USAFA Drum and Bugle Corps

[36falcon36]

I am a prospective USAFA applicant, and currently a Junior in High School. I had a couple of questions about the Drum and Bugle Corps at the academy. I have played the trombone since 6th grade and am in my schools concert band, marching band, and pep band. Next year, which will be my senior year, I plan on auditioning to be a section leader. I have a huge passion for music, especially marching band/ pep band, and would love to continue with it in college.

1) What kind of time commitment is the Drum and Bugle corps? How often are practices?

2) Is it only for football, or is it for basketball or other sports too? What other performances are involved?

3) I've heard that you aren't able to play intramural sports during your fall semester, is that true? What about sports in the winter or spring?

4) is the trombone a Drum and Bugle corp instrument? I've heard some people say yes, and some people say no. If it isn't, would I have to switch to something else, and what would I have to switch to?

5) Any other advice or information?

Any kind of advice or help is greatly appreciated! I just wanted to get some more information on it before I start my application in March.

 

[vballmom]

My son, now a C1C, was a trombone player in high school. He now plays baritone for drum and bugle and is in his 4th year of doing so. Drum and Bugle does not have trombones. It is a big time commitment, especially during football season. Roughly 2 hour practices each day during the week. They do not participate in intramurals during the fall but I think they do in the spring. The time commitment is not as heavy in the spring but they do support basketball, hockey, and maybe some other spring sports. Lots of travel with drum and bugle...away football games, bowl games, basketball national championship, winter trip to Aspen just to name a few. It has been a great experience. Let me know if you have any other questions. If I don't know the answer, I can ask my cadet.

 

[36falcon36]

My son, now a C1C, was a trombone player in high school. He now plays baritone for drum and bugle and is in his 4th year of doing so. Drum and Bugle does not have trombones. It is a big time commitment, especially during football season. Roughly 2 hour practices each day during the week. They do not participate in intramurals during the fall but I think they do in the spring. The time commitment is not as heavy in the spring but they do support basketball, hockey, and maybe some other spring sports. Lots of travel with drum and bugle...away football games, bowl games, basketball national championship, winter trip to Aspen just to name a few. It has been a great experience. Let me know if you have any other questions. If I don't know the answer, I can ask my cadet.

Thanks for the answer!
Did your son find it hard to learn the baritone, or was it relatively easy to pick up? Also, did he switch to the baritone prior to arriving at the academy?

 

[vballmom]

He did not switch to the baritone prior to arriving there. His first time to play it was during tryouts. I think that is the case for a lot of the cadets trying out. He does have his trombone there with him and has used it playing in the jazz band. Good luck and keep working hard! You will be starting your application before you know it!

 

[Hoodlum15]

They always need more people, so if you have any musical experience, even if you have to switch instruments, they'll still take you. In other words, you don't have to worry about switching instruments until you get here.

 

[Capri120]

USAFA D&B has a Facebook site which you can visit and see what instruments are played as well as the many places they go and events in which they participate.

DD played trumpet last year with them and thoroughly enjoyed the travel and team dynamics.
Practices were 3+ hours a day plus "training", five days a week and some Saturdays during the fall and winter; spring practices not quite as time consuming.

USAFA also has a club cadet orchestra where a bigger variety of instruments are played.