What does one do after being a member of the elite U.S. Military Academy Band’s Hellcats? The Hellcats are Army musicians who, as part of the West Point Band, have the duty, each day, to play the 6 AM wake-up Reveille for the Cadets at West Point. Their nickname comes from the famous American WWII fighter aircraft of the same name and for the effect their music has each morning as the start of day for the Cadets at West Point. The Hellcats are much reviled for their early intrusion into the much-needed sleep of the cadets. The Hellcats, comprised of bugles, piccolos, and drums, are a handpicked group of highly talented military musicians who, as part of a very rigorous selective process, have been first selected as part of the West Point Band. Not only do the Hellcats play for Reveille, but they perform at numerous other ceremonial music events. West Point is the only military installation in the US to still have live bugle calls for reveille and retreat.

With bachelor's degrees in music and sociology of the arts, followed by a master’s degree in music education and finally, a sixth year degree in educational leadership at Southern Connecticut State University, Sam Rabalate's multiple degrees have served him well over the years. In 1971, as a 21-year-old music college graduate, he entered the Army for basic training at Fort Dix in October. After the eight weeks of Basic Training, he applied for and passed the music audition to the USMA Band at West Point. Once he passed the audition in early June 1971, the contract signed insured that he would be in the USMA Band. Only the best are selected into this highly competitive musical organization. Sam, as a bugler, was part of the West Point Band for three years. He was assigned to the Hellcats early on, arising each morning at 5 AM for the 6 AM reveille duty.

At West Point, time for Sam was very demanding, with frequent changes of uniforms and formations and frequent last-minute events. On the other hand, band members were provided days to travel to NYC for continuing lessons with some of the best in the music field.  These lessons and the military discipline helped prepare Sam for his life after West Point. In 1974, he began a new life, for 27 years, as a music teacher in two different high schools in New York State. As the grandson of Italian immigrants, Sam spent most of his life in New York State. He taught music, and even started marching band programs, reviving his marching days with the West Point Band. Sam’s calm demeanor and strong background helped in his motivation of his students. As Sam says, his early background “made me a better teacher.”

Sam and his wife Patti moved to Ford’s Colony in the early 2000’s. Both are active members of the FCCC. Sam is a very active golf member, having recently scored his own age on the golf course. Patti, a retired speech-language pathologist, author and education consultant,

currently serves as the president of the James City Lions Club. Patti contributes many hours of her time every month to the numerous Lions projects inside James City County. The good news, however, is that Sam, no longer has to arise each morning at 5 AM!