(Here are the official descriptions of the various instrumental music programs offered at the USCGA)
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The Cadet Music Department offers a wide variety of musical groups that you may participate in. The Instrumental Music program consist of 2 Marching Bands, a Concert Band, a Pep band, a Jazz Band, and a Pipe and Drum Band. The Cadet Band Program also supports small groups that you may establish.
The Cadet Music Department offers you an activity that greatly enhances your experience at the Coast Guard Academy. We offer you an opportunity to express yourself musically while enhancing the culture of the Coast Guard Academy, and our community. You will have a chance to get better acquainted with your new friends here at the Academy, and to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of our audiences around the nation. Studies have shown that the students that participate in the Cadet Bands are among the highest in Academic standing at the Coast Guard Academy. Their retention rate is also among the highest.
The Windjammers Drum and Bugle Corps is a traditional Bell-Front Drum and Bugle Corps. The Windjammers have recently performed at the Interservice Drum and Bugle Corps Competition at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, at McGill University in Montreal, and for halftime shows for Coast Guard Academy Football games. You will receive a Sports Credit for your participation in the Windjammer’s Drum and Bugle Corps.
The Battalion Band performs for Reviews and Parades during Swab Summer. Your participation in the Battalion Band greatly enhances these events. Participation in the Battalion Band offers you an opportunity to get away from your intense Swab Summer regimen. Battalion Band rehearsals are held in air-conditioned Leamy Hall Auditorium. We will provide instruments for those that did not bring their personal instruments. Those that play string instruments or piano may perform on a different instrument in the Battalion Band. You may participate in the Battalion Band even if you have not played an instrument in the past. The Battalion Band does not conflict with any of your Swab Summer obligations. The Battalion Band becomes part of the Regimental Band in the Fall.
The Regimental Band performs for the Corps of Cadets Regimental Reviews and Parades while the rest of the Corps marches with their rifles. The Regimental Band takes a great deal of pride in their performances. The Regimental Band has also marched in the Inaugural Parade and the Macys’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Regimental Band does not conflict with classes or sports.
The Cadet Concert Band performs challenging music from the traditional Concert Band repertoire. The Concert Band performs at Academy and community events throughout the region. Select members of the Concert Band often participate in National and Regional college music festivals. We also have a Pep Band that provides music for our athletic events.
The Nitecaps Jazz Band performs a blend of standard Jazz and contemporary selections. The Nitecaps have toured Florida, Louisiana, and Italy in recent years. The Nitecaps Jazz Band also recorded many CDs, and routinely performs many concerts throughout the region.
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You can certainly call the music director at the academy (Chief Warrant Officer Kirk Edwards, Director of Cadet Bands, 860-444-8461) or you can request the name of your local USCGA Academy Admissions Partner from Admissions to help you through the application process.
