<p>Hey, I was wondering if there are any parents here of plebers in the Drum and Bugle Corps. How did they like it this summer? Because I'm brass captain of my school's marching band, and I really REALLY love band, but I don't know if I want to do D&B when I get to USNA, because I have heard that extra curriculars and sports can really hurt academics. How often do they practice in the summer? the ac-year? Is it worth it?</p>
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because I have heard that extra curriculars and sports can really hurt academics
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<p>Seeing as sports are mandatory and ECA's are considered when doing rankings, I would submit that you heard somewhat wrong.</p>
<p>I know there is at least one parent of a D&B-er here, but for the life of me I can't remember her name even though I MET the woman just three days ago and she gave me a bone-crushing hug. </p>
<p>Typical. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Let me rummage about a bit and see if I can find her.</p>
<p>D&B practices almost daily during the school year and does shows and games on the weekends.</p>
<p>Oh, thanks. By sports I meant varsity sports because at Summer Seminar, the typical attitude of my platoon's squad ldrs were that ppl who do varsity sports at Navy dreamed of playing that sport at USNA, instead of just going to USNA. I guess I have such a dilemma because it just so happens that my high school's fight song is "Anchors Aweigh", LOL. So part of me wants to keep blasting that after touchdowns for 4 more years (even if it's not through a trombone... :( ). lol, but whatever, I'm sure marching baritone would be just as fun.</p>
<p>Well, I do know that you can try out for D&B, and that it counts as your sport (or it used to, anyway). </p>
<p>You and the rest of the applicants have to remember something basic: When you get to USNA, you are no longer the superstar of the school, because EVERYONE around you was a superstar at THEIR school. You have to start over and prove yourself.</p>
<p>If your dream is to do D&B at USNA, then I recommend that (just like everything else) you begin practicing NOW.</p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>
<p>I'm one of the moms with a plebe in D&B, though I didn't get a hug from Z, just a nice phone call. They can try it out for the summer and do not have to commit until the end of the summer. Most of the D&B after Reform is plebes and youngsters as it IS very time-consuming. The Supe has made a commitment to grow the program--elevating it to varsity status, plus giving overnight liberty at away games if mom or dad is there. We'll be there at AFA! She reports that the D&B cadre are good--very supportive. She's enjoyed being a part of it. And you get a lot more pictures of them--pretty obvious for mine--she's the shorter female cymbal...</p>
<p>I think D&B is more popular w/plebes and 3/c primarily b/c it involves so much travel. When you're a plebe, especially, it's great to get out of the yard and this and varsity/club sports are about the only ways to do it. By the time you're a 2/c and especially a firstie, you have a lot more free WEs, have a car (1/c) or can get a ride, etc. Unless you really love it, it becomes more of a drain. </p>
<p>Also, they practice a LOT, and upperclass may want to have the time to do other things. Note that, with the time commitment, you lose some of your built-in opportunities to work out (i.e., weekday afternoons). Thus, you must make time in your schedule to work on the running, pull-ups, etc. that you'll need to do well athletically at USNA.</p>
<p>Well, thx for the info guys. I definitely didn't kno that u could try it plebe summer w/out commiting to it for the year. I think I'll probably end up trying it. I'll have to get used to valved instead of a trombone slide, but I already know the fingerings for baritones,trumpets, etc anyway. </p>
<p>When my dad was in plebe summer, he made the mistake of doing crew for 6 weeks, lol (And his boat sank in the severn during the race they were demonstrating in front of the parents, they all laughed). He told me that wasn't very fun! Most of the mids at summer seminar said that the crew team members are the most hardcore crazy athletes there.</p>
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Most of the mids at summer seminar said that the crew team members are the most hardcore crazy athletes there.
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<p>Let me confirm this for you.</p>
<p>Back in my day, the Log Magazine (back when it was GOOD) published a list of predictions for 1989. One of them was:</p>
<p>"The United States and Soviet Union will engage in a full-scale global thermonuclear war. Crew practice will still go."</p>
<p>Q.E.D. :D</p>
<p>^^^^^so true!!!! </p>
<p>I will never forget the "erg-o-thon" at our HS during our dd junior year there- the crew team challenged the football team to "most meters rowed" during a defined period of time....</p>
<p>the football players dropped like flies......to all the women rowers half their size!!! Honest!!!</p>
<p>The good news is that the football players had to anti-up some additional $$$ towards our boathouse fundraiser!!! </p>
<p>(our boathouse was completed shortly thereafter!!!)</p>
<p>Never underestimate the power of CREW!!!</p>
<p>At CGA and most schools crew is referred to as a "cult" not a team! ;)</p>
<p>To think... I rowed crew a bit during Plebe Summer. Could have made it, too, if I hadn't been such a lazy bastard.</p>
<p>Sigh..... I hate hindsight.</p>
<p>Hi All!</p>
<p>I'm the bone crusher, Zaphod!!! That's what you get for being so insightful and cute,too!!!</p>
<p>My son is indeed in D&B and seems to really like it although it is a big time commitment (he can't have liberty for the next 2 Saturdays because of the intense practicing before Football Season). But as heartcross said the cadre were great this summer, you do get more photos of your Mid, and the Supe loves his D&B!</p>
<p>My son is so looking forward to the travel (we are actually attending the game at Stanford on 16 Sept. we live in So. Cal) and he will be there! :>) Can't wait!</p>
<p>He is playing the cymbals (for the first time) and when he tried out they specifically asked him if he was planning to play any other varsity sports (yes, D&B is a varsity sport) because the commitment to D&B was pretty heavy and he needed to be available.</p>
<p>It is wonderful to hear them at the parades, formation and other events and as a parent I am very proud!</p>
<p>And Zaphod, I will try to tone down those upper body workouts in the future so I won't be quite so dangerous!</p>
<p>And you WILL be taking lots of cymbal pics at Stanford!!!!!! And sharing them! I'll take a zillion at AFA. My plebe is bummed--she's on crutches and may get bumped down to "the pit". She really wants to MARCH!</p>
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And Zaphod, I will try to tone down those upper body workouts in the future so I won't be quite so dangerous!
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<p>Are you kidding? You looked great!</p>
<p>You just kinda caught me by surprise and all. :o</p>
<p>What instruments are played in the Drum and Bugle Corp. My daughter plays the Sax in Marching/Symphonic and Jazz bands, and I'm assuming that doesn't count as a "Bugle."</p>
<p>Anyone know anything about the Trident Brass?</p>
<p>what about football games. I'm a woodwind..planning on playing drums if I do D&B. Navy games seem to be INSANELY fun (never been to one :(). Would it be a downer to have to be part of the pep band?</p>
<p>To get an idea of D&B, here are some pics from the AFA competition and the AFA game. The odder ones were taken by my 10yo.
<a href="http://www.dropshots.com/USNAheartcross%5B/url%5D">http://www.dropshots.com/USNAheartcross</a>
As you can see, the kids have a great time! All plebes are welcome to try out. My dd actually plays cello, piano, and organ, but throroughly enjoys the cymbals. She's learning drums for next year.</p>
<p>As I recall, my son got a letter about the D&B early in June, and try outs were within the first week or so of Plebe summer as he told us about it on the first phone call. Being a percussionist, but coming from a school without a marching band he ended up deciding against D&B and instead chose the Orchestra where he is the lead percussionist and will also be in the pit orchestra for the musical “Oklahoma” in the spring.</p>
<p>There are other opportunities too for those interested in instrumental music. D&B is the most publicized of the instrumental groups.</p>
<p>And it is possible to do D&B and other music. My cymbal player is also in orchestra and a string quartet. D&B takes the place of a sport.</p>