that you still could get put into Band Company. Non-musical plebes are sometimes put into Band Company and they are not "forced to play instruments." If "worst comes to worst" and you are put into Band Co, you will probably win all of the drill competitions, FWIW. Also, after your plebe year, you would likely be able to transfer out of Band Co. I don't think there will really be any long-term adverse impact on your career at the academy if you are placed into Band Co as a plebe. This may sound bad, but remember to "embrace the suck." A lot of things that you are going to be exposed to at KP are going to suck, some small and some large, but you will just have to figure out how to deal with it. That's honestly just a part of going to KP.
So, my advice would be - don't sweat the small stuff though and instead focus on the following: work out, keep up a schedule of running (which you probably already do), and enjoy spending time between now and Indoc with your family and friends. Also maybe study a little physics and calculus, aka "the plebe killers," (unless you are already super strong in those areas). HTH
In general, there could be some degree of risk in "contacting admissions" as that could put you "on the Radar". Many say that it is best to keep as low of a profile as possible during Indoc, so you don't want to do things that could put you on the Radar. Regarding Band Co, I think you have done enough to indicate that you do not want to be in Band Co, but there is some chance that you still could get put into Band Company. Non-musical plebes are sometimes put into Band Company and they are not "forced to play instruments." If "worst comes to worst" and you are put into Band Co, you will probably win all of the drill competitions, FWIW. Also, after your plebe year, you would likely be able to transfer out of Band Co. I don't think there will really be any long-term adverse impact on your career at the academy if you are placed into Band Co as a plebe. This may sound bad, but remember to "embrace the suck." A lot of things that you are going to be exposed to at KP are going to suck, some small and some large, but you will just have to figure out how to deal with it. That's honestly just a part of going to KP.
So, my advice would be - don't sweat the small stuff though and instead focus on the following: work out, keep up a schedule of running (which you probably already do), and enjoy spending time between now and Indoc with your family and friends. Also maybe study a little physics and calculus, aka "the plebe killers," (unless you are already super strong in those areas). HTH
IowaNative
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- Dec 27, 2019
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- 33
I agree with NorCalParent2024. In general it is not a good idea to preemptively inform KP that you "do not want" something. Odds are you will not end up in BandCo, and even if you do, you will NOT have to play your instrument. Plus, do not assume getting placed in BandCo is going to "suck" any more than any other company. Plebe year is challenging (speaking from a parent's perspective only), but it will also be enjoyable in ways you may not initially appreciate, so embrace every circumstance for what it is, a unique and remarkable opportunity.
When accepting an appointment to USMMA (or any other service academy) you are giving up personal choice in many (most) things. The sooner you realize this truism the better. They will place you where you are needed. Your job is to learn to succeed in whatever role you are dropped into. I am not sure where you get the idea that Band Co. is so awful or is not compatible with sports. Many band mids compete in sports and also participate in many other extracurriculars. There are many benefits to being in Band Co. Since most mids remain there longer than other companies, strong bonds form. It historically tends to have the highest average GPA and often will win at drill competitions and inspections. You will be busy during Beat Retreat practice, but otherwise the time commitment is minimal. The CO of Band Co. is pretty reasonable in accommodating your athletic commitments. Everything at KP depends on your attitude. The more positive your attitude, the more successful you will be. Best wishes for a productive plebe year no matter what company you are in.
vortexkp99
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- Apr 2, 2017
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Being in Band Co is not a graduation requirement. The majority of graduates fulfill the academy mission without being in Band Co.
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- Oct 21, 2009
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While we like to make fun of Band Co. there are worst things in the KP experience. Which Company would be about the least of my concerns going in and will have pretty much zero impact on your ability to graduate, or your overall experience.
Please clarify what is so funny at Band Co. My son plays piano, he already got an email from musical director that he was placed into Band Co.
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- Apr 10, 2019
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There is a bit of “competition” among the different companies - nothing too serious and I think it’s all good natured. I think as someone said before Band company often wins Drill competitions with so much experience in marching. My DS has several very good friends in Band Co. They also have distinct advantage of not being switched in companies like others often do after plebe year. I would not worry at all about company your DS is placed in.
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It is the same as Engineers like to make fun of Deck Officers. It is good natured sibling rivalry and nothing more.
KPEngineer25
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- Jan 12, 2022
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Hi there!
As a Mid being in band co, its not as bad as it truly seems it is. The band program has been revamped a bit, with a lot more experienced players. I was coming in as a XC runner with previous band experience. If you do end up in band co, and your XC practices conflict with band practice, you can choose whichever one you want to go to. Just know if you choose band over XC, you probably will miss out on the XC season. All in all, not a bad thing to get placed in band co as we are a lot closer friends than those in other companies, but the experience is whatever you make it. My advice, stay on top of your school work, go to all of your XC practices, and go to band whenever you can and you'll have a fun time. Hope this helps.
JohnPAKP65
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- Sep 8, 2013
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But it has been shown that marine engineers were created because deck officers need heroes too.
John from PA (KP 1965)
defaultedloaner
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- Jun 28, 2022
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Bro we fight literally all the time and almost half of us got kicked out. The RBM made band a full time job too this trimester...