Klarinet Archive - Posting 000184.txt from 1995/03

From: Thomas Labadorf <Labadorf@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Coast Guard life
Date: Mon, 6 Mar 1995 23:59:00 -0500

A reply to John Gardner:

---I have a soon to be 17 year old daughter who is the BEST clarinet in New
york State. Are the military bands any sort of life for her to consider or
would you see it as more of a man type of deal?
---

The bands are considered an equal opportunity part of the military. While
there is some debate about men and women fighting side by side in foxholes,
music is something the military feels they can both do equally. The Coast
Guard Band has 11 women members (about 25%), most married (some to other band
members). There has never been a serious case of harrassment in the Coast
Guard Band, and in fact, the military considers it a serious offence if such
a case is proven. (One very recent case involves the director of the premier
Airforce Band director in which he is going to lose his job. This man was
about to become a full Colonel!) In fact all Coast Guard personnel have to
attend mandatory civil rights classes just to make sure we all know what
harrassment is.

---
Is it something to consider right out of high school or ata later time in
life?
---
Since you daughter is only 17, and if she's really serious about pursuing
clarinetting for a living, I suggest she continue her education at a
University with a good music department or a conservatory. A university
would be a first choice since it offers a broader education. The reason is,
a military band could be the final step in a career. If she decides to stay
the full 20 years 'til retirement, she could retire young but have less of a
chance to continue a career in music unless she is really determined. If she
finds that the military is not for her, she would be leaving the band after
four years or so and entering the music field under-educated. Either way, it
would be better to have a degree under her belt. Besides, all that music
stuff you learn in college should not be under-rated. Music can be a life
pursuit in itself. Music theory, history, accoustics, psychology, etc. each
offer a whole world of knowlege that can supplement her performance
activities.

I think I'll stop here. If you have any other questions, please ask.

Tom L.