Regimental Band + Athletics

[JBrittain2273]

Hello everyone, my name is Jimmy and I will be attending the Merchant Marine Academy.

I am a very accomplished tuba player(as in, national recognition), so I will definitely choose to play in the Regimental Band at the Academy. However, I also run HS Cross Country and Track in addition to playing in my high school band, and I was wondering if it would be possible to participate in a sport in addition to being in the Band. I truly enjoy doing both but I do recognize how busy midshipman life can get, especially as a plebe. Can doing both work?

Thanks!
J. Brittain

 

[kdbax]

First things first...don't use your full name on these boards. It can come back to haunt you during plebe year.

Our DS is in Band Company and also does CC and track. First tri is CC, second tri is indoor track, third tri is outdoor track. During plebe year, it required all sorts of time management on DS's part, especially during the first tri when the band was preparing for Beat Retreat as well as a couple of road trips (one of which conflicted with a CC meet). Yes, it can be done, but you will have to schedule yourself carefully. DS found that with the time commitment required for study, band and a sport, other extracurricular activities were generally not possible.

I will say that DS loves the CC and track program. What he really liked during plebe year is that once the team was together for practice or a meet, all the regimental stuff went out the window - no ranks, just "the team."

 

[KPMum2012]

Our DD spent her first 4 tris in Band Co. She is also on the CC and track teams. It was hard, time-wise, especially during the Fall with preparations for Beat Retreat. But the sports team was what kept her sane. They became her family. As kdbax said, the regimental stuff is put aside during practice and TMs (team movements). Plus, team members helped by tutoring her and helping with the school work while on trips. She went A split so she could be on the CC team all four years. I thinks she actually had more conflicts 3C year and after returning from sea, she was put in 4th Co. Oh, as a plebe, the CC team will get you off campus probably before almost any other activity.