Musical Instruments at USAFA

PFroggie

PFroggie

Parent Class of 2028
Joined
Sep 20, 2022
Messages
23
How/when does an incoming cadet bring their instrument? They certainly don't bring it to BCT, but won't be back home in between BCT and classes beginning.
 
Drum and Bugle corps provide all of the instruments. The orchestra does as well. Both of my boys started bringing saxophones back at Thanksgiving their doolie year. One of them bought a guitar doolie parent's weekend. Do you have a specific music question? Both of mine are very involved in music (instrument not voice). As far as music at USAFA there is the D&B, orchestra, and there is a newly form jazzband called "Songbirds", they started in CS27 but have branched out.
 
I think we brought our DD's clarinet out to her during Parent's weekend of her Doolie year. That is late August.
 
T-37IP said:
Drum and Bugle corps provide all of the instruments. The orchestra does as well. Both of my boys started bringing saxophones back at Thanksgiving their doolie year. One of them bought a guitar doolie parent's weekend. Do you have a specific music question? Both of mine are very involved in music (instrument not voice). As far as music at USAFA there is the D&B, orchestra, and there is a newly form jazzband called "Songbirds", they started in CS27 but have branched out.
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Thank you! She plays Tenor Saxophone, so it sounds like maybe Songbirds could be an option? Not sure if Tenor Sax would be in the Orchestra, but if so, she would love that. So we won't worry about it until probably Parent's Weekend.
 
PFroggie said:
Thank you! She plays Tenor Saxophone, so it sounds like maybe Songbirds could be an option? Not sure if Tenor Sax would be in the Orchestra, but if so, she would love that. So we won't worry about it until probably Parent's Weekend.
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The orchestra is more of a concert band. My tenor sax player, and Songbird founder, plays bass clarinet in the orchestra. She will be more than welcome in D&B, contras or euphoniums. Highly recommend.
 
PFroggie said:
How/when does an incoming cadet bring their instrument? They certainly don't bring it to BCT, but won't be back home in between BCT and classes beginning.
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Once you have messaging ability, feel free to send me a message and I'll tell you what I know about D&B, and music in general at USAFA.
 
T-37IP said:
The orchestra is more of a concert band. My tenor sax player, and Songbird founder, plays bass clarinet in the orchestra. She will be more than welcome in D&B, contras or euphoniums. Highly recommend.
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This is great information - thank you so much.
 
PFroggie said:
Thank you! She plays Tenor Saxophone, so it sounds like maybe Songbirds could be an option? Not sure if Tenor Sax would be in the Orchestra, but if so, she would love that. So we won't worry about it until probably Parent's Weekend.
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I am a current member of the orchestra at USAFA:
I would highly suggest that parents bring their cadets their instruments during Parent's Weekend, as the available borrowable instruments are limited, and not of the highest quality. I also stressed a bit before coming about not being able to practice, as I've played music for 13 years and didn't want to lose skill, but I've had plenty of time and space. Feel free to message me when you're able about any music-related questions you may have:)
 
T-37IP said:
Once you have messaging ability, feel free to send me a message and I'll tell you what I know about D&B, and music in general at USAFA.
Click to expand...
How much time does the D&B take to practice, perform, etc.? My DS is a very experienced drummer and performs with various bands across different genres. However he's concerned that the musicians may not have enough free time to pursue their main sport(s) and other clubs?
 
JacoAZ said:
How much time does the D&B take to practice, perform, etc.? My DS is a very experienced drummer and performs with various bands across different genres. However he's concerned that the musicians may not have enough free time to pursue their main sport(s) and other clubs?
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D&B is a very large time commitment but does occur at the same time as training. Being in D&B and another club with a large time commitment is very very difficult, but not impossible. USAFA has an event called "Blue Rush" during which they learn about all the clubs that they're interested in, including the time commitments. Don't worry about it before you get there, there is plenty of time to make an educated decision.
 
Maybe_A_Dreamer said:
I am a current member of the orchestra at USAFA:
I would highly suggest that parents bring their cadets their instruments during Parent's Weekend, as the available borrowable instruments are limited, and not of the highest quality. I also stressed a bit before coming about not being able to practice, as I've played music for 13 years and didn't want to lose skill, but I've had plenty of time and space. Feel free to message me when you're able about any music-related questions you may have:)
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Are there dedicated student body-led bands? A jazz band, concert band, etc?
 
nedmac28 said:
Are there dedicated student body-led bands? A jazz band, concert band, etc?
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Yes, there are student-body bands, jazz, etc.

Here's the good news. Don't see what you're looking for? Get a sponsor (ie: Permanent Party) and start your own! My daughter created a quartet while at USAFA. They sang the National Anthem at most of the indoor sporting events and sang some quartets pieces when traveling with the Chorale.

In The Stairwell and the Aerodynamics (male and female acapella groups) are also cadet organized.

Sky's the limit! (Pun intended)
 
PFroggie said:
How/when does an incoming cadet bring their instrument? They certainly don't bring it to BCT, but won't be back home in between BCT and classes beginning.
Click to expand...
Whatever you do, DO NOT bring your instruments to I-day. Its already a tough day and bringing anything not on the checklist will get you MUCH unwanted attention. Besides, you'll have to carry everything in your left hand most of the day. Don't overburden yourself.

Parents' Weekend is usually the best time to have your parents bring your instruments -- AFTER getting approval from your squadron leadership.
 
This may be a stupid question, but I play the harmonica a little bit. Do they have a band/orchestra that the harmonica would be included in?
 
DS is not part of D&B or any other ensemble. He did have a passion for playing the drums growing up as a hobby, mostly heavy metal. I shipped him his small electronic drum kit and he has it in his dorm just to jam out on.
 
SpiritCommitteeLiaison said:
Yes, there are student-body bands, jazz, etc.

Here's the good news. Don't see what you're looking for? Get a sponsor (ie: Permanent Party) and start your own! My daughter created a quartet while at USAFA. They sang the National Anthem at most of the indoor sporting events and sang some quartets pieces when traveling with the Chorale.

In The Stairwell and the Aerodynamics (male and female acapella groups) are also cadet organized.

Sky's the limit! (Pun intended)
Click to expand...
The jazz band, Songbirds, was started by my Doolie. They played for all of the NCLS speakers last night.
 
T-37IP said:
Drum and Bugle corps provide all of the instruments. The orchestra does as well. Both of my boys started bringing saxophones back at Thanksgiving their doolie year. One of them bought a guitar doolie parent's weekend. Do you have a specific music question? Both of mine are very involved in music (instrument not voice). As far as music at USAFA there is the D&B, orchestra, and there is a newly form jazzband called "Songbirds", they started in CS27 but have branched out.
Click to expand...
I have a question, If you might know the answer? I haven't been offered an admission offer yet, but I'd wanted to know what composers you usually play music pieces from. Who chooses the music? Where do you perform? This is some, but might have more at a later date. Thank you, I appreciate you posting information about music.
 
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