Music programs at CGA

(Sorry, I tried to include a post with links to PDuddy pics. Not sure it'll come thru or not.)

They get more than you can imagine. Like four types of shoes. Everything.

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I sent you a private message. My son is a 2/C, Class of 2025 at USCGA, and his heavily involved in all USCGA music programs. I can help you with your questions, but I think it is more appropriate to do so in a one-on-one setting.
 
My son also did music all 4 years at CGA. He started with swab band (a nice break during swab summer where you get to practice your instrument and no one is yelling at you). They have many cadets that sign up without ever playing an instrument before. Instruments are issued, but if you have a small instrument, like a trumpet, I believe you can bring that - it is collected and stored for you. The Windjammers is the drum and bugle marching band - they perform at games and get to travel to parades and some performances. My son has enjoyed the orchestra the most. This group was set up by the cadets that wanted an orchestra. The balance of instruments is not your normal orchestra, but all of the instruments are represented. This seems to be the biggest group. The jazz band is also very popular for saxes, trumpets and trombones, and some awesome percussion players (and a bass player). Instruments are provided as needed.
 
VAcadetmom said:
My son also did music all 4 years at CGA. He started with swab band (a nice break during swab summer where you get to practice your instrument and no one is yelling at you). They have many cadets that sign up without ever playing an instrument before. Instruments are issued, but if you have a small instrument, like a trumpet, I believe you can bring that - it is collected and stored for you. The Windjammers is the drum and bugle marching band - they perform at games and get to travel to parades and some performances. My son has enjoyed the orchestra the most. This group was set up by the cadets that wanted an orchestra. The balance of instruments is not your normal orchestra, but all of the instruments are represented. This seems to be the biggest group. The jazz band is also very popular for saxes, trumpets and trombones, and some awesome percussion players (and a bass player). Instruments are provided as needed.
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How did your son communicate to them that he played an instrument? Did he just bring it to swab summer and then there was a tryout? Trying to figure out how you actually get started in music. And yes, I've emailed and called but can't get thru to anyone :)
 
ProudMom7 said:
They will be issued a laptop, sheets, pillows, uniforms, boots, etc... All of the costs for these items over swab summer and the first semester of 4/c year are wrapped up into the cadet ICA loan, and the cadets will automatically pay this loan back out of the monthly pay that the cadets receive while at CGA. These pictures are from 4 years ago (class of 2024) so it might have changed slightly, but it gives you an idea of everything they are issued just at the beginning of swab summer. This doesn't include the uniforms that they will be issued as the summer goes on. Plus, I believe they are all issued monitors now as well.


All they need to bring for swab summer are the items on the list.
Exceptions include:
- Sports equipment if your swab has discussed with the coach and can drop things off
- Possibly instruments if it will be difficult to get them there after swab summer
- Health/medical items if approved - for example, my daughter brought her custom insoles (she had a pair in both pair of running shoes she brought and had an extra pair to put in her boots when they were issued), her shin sleeves, and her supplements (calcium, vitamin D). All of these were approved ahead of time.
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Thank you, pictures were great to see!
 
slavatka said:
How did your son communicate to them that he played an instrument? Did he just bring it to swab summer and then there was a tryout? Trying to figure out how you actually get started in music. And yes, I've emailed and called but can't get thru to anyone :)
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My son reached out to the band director during the application process, but my understanding is the director of the band just retired, so there may be a gap in communication. However, I believe there is something in the paperwork about whether you will have sports equipment or an instrument to drop off on day one. My cadet did not bring his instrument to swab summer (too big). They essentially ask if the swabs want to play in the swab band and then they issued them instruments. I think anyone who wants to be in the swab band is able to participate.
 
slavatka said:
How did your son communicate to them that he played an instrument? Did he just bring it to swab summer and then there was a tryout? Trying to figure out how you actually get started in music. And yes, I've emailed and called but can't get thru to anyone :)
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So you can just bring your instrument on Day 1. That is what I did with my trombone. The cadre will put it away in the band locker. There isn't a try out. All instrumental bands at CGA are open to everyone. We need as many folks as we can get. The only musical groups that I know of that are possibly "try outs" are the vocal music groups. But I only did instrumental music...so not exactly sure. During swab summer there is coaches time when athletes go meet with their prospective coaches. For musicians, we usually just meet inside Leamy Hall and relax with either Dr. McDavitt or the cadet band director (whoever the new one that is chosen) and talk about music or watch end of season compilation videos from last year. Usually snacks are provided too. Coaches time is the only time for the cadet vocal music director or band director to "recruit" during swab summer. After swab summer, there is a cadet activities club fair and new 4/c can sign up to be in different music groups then.

Feel free to reach out for more CGA music questions. Happy to answer them.
 
Is it possible to be involved with both instrumental music and the sailing team? I'm hoping to sail at the civilian school that I'll be reapplying from and wondering if it's possible to do both.
 
Cville24 said:
Is it possible to be involved with both instrumental music and the sailing team? I'm hoping to sail at the civilian school that I'll be reapplying from and wondering if it's possible to do both.
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Definitely.

Regimental band practices when the rest of the corps of cadets is practicing rifle drill. Literally no extra practice commitment for regimental band.

Jazz band usually meets 7-8 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Orchestra usually meets at 7:30 PM on Mondays.

Windjammers usually meets 4-6 PM Monday through Thursday in the fall semester.

So out of all of the instrumental music groups at CGA I would say all of them except Windjammers are compatible with sailing.
 
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