Military School of Music - Possible USAC initiative

[COL Land]

The U. S. Army Cadet Corps is interested in establishing a two-week "Military School of Music" program, which would be open to musicians from USAC as well as other similar programs.   Does CAP already have such a program?   If not, how would it be accepted?   

Are there any CAP Cadet bands anywhere in the country?   USAC's lineage organization, the American Cadet Alliance, used to have several bands...but, we have none now.   Our hope is to reinstitute military music into our summer programs.   

Our goal would be to establish a cost-effective program which would allow current Cadets to wear their organization's uniform (requiring HQ coordination) and really focusing on hands-on skills, while exposing Cadets to potential career opportunities in the world of military music.  This program would be restricted to already skilled musicians and would include a culminating performance at our first graduation.  A small team of musicians from the school would be selected to stay at the National Cadet Training Center throughout the summer (we have about 114 Cadets who will be with us four weeks this summer and 21 who will be with us for the entire seven week season) to provide ceremonial music and participate in several performances.   

Are there any adults out there with an interest in this project? 

[lordmonar]

We had one years ago....but not currently.  I think this would be a great collabritive effort between our two organisations.

Definatly contact NHQ CP and see if there is any interest in this.

[spacecommand]

Not sure about Cadet Bands, but in Maryland Wing there is the Maryland Wing Band (Chesapeake Bay Senior Squadron)  consisting of senior members. 

[Walkman]

I agree. This is a very cool idea!

[mwhitis]

Col. Land,

I think this sounds like a great idea.  I've got at least two cadets that would be interested.

I had also heard earlier this year that there was talk of a similar band session at the KY Wing encampment this year.  Encampment is this week, and I don't see anything on the website indicating that it actually happened, but someone from the wing HQ may know more.

[Eclipse]

Without some way to use the new skills back at the home units, I'm not sure what the interest would be.

Most band camps build on skills then used at school, etc, the rest of the year.

[Huey Driver]

Without some way to use the new skills back at the home units, I'm not sure what the interest would be.

Bugle is not hard for horn players, but having an academy that also teaches and hones that skill has potential to be beneficial back home.

[lordmonar]

Without some way to use the new skills back at the home units, I'm not sure what the interest would be.

Most band camps build on skills then used at school, etc, the rest of the year.

as opposed to the CE/SF/PJ/UPT orintation courses?

If nothing else....maybe it will inspire other wings/groups/units to form local military bands......think how cool your encampment would be with a band for the pass in review?

[Eclipse]

Without some way to use the new skills back at the home units, I'm not sure what the interest would be.

Most band camps build on skills then used at school, etc, the rest of the year.

as opposed to the CE/SF/PJ/UPT orintation courses?

Not the same dynamic - these are orientation course that require no preparation.
You can't walk in the door having never played an instrument and get to anything close to usable in a week.
You'd kill the whole week on theory.

If nothing else....maybe it will inspire other wings/groups/units to form local military bands......think how cool your encampment would be with a band for the pass in review?

The Singing Sgts and the USAF band provide all the music we need.  There simply isn't time in the program as it exists today for CAP bands.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with members who already have the ability coming together to play, but a camp is not likely to get much attention - those with the inclination would likely go to their "regular" band camp.

[Eclipse]

Now, considering that this is actually being suggested from outside CAP, maybe an inter-service cadet band would be a viable activity, with a concert
at the end of the camp.

[jjmalott]

COL Land,

I'm the Director of Operations/Treasurer for Indiana's largest school music serving company: W.H. Paige & Co., out of Indianapolis.  Drop me an email.

jjmalott@paigesmusic.com

Jeff Malott, Maj, CAP
GLR-IN-193

[ol'fido]

I know that the ANG is in the process of deactivating several of their bands across the country. They are going from 11 to 5. There was an article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch about how July 4th will be the final public performance for the 571st Air Force Band stationed  at the old 131st FW base at Lambert IAP in STL. The band will officially be stood down next year. Some of the members will be transferring to the band at the 182nd AW in Peoria.

[Major Carrales]

We do bugle calls in our unit and are looking to build a small ensemble for military/patriotic event use.  However, we do not have time to teach instruments or how to read music, so we have to use what we have.

[Pylon]

CAP used to have a Military Band Academy NCSA.  I don't know when it disappeared, but it would probably be worth seeing if the old activity directors are around for intel (someone at CAP NHQ/CP might also have good intel on this academy) like how many cadets applied/attended, what were any complications in running it, why did it disappear, etc.

[Tubacap]

I was just talking with our Combined Training Schools staff about working a mini "Band Encampment" into the school.  Maybe three or four days to come in, rehearse, and provide ceremonial music for the graduation.  I think it may take off next year!