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In the Stairwell
The cadet group In the Stairwell performed at a holiday reception Dec. 9, 2011, in the White House. The group was formed in 2004 and was just recently made an official cadet club. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Raymond Hoy)
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Academy a cappella group performs at White House

Posted 12/12/2011 Email story   Print story

    

12/12/2011 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) -- The Air Force Academy's a cappella group In the Stairwell performed at the White House for a holiday reception Dec. 9.

The group was approached by the White House Social Office and asked to submit samples of their music to be compared to other performers. A couple of weeks later, they were notified that they had been selected for the performance.

"I remember getting the email from the other cadet in charge, Cadet (2nd Class Erik) Clark, saying, 'You're not going to believe this. We just got contacted by the White House,'" said Cadet 1st Class Julian Gluck, the cadet in charge of In the Stairwell, who also beat-boxes and sings bass. "I said, 'The White House? Like where the President lives?' ... It just blows my mind."

"I thought it was a joke," said Cadet 1st Class Kevin McMullen, one of the main baritones in the group. "It was kind of just a prospect at first, but once we got the final word, we were pumped."

Even with finals right around the corner, the cadets weren't willing to pass up an opportunity like this.

"As cadets, we're used to being under a lot of pressure with our academic and athletic requirements," Gluck said. "A lot of us have been working ahead of time, and (we had) time to study on the plane."

During the performance, the group went back and forth between traditional holiday songs and some of their current pop routines, Gluck added. The event also allows the group to showcase some of the many talents of cadets at the Academy.

"When you think of the Academy, you don't think of the male a cappella group," said Cadet 2nd Class Trey Lowman, a mid-range singer for the group. "This gives us a unique opportunity to show people we're not just about military training and athletics; we have so much more we bring to the table."

In the Stairwell was created when members of the Air Force Academy's Class of 2007 had to find a location for freshmen who enjoyed singing together. The name came from where the group met for rehearsals.

(Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs.)



tabComments
12/16/2011 6:41:37 PM ET
That guy's beatboxing is embarrassing to me as an Air Force Academy Graduate.
Maj, SWA
 
12/15/2011 10:19:31 AM ET
At GA. Since this whole string is troll feeding...I'll add my porridge...prisoners get more benies than you are purporting for the military: college funding, weight rooms and much more. And our tax dollars are paying at least 30,000 a year per resident just to house and feed these individuals that have killed, maimed, stolen, raped and other heinous actions. Maybe we should train them to sing for the WH.
Roni, OH
 
12/15/2011 3:10:11 AM ET
L, The meticulous planning, the attention to detail and the teamwork that it took for these cadets to get flown out to the White House and sing together without the aid of music is about on par with the meticulous planning, the attention to detail and the teamwork it takes me and a crew of two other Airmen to sweep and mop the halls at night. You are blowing it WAY out of proportion. Thanks.
SrA Snuff, SWA
 
12/14/2011 5:38:42 PM ET
Let the Navy handle all airshows. The USAF can through much more fiscally responsible pamphlets. Likewise Tops In Blue should be banned. As should all cadet activities. Military personnel should live in cold, poured-concrete rooms with no windows, decorations or nice things of any sort. Everyone in the service should live like a Spartan prisoner. This will save money, benefit our personnel AND make us a more effective military.
GA, UT
 
12/14/2011 2:31:08 PM ET
Seriously L, My org is getting scrutinized over TDYs that cost a few hundred dollars. I can't accomplish the mission and you are OK with spending taxpayer money to send an AF Glee Club to the WH? As for the leadership benefits, I'm skeptical.
Broke, in DC
 
12/14/2011 12:03:29 PM ET
So you would cut public school trips for high school sports teams, marching bands and choirs just because it costs the taxpayers money? As a grad myself, I can definitely assure you we don't get whatever we want. Many cadet clubs and groups are given one or two hundred dollars a year or are denied funding altogether.In the Stairwell is an all-cadet-run group and the experience they gain in leadership and creativity as future leaders outweighs the monetary cost in my opinion. Do you understand what's required to do something like this? The meticulous planning, the attention to detail, the teamwork? Those are great qualities for a future leader. The community relations work they do is incredible and they are a true example of leadership and hard work. They certainly deserved this honor.
L, AF
 
12/14/2011 9:50:14 AM ET
When you guys want to stop bellyaching about the taxpayer dollars, how about checking out the video? These kids actually have talent and they ought to be recognized for it.
PB, US
 
12/13/2011 11:52:02 PM ET
The ability to sing without any music is most certainly a trait I look for within a future leader.
James, Ohio
 
12/13/2011 6:02:13 PM ET
Ben, my 15 years of Air Force experience carting cadet football teams, cadet bands, cadet incentive rides, and cadets to wherever they want to go says otherwise. Ever see an academy grad wing commander bring his son and friends home for Thanksgiving on a 135? I have.
Same, Here
 
12/13/2011 3:04:13 PM ET
Yes Ben, and where do you think WH funds come from? Taxpayer dollars. Same is right that taxpayer dollars should not be squandered on these things.
Chris Kimball, Indiana
 
12/13/2011 12:58:01 PM ET
Ben, it cost the taxpayers a pretty penny regardless of whether or not it came out of USAF's budget.
Greg Arious, SWA
 
12/13/2011 11:42:36 AM ET
That's not how funding works. The singers were invited by the White House, therefore the WH most likely paid for this TDY. Also, they didn't fly on a military aircraft. In conclusion, this trip most likely didn't cost the AF a dime.
Ben, Maryland
 
12/13/2011 9:24:20 AM ET
Wise use of taxpayer dolalrs. Between travel on military aircraft, lodging and per diem, this little trip for cadets likely cost the Air force just shy of 300k. Apparently fiscal responsibility is not a core value.
Same , Here
 
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