Klarinet Archive - Posting 000442.txt from 1996/09

From: Gary Van Cott <Gary_VanCott@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Military band auditions
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 1996 00:45:10 -0400

Scott wrote:
Another curiosity 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 commissioned as an officer in the army (or airforce, or
whatever). Can the members of the band be called into active duty in a
war?
************************
Let me add my 2 cents, as someone who spent 20 years in the US Air Force,
but not in a band.

I believe that 30 years ago, when I graduated from high school, if you were
a high school graduate good enough for say all-state band, you were good
enough to get into a military band. Now with fewer bands, and a large pool
of highly educated, unemployed musicians the bands can be more selective.

I think anyone who could survive high school PE, can survive the physical
demands of Air Force or Navy basic training. The Army and certainly the
Marines may be different. I have read on this list that the Coast Guard
band doesn't require basic training.

These positions are in the enlisted ranks. The military band system has
very few officers who serve as conductors/commanders. In at least some of
the services that have warrant officers (the Air Force doesn't), there may
be the opportunity to reach that rank (there are actually four grades of
warrant officers).

Most of the positions that have been discussed are in the active duty
ranks, although the national guard and reserve have bands, too. Is your
finally question "would band members have to serve in combat"? I think
that is a possibility for all members of the Armed Forces although
certainly less likely for band members.

I apologize to our non-US readers if this subject is getting tedious.

Gary Van Cott
Las Vegas, NV
Gary_VanCott@-----.com