USMA Student Band

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colt330

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Apr 13, 2022
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Hi, I'm just wondering if anyone has any info on the USMA student band (does it even exist?). Of course I know the professional West Point band, but I was wondering if there was a collegiate band as well for the students? I've tried researching and have not been able to find much, so if any of you have info on it, or if it doesn't exist please let me know!

Thank you!
 
Yes there is a student Pep Band that plays at football games and other athletic events and pep rallies. There are also lots of cadet bands that form and play all different kinds of music.
 
OrangeFamily said:
Yes there is a student Pep Band that plays at football games and other athletic events and pep rallies. There are also lots of cadet bands that form and play all different kinds of music.
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Do you know where I could find info on audition requirements for the pep band?
 
It is called the Spirit Band. Auditions are like the 1st week of school. It is so much fun. You never march in parades because you are too busy playing music with the band at tailgate parties...or rehearsing for games. Also, it is not at all like high school marching band...although there is some walking around from party to party while playing music...mostly you are standing at the games and playing. There is rehearsal in lieu of company athletics, too. One of my boys was a War Tuba.
 
DrMom said:
It is called the Spirit Band. Auditions are like the 1st week of school. It is so much fun. You never march in parades because you are too busy playing music with the band at tailgate parties...or rehearsing for games. Also, it is not at all like high school marching band...although there is some walking around from party to party while playing music...mostly you are standing at the games and playing. There is rehearsal in lieu of company athletics, too. One of my boys was a War Tuba.
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Thank you for the info!
 
colt330 said:
Thank you for the info!
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So, my guy went out for Fencing one day (which was his sport for years! and he was supposed to go back a day later) and then went out for Spirit Band the next day. He never mentioned fencing again....ever. He was too busy having fun making music with the band, having a great time at Spirit Dinners & at rehearsal & playing at pre-game stuff and at the games.
 
Hi, everyone. I am an individual that is possibly planning on auditioning for the Spirit Band. I have some questions though. Since auditions are on the first week of school, would I have to have my own instrument with me (I currently do not have my own personal saxophone)? What is the audition material and how would I gain access to it (who would I speak to)? Please advise at your convenience. Thank you again. Go Army!
 
Have your parents bring it for A Day. Do not show up at R-Day with a sax. You will receive more information on how to join the spirit band during Re-orgy week after CBT. Focus on CBT for now. You won't be sent away from Spirit Band.
 
DrMom said:
Have your parents bring it for A Day. Do not show up at R-Day with a sax. You will receive more information on how to join the spirit band during Re-orgy week after CBT. Focus on CBT for now. You won't be sent away from Spirit Band.
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You are truly a kind soul to advise against showing up on A Day with a sax.
 
DrMom said:
Yes, it is known. Don't roll into R-Day with a cello....or skis...
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Or become the Infamous USAFA Box Boy…

We had a “friends and family” USNA sponsor plebe known to us who stayed with us, along with her dad, the night before I-Day. As she headed out the door the next morning at oh-dark-thirty with her dad, she had a sizable pink koala bear attached to her daypack. I gently suggested the koala summer with us in comfort and safety, and I would safely deliver it at the start of the ac year, when she had a feel for how she would manage his Bancroft lifestyle. He stayed with us until the start of 3/c year…
 
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DrMom said:
Have your parents bring it for A Day. Do not show up at R-Day with a sax. You will receive more information on how to join the spirit band during Re-orgy week after CBT. Focus on CBT for now. You won't be sent away from Spirit Band.
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I play guitar and the advice I heard about that was that my parents should bring it during the parent weekend. Would A day be a better option?
 
A Day is better. Parents weekend isn’t until late October (and is a busy football weekend—as opposed to Plebe Parent Weekend in March which is all about the plebes…if your parents need to pick—pick PPW. )
For you, you will get your phone back in the week before A Day…and can tell your parents what you want them to do.
 
OrangeFamily said:
Yes there is a student Pep Band that plays at football games and other athletic events and pep rallies. There are also lots of cadet bands that form and play all different kinds of music.
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Hi~ is there a student orchestra at west point? :) Thank you.
 
Yes, of some sort. It is very small and does not get the benefits of being in Spirit Band (which takes the place of a sport activity and gives you non-marching benefits--and you party like a rockstar on football home game days and travel with the team sometimes to away games...) The orchestra is more like a regular club. Again, do not show up with your cello for R-Day.
 
Goliath said:
Hi, everyone. I am an individual that is possibly planning on auditioning for the Spirit Band. I have some questions though. Since auditions are on the first week of school, would I have to have my own instrument with me (I currently do not have my own personal saxophone)? What is the audition material and how would I gain access to it (who would I speak to)? Please advise at your convenience. Thank you again. Go Army!
Click to expand...
My DD was a four year member of the Spirit band. Went to auditions, they had a sax there for her to use. Once she made the band, we sent her sax to her from home. While it is nice to have your own instrument to play at tryouts, it was not necessary (this was 2018. She had enough stuff to keep track of, without a sax kicking around their room, until she A) made the band and B) decided that she wanted to do it.

All of that said, it was one of the best things that happened to her. Gave her a friend group immediately, and afforded her LOTS of travel opps with the football team. Went all over the country, and to a couple of bowl games. Also, as parents, it is a nice perk, cuz you ALWAYS see your Cadet on TV, if you watch the games. Most times, during the game, but almost a guarantee when they sing at the end. SING SECOND!
 
DrMom said:
It is called the Spirit Band. Auditions are like the 1st week of school. It is so much fun. You never march in parades because you are too busy playing music with the band at tailgate parties...or rehearsing for games. Also, it is not at all like high school marching band...although there is some walking around from party to party while playing music...mostly you are standing at the games and playing. There is rehearsal in lieu of company athletics, too. One of my boys was a War Tuba.
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I was always curious how DD would make out, on those rare occasions when they did have to march. Few and far between, for sure. 4 years at USMA, never did march on at A/N. (she never complained!!)
 
DrMom said:
Have your parents bring it for A Day. Do not show up at R-Day with a sax. You will receive more information on how to join the spirit band during Re-orgy week after CBT. Focus on CBT for now. You won't be sent away from Spirit Band.
Click to expand...
Uh, sir? Excuse me? Where would you like me to put my sax while I report to the Cadet in the Red Sash?....

What could possibly go wrong? seems like a reasonable question.............:p
:p
 
Goat 965 said:
My DD was a four year member of the Spirit band. Went to auditions, they had a sax there for her to use. Once she made the band, we sent her sax to her from home. While it is nice to have your own instrument to play at tryouts, it was not necessary (this was 2018. She had enough stuff to keep track of, without a sax kicking around their room, until she A) made the band and B) decided that she wanted to do it.

All of that said, it was one of the best things that happened to her. Gave her a friend group immediately, and afforded her LOTS of travel opps with the football team. Went all over the country, and to a couple of bowl games. Also, as parents, it is a nice perk, cuz you ALWAYS see your Cadet on TV, if you watch the games. Most times, during the game, but almost a guarantee when they sing at the end. SING SECOND!
Click to expand...
It is a great group of kids & they have a very good time w one another!
 
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