Drum and Bugle Corps

Airman Basic Justin Jackson, 323rd Training Squadron, performs with the 737th Training Group Drum and Bugle Corps before the San Antonio Rampage game at the AT&T Center Feb. 27. The performance was part of military appreciation night which featured several pre-game interactive activities honoring servicemembers. The Manitoba Moose beat the Rampage 3-1. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alan Boedeker)

The beat goes on

Cadet Jessica Douglas of the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps stands by to play during a pep-rally Dec. 31 at the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl game in Ft. Worth, Texas, between the Academy Falcons and the University of California-Berkley. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

USAFA Drum and Bugle Corps to perform at Altus AFB

Published Sept. 8, 2010
By Kenny Scarle
97 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The United States Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps will be performing Sept. 17 at Altus Air Force Base to help celebrate the upcoming football game between the Air Force Academy Falcons and the Oklahoma University Sooners.

Local residents will receive an extra treat -- the corps is also playing for the Altus High School Bulldogs in their first home game of the season.

Known as the "Flight of Sound," the corps' primary mission is to support cadet wing activities, including all academy football games, such as the one with Oklahoma University at Norman, Okla., Sept. 18.

In support of that game, Altus AFB is hosting the "Air Force Past, Present and Future Celebration and Pep Rally," Sept. 17 at the Wings of Freedom Park.

"I cannot express in words how much we truly appreciate those men and women of the USAFA Drum and Bugle Corps taking time out of their busy schedule to come here," said Sean London, Altus AFB Base Transformation Manager.

The corps, formed in 1948, has entertained audiences worldwide. They were reassigned from Washington, D.C., to the Air Force Academy in 1963, and became the cadet wing in 1972. Since then, they have won 20 of the 30 Inter-Service Academy Drum and Bugle Corps Competitions.
The corps exemplifies the precision and musical blend of a well-directed band or orchestra, and the showmanship of a Broadway production. Performing on the average of 35 times a month, they are known as the academy's ambassadors of precision drill and musical pageantry.

While base personnel will get a taste of the corps' talent during the afternoon pep rally, Altus Bulldog fans will get to see their full performance during half time in the game against the Lawton High School Wolverines.

It's not just about performance for these cadets. Even with their busy schedule, they will be taking time to meet and speak with some of the Altus High School Band members about what it means to be in the corps. Mr. London said the students are eager to hear what they have to say.

"Some of these kids have the potential and the dream to be academy cadets themselves, in addition to the drum and bugle corps," Mr. London said. "This is a unique and incredible opportunity to get some firsthand information from these dedicated young men and women."

The team is leaving right after their performance to travel to Norman, Okla., for the Air Force/OU game. London said this will be an experience he will always appreciate.

"I have such gratitude to the corps for coming to share their gift to the community with which we share such a strong heritage and partnership -- it's a true blessing," Mr. London said.

For more information, contact Altus AFB Public Affairs, (580) 481-7700.