America’s only active-duty, full-time Field Music Buglers, from the West Point Band’s Field Music Group “The Hellcats” presented the demonstrative master class “Transitioning from Academic Life to Professional Life” at four locales in the Cincinnati/Lexington region, at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Berea College, Union College, and the University of Kentucky’s Trumpetfest.

The Hellcats expressed their gratitude for the hospitality extended to them by hosts Alan Siebert, David Hummel, Darrell Dixon, Mark Clodfelter, and Rebecca Wilt at each venue.

This interactive presentation highlighted many skills which are essential when working as a professional musician or educator. Topics included self-marketing, business skills, subbing etiquette, required technical skill sets, and a host of other ideas. The buglers answered questions on these topics, and each member of the bugle section was featured on pieces ranging from improvisation over “There Will Never Be Another You” accompanied by three flugelhorns to a rendition of “Music from the Royal Fireworks” on baroque trumpets to the full section performing bugle calls together on bugles. The presentation garnered a standing ovation at its conclusion.

The session will also be presented at various sites around NYC in the coming months. The West Point Band is America’s oldest continually operational band, active since the days of George Washington, and The Hellcats regular duties include sounding “Reveille” and “Retreat/To The Color” at the flagpole, “Taps” at Veterans’ funerals, and facilitating daily marching formations for the Cadets of West Point. The section members are: Master Sgts. James Barnard and John Manning, Sgts. 1st Class Sarah Botez and Denver Dill, and Staff Sgts. Jon Leonard, Bryan McKinney, Chris Venditti, and Jeremy Wissner.

Source: Master Sgt. John P. Manning, photo provided as well