Klarinet Archive - Posting 000440.txt from 1996/09

From: Rob Breen <VB13@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Military band auditions
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 1996 21:31:34 -0400

In a message dated 96-09-19 21:19:25 EDT, Scott wrote

>Another curiousity question - this comes from someone with not enough
>musical talent to get in to any of these military bands, as well as
>someone who definitely couldn't get through basic training.
>
>What risks are involved in the band? it seems to me that everything
>discussed says that you go through basic training, have to be in tip-top
>shape, and are commisioned as an officer in the army (or airforce, or
>whatever). Can the members of the band be called into active duty in a
>war?

It might be nice to have officer's pay, but bands people are mostly enlisted
types.
There are a few commissioned officers in band leader slots, but most band
masters are warrant officers.

The risk faced by the average military bands person is negligible compared to

an infantryman. In combat situations bands theoretically end up with some
sort of
head quarters perimiter guard duty. But, also theoritically, anybody in
uniform is
a soldier. That's why boot camp and physical fitness, etc.