CAP Band! What are your thoughts?

[Chief2009]

There was an NCSA for band, I attended it during the summer of 2001. Here is the article on CadteStuff:http://www.cadetstuff.org/archives/000193.html

It was not scheduled for this summer I hope it returns though. I would defiantly attend again.

Check the Knowledgebase for National Military Music Academy.

DN

[Gunner C]

Um run it up the chain of command to CAC thats the best way to get it done with.

People will take you more seriously if you stop writing "um" at the beginning of your posts.

and spell "talent" correctly.    I agree, run it pass CAC and perhaps try it locally at your squadron to get a ideal of how to integrate it into CAP.

While you're complaining about spelling, it's "run it past" not "run it pass".  Make sure you're correct when you correct.  Give the cadet a break.

[NEBoom]

We don't have a CAP band in these parts (NCR) that I'm aware of.  I think I read somewhere that Texas Wing has a band, but I may be mistaken on that.

As for the idea, I've always thought it would be cool to organize a Wing Band, but like most things in CAP it would take dedicated manpower and adequate support (even if just moral support) from command for it to happen.  Given we struggle with getting our basic missions done sometimes, I think it would be tough to get it to take off.  People's "CAP time" is often limited and a band would require just too much time and effort.

[Grumpy]

When I was a cadet back in the late 50's, early 60's I was in the Cadet band in CAWG.  We met once a week just like any other squadron.  Marched in parades and performed at Pass in Review exercises at encampment.

I enjoyed it for the time I was in it.  I found I enjoyed SAR more.

[AlphaSigOU]

We don't have a CAP band in these parts (NCR) that I'm aware of.  I think I read somewhere that Texas Wing has a band, but I may be mistaken on that.

As for the idea, I've always thought it would be cool to organize a Wing Band, but like most things in CAP it would take dedicated manpower and adequate support (even if just moral support) from command for it to happen.  Given we struggle with getting our basic missions done sometimes, I think it would be tough to get it to take off.  People's "CAP time" is often limited and a band would require just too much time and effort.

TX Wing hasn't had a band in years...

[Gunner C]

I heard the MDWG band perform.  They were pretty good - wore WW2 era khaki uniforms and did big band numbers.

[BrandonKea]

If we start a band, can I play the cowbell?

[SJFedor]

If we start a band, can I play the cowbell?

I've got a fever....

[BrandonKea]

I like the idea of doing a Band NCSA (I remember the old one, not sure what all it encompassed). You could make it a 10-14 day activity which ends with a performance, perhaps at another NCSA? I dunno.

Funding for equipment, i.e. percussion equipment (I never owned my bass drum, cymbals, timpani, cowbell.) would be tough.

Maybe something that allows members (cadets AND seniors) to practice with an Air Force band would be cool too, like the Heartland of America band or something like that.

[NEBoom]

If we start a band, can I play the cowbell?

We'd make you play Cello... in the marching band.

[biomed441]

I like the idea of doing a Band NCSA (I remember the old one, not sure what all it encompassed). You could make it a 10-14 day activity which ends with a performance, perhaps at another NCSA? I dunno.

Funding for equipment, i.e. percussion equipment (I never owned my bass drum, cymbals, timpani, cowbell.) would be tough.

Maybe something that allows members (cadets AND seniors) to practice with an Air Force band would be cool too, like the Heartland of America band or something like that.

An NCSA would be a good idea, I would like to know why the old one ended though as to not make the same mistake twice.  Also having cadets AND seniors is what I'm getting at as well. 

Back in my HS days, we often had USMC recruiters from the band out at Pendelton speak with our HS band (our director was a Navy bando) so having cadets and seniors getting an opportunity to actually maybe play, or be recognized by an AF band would really be worth it IMHO.

[biomed441]

If we start a band, can I play the cowbell?

We'd make you play Cello... in the marching band.

You laugh, I've seen it done!  They have special wheels that attach to the little spike thing (forgive terminology. I'm not a string player).  I've also seen High schools that march bassoons during halftime shows!  Anything is possible!

[flyguy06]

I think a band is a great idea. When cadets have Pass and eveiws a band would be a great addition to that and it would help the formation look strack. It would help cadets to stay in step and march to the beat. One thing i have noticed inCAP, a lot of cadets dont have rythmn and cant stay in step. A Drum would help immensely.

[BrandonKea]

I think a band is a great idea. When cadets have Pass and eveiws a band would be a great addition to that and it would help the formation look strack. It would help cadets to stay in step and march to the beat. One thing i have noticed inCAP, a lot of cadets dont have rythmn and cant stay in step. A Drum would help immensely.

Wow, I would hope a Flight Commander would be able to count cadence and keep their flight in step without a drum...

[biomed441]

Wow, I would hope a Flight Commander would be able to count cadence and keep their flight in step without a drum...

Sadly, there are many units out there, mine included that can't. Hopefully when I get a little more involved with the cadets, I'll see what I can do about getting that fixed.  Not that I would ever expect there to be a drum sitting around for someone to act as a metronome. A lot of the principles involved with Drill and Ceremonies need to be called in time. Every command has a set interval that should be followed between the preparatory command and the command of execution. This time should be followed by the cadets in response.

If you have a commander that isn't capable of calling commands to a set tempo, then you can't expect cadets to react at the same time, and you get ripple effects in their facing movements, as well as their steps not being in phase, even though they might all be on the same foot. Which is why I often suggest some cadets get a small metronome with a vibrate setting that they can hold onto to get that tempo drilled into them first. and can tell if their cadets are responding correctly. 

Now as for pass and reviews, I agree that just having a band there is something I wish would happen. It adds to the whole ambiance of the event.  Not to mention it keeps all the units on the same time.  Musical recordings are great, but nothing beats a live band.

[BTCS1*]

or just a cowbell...

[SarDragon]

IIRC, the correct term is pass in review.

[biomed441]

or just a cowbell...

Yeah, we can just tie a bunch of cow bells to each cadet and when they get out of step...we'll know (Just kidding of course). In all seriousness though, would you want to be marching to a cowbell?

Oh and yes, its Pass in review, my mistake. Wasn't really thinking when I typed it.

[BrandonKea]

What ever happend to "Left, Left, Left Right Left."

Back on topic, Band : Good! Let's assign a CAPTalk Project Officer and send this puppy to CAPTalk Committee...

[biomed441]

Haha, isn't it Hupt Twpt Thrept Forpt and such now?

Anyways yes back on topic, if theres some serious people out there that really would like to see, if nothing else the NCSA band program working again, I would be more than willing to help get things going again. I'm sure what ever issues that shut it down the first time, can be fixed given the right staff for the job. I would like to see something more on the local level though. Maybe if we get some ballsy CAPTalkers to get in touch with their wing/region staff. Just getting the thought out there is more than sitting around just letting the idea dance around in our heads.