USMMA Band question

cruzinKP2022

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Dec 29, 2017
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Would anyone know if a candidate automatically is placed in band company if they played in HS orchestra only? I have accepted my appointment into academy but I have never played a brass instrument and I don't believe Kings Pt has an orchestra. Reading threads some candidates are placed in band even if they never played in HS. Thanks for your time reading this.
 
Band at USMMA is not a traditional varsity or club activity at a college.

From my observations, this duty or obligation casted upon the regimental band students is quite burdensome and completely not necessary to graduate.

The band was originally made up from the enlistees of the USMS and KP students could not participate...more on this is in the book, We'll Deliver, an early history of the USMMA.
 
Would anyone know if a candidate automatically is placed in band company if they played in HS orchestra only? I have accepted my appointment into academy but I have never played a brass instrument and I don't believe Kings Pt has an orchestra. Reading threads some candidates are placed in band even if they never played in HS. Thanks for your time reading this.
If you can read music, they will want you in Band Co. My DD is there by choice, but some are placed there even with no musical background. You should expect to be there. They have finally hired a new band director, so things are looking up.
 
I can't speak for today, but historically if your orchestra participation was part of you application you would be placed in band for indoctrination. The purpose seemed to be twofold. First to balance the size of the companies for athletic competition during indoc. Second, to try to recruit you to stay in the band. Plebes that did not want stay were moved to other companies after indoc. Perhaps a more recent grad could say if that is still common practice.
 
Remaining in Band Co involuntarily after INDOC does occur, but the numbers depend on how many want to be there versus size of companies. Now that they have 6 companies, fewer have to remain in Band Co. if they do not want to stay.
 
Would anyone know if a candidate automatically is placed in band company if they played in HS orchestra only? I have accepted my appointment into academy but I have never played a brass instrument and I don't believe Kings Pt has an orchestra. Reading threads some candidates are placed in band even if they never played in HS. Thanks for your time reading this.

In the large packet that admission sends you, there is a spot on one of the forms that asks if you have ever played a musical instrument, from those that I've talked to if you put something down there you will most likely be placed in Band Co. But also along those lines, if you do not want to be part of Band Co. you could always write none in that box so Admissions does not know you played an instrument unless you put that in another part of your application.
 
In the large packet that admission sends you, there is a spot on one of the forms that asks if you have ever played a musical instrument, from those that I've talked to if you put something down there you will most likely be placed in Band Co.

Correct. I've got two sons in Band Co. right now and they really enjoy it. The good thing about being in Band Co. is that if you're struggling with your classes, you find that the entire company is practically made up of academic tutors.
 
Thank you everyone for responding to my question.I will write in application that I can read music and see how it goes. Sounds like band company may only be six month due to sea time for mids. Who knows I may really enjoy it.
 
My DS is a Plebe in Band Company and enjoys it. Yes it does add to his schedule but it always did during his prior school years, so it’s a routine. If you enjoy it then by all means go ahead with it.
 
Thank you everyone for responding to my question.I will write in application that I can read music and see how it goes. Sounds like band company may only be six month due to sea time for mids. Who knows I may really enjoy it.

Maybe I am reading your comment wrong, but, once in Band Co., you are in Band Co. That does not change because of sea year. And, while companies were blended this year, Band Co was not. And, changing companies is not like changing dorm rooms at the local U. While I am in no position to speak to the prevalence of such a move, from the outside looking in, it does not appear to be an easy thing to do, and, even those who, from the outside looking in, seem to have a justifiable reason, it is not a sure thing. Just FYI
 
I concur golfindad...The changouts from my freshman year for those leaving band to other companies appeared tough....not only the shear moving, but the social stigma that came with it of having now to be accepted into the new company to which you did no go through indoctrination with....

Other companies view band as a burden as they get also dragged into duties afflicted with the beat retreat to which they want nothing to do with.
 
Would anyone know if a candidate automatically is placed in band company if they played in HS orchestra only? I have accepted my appointment into academy but I have never played a brass instrument and I don't believe Kings Pt has an orchestra. Reading threads some candidates are placed in band even if they never played in HS. Thanks for your time reading this.

In the large packet that admission sends you, there is a spot on one of the forms that asks if you have ever played a musical instrument, from those that I've talked to if you put something down there you will most likely be placed in Band Co. But also along those lines, if you do not want to be part of Band Co. you could always write none in that box so Admissions does not know you played an instrument unless you put that in another part of your application.

Can't walk by this^^^

Surprised I am the only one to comment.

If the admission packet asks if you have ever played a musical instrument...then you answer the question honestly. Period.

If you don't want to be in the band, then work the issue through the chain of command.
 
Thank you all. Soldiergriz I will not write something untruthful on my application packet! Scout's honor
 
Well...........there is a lot of room in the question more than be truthful if you have played an instrument......depends on what the definition of play an instrument means. does it mean me banging a couple of trash cans with sticks, acting like I am in a band? Does it mean the kazoo or harmonica I play with on the back porch or did when you were a kid? Does it mean when I was in first grade everyone had to play an instrument for the school play? Or, does it mean have you "played an instrument", officially, in a band, orchestra, etc. I would say the jam around the house with no training, no lessons, no formal experience, is not "playing in a band" or "playing an instrument". Now, playing in the HS orchestra, yes, I would say that qualifies for playing an instrument.
 
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