Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2005-03-03 14:41
Nice article. The band is a lot smaller than when I was there, in 1965-68. Then, the concert band had over 100 members. It was relatively easy duty (and out of Vietnam, which was the main reason I enlisted for 3 years rather than letting myself be drafted for 2).
West Point is only 50 miles north of NYC, and if you were in uniform the Carnegie Hall box office would let you in free, to use unsold box seats. I heard any number of fantastic concerts. Also free tix at the USO to most Broadway shows, Yankee and Shea Stadiums
There were some great people there, unfortunately along with a few paranoid/insane ones in command positions. The Clarinet a couple of years ago had a piece on Kalmen Opperman, which mentioned his time in the WPB, including stories about the infamous Col. Resta.
During my time, the band was about 40% career men (no women) and 60% conservatory grads and young professionals who joined to avoid the draft. Now, I think it's almost all careerists.
Ken Shaw
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