USNA D&B

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So great to see you on here. It’s a supportive community. D&B questions come up every year.
 
Incredible timing! DS (2022 P2B) and I were just talking about this topic this evening. Does the D&B utilize trombones? Didn’t see any on the couple videos we watched or on the website so was wondering. He’s in competitive marching band now as well as jazz ensembles and would like to continue if possible. Thanks!
 
The Drum and Bugle corps uses Bb baritone bugles like the DCI corps, We convert many trombone players to baritone bugle every year.
 
Great, that is what he was guessing was the case and was talking about possibly practicing on a baritone over the coming months if so. He has the fingering already due to previous activity. What is the process / timing for D&B (sign up, auditions, etc)? And how do you handle the logistics of instruments, etc? Thanks again
 
This may not apply to D & B but I’m a BGO and I know of a future applicant who is a professional sax player. Believe it or not, he is only a freshman in HS. I was one of his teachers in elementary school. His life goal has always been to attend USNA. Is there any benefit to him to contact the jazz band director in a couple years? Feel free to pm me if you prefer.
 
jdawg said:
Great, that is what he was guessing was the case and was talking about possibly practicing on a baritone over the coming months if so. He has the fingering already due to previous activity. What is the process / timing for D&B (sign up, auditions, etc)? And how do you handle the logistics of instruments, etc? Thanks again
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So the official process starts during the first few days of plebe summer. He will be taken to D&B audition brief, where he will be introduced to the plebe summer corps commander. Then an explanation of which instruments are available to play/learn then he will get the opportunity to play some for an instructor or midshipman detailer to evaluate his ability. If he has the "right stuff" he will receive an invitation to participate with the corps. If he really wants to get a jump on his classmates he can email Jeff Weir for some of the plebe summer warm-ups and military pieces we play during the summer
Director Jeff Weir weir@usna.edu Brass and marching
Asst Director (that's me) decapio@usna.edu percusssion
 
batinhand1 said:
This may not apply to D & B but I’m a BGO and I know of a future applicant who is a professional sax player. Believe it or not, he is only a freshman in HS. I was one of his teachers in elementary school. His life goal has always been to attend USNA. Is there any benefit to him to contact the jazz band director in a couple years? Feel free to pm me if you prefer.
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There is a Jazz band at the academy its called trident brass. Which is run by the chiefs in the enlisted band stationed at the academy.
 
batinhand1 said:
This may not apply to D & B but I’m a BGO and I know of a future applicant who is a professional sax player. Believe it or not, he is only a freshman in HS. I was one of his teachers in elementary school. His life goal has always been to attend USNA. Is there any benefit to him to contact the jazz band director in a couple years? Feel free to pm me if you prefer.
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Hi! I'm the current midshipman president of Trident Brass. If you would like to pm me for more information, I would be glad to reach out. Unfortunately there is no recruiting for music programs, but I can definitely give some insight into the styles of music and types of performances we typically do. FYI we have alto, tenor, and bari saxes in the band.
 
jdawg said:
Incredible timing! DS (2022 P2B) and I were just talking about this topic this evening. Does the D&B utilize trombones? Didn’t see any on the couple videos we watched or on the website so was wondering. He’s in competitive marching band now as well as jazz ensembles and would like to continue if possible. Thanks!
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Hi! We have a full section of trombones with Trident Brass (and will have at least 1-2 vacancies for auditions next semester). If he would like more info on what we do, please feel free to message me.
 
With the Midshipmen out on spring break, The staff at the drum and bugle corps are preparing for the spring parade season. Look for us out on Warden field.
 
We spoke with some incoming candidate parents yesterday ,.....tried to answer as some questions about what the D&B does and add some clarity to what their son/daughter can expect from Midshipmen life beyond class and military obligation.
 
jdawg said:
Can you please share the insights? Thanks
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This is the recruitment flyer we handed out, We fielded a few questions some D&B specific, and a few that pertained to The Music department in General. Some of the big areas of concern that were expressed related to travel, and how the D&B supports Navy football. Also how musically blessed Midshipmen were not allowed the privilege of media as a plebe. However if in D&B you were allowed a media chit if it pertained to the performance within the corps. If there are any questions feel free to ask here.
 
I've heard that that the band obviously plays at all home games and events, what about away games and how does that work with studies, etc. Especially during plebe year? Thank you again for your earlier input as well.
 
jdawg said:
I've heard that that the band obviously plays at all home games and events, what about away games and how does that work with studies, etc. Especially during plebe year? Thank you again for your earlier input as well.
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Pending funding, We support up to 3 away football games during the fall, we are expecting to support the Notre Dame game in San Diego, Air force, and Army. In the spring we are requesting a trip to Tampa for the Gasparilla parade. We make every attempt to limit class time missed. When we are forced to miss class time due to travel distances, we have a mid who serves as an academic officer and supervises mandatory study periods during the Movement order. Hope this answers your questions, and feel free to ask anything.
 
When I was on the Navy Staff at the Pentagon, I always enjoyed the visits of the cheer squads, Bill the Goat and I seem to remember a small group of D&B enlivening the E-Ring during Army-Navy Week. It brought everyone out into the corridors.

And the revved-up performances at the Army-Navy Gala the night before the game always get the spirit going!

See you all at the next P-rade.
 
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Capt MJ said:
When I was on the Navy Staff st the Pentagon, I always enjoyed the visits of the cheer squads, Bill the Goat and I seem to remember a small group of D&B enlivening the E-Ring during Army-Navy Week. It brought everyone out into the corridors.

And the revved-up performances at the Army-Navy Gala the night before the game always get the spirit going!

See you all at the next P-rade.
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Sir,
It is a pleasure to visit the Pentagon during the Army week festivities. The senior officers are always welcoming and generous with the time they spend with Drum and Bugle corps.
 
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