Klarinet Archive - Posting 000339.txt from 1999/03

From: dnaden <dnaden@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Options for further education
Date: Fri, 5 Mar 1999 14:24:42 -0500

As a former member of the 661st Air Force Band -- the "Air Force Band of
Flight" -- at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio, I can shed some light on military
service options:

First, to be accepted in any Air Force Band, an audition is required.
Recruiters can help you get in contact with a band to set up an audition, but
as most do not really know about the music program, it is best to audition
first, and have someone in the band assist you with getting the assignment.
The Air Force, and in general all of the military services, will guarantee
you an assignment to the band career field if accepted. HOWEVER, while the
Air Force will guarantee a specific band, the other services may not.

Second, the primary assignment of any Air Force musician is music. In the
Army and Marine Corps, the musical mission is shared equally with
combat-related training. The exceptions are the special bands located in
Washington D.C., and at the military academies.

Third, the number of active military bands in the U.S. Armed Forces has been
reduced over the last 10 years. When I was on active duty, there were 20 Air
Force bands, including the Air Force Band in D.C. and the Air Force Academy
Band. Currently, there are only 12. While military bands are an excellent
option for those who desire to perform, the opportunities are becoming less.
As a result, the musical standards for acceptance are increasing. Most
musicians entering the Air Force have some college, and many have there
bachelors or masters degrees.

Fourth, with the exception of the Air Force, all other military branches send
their musicians to the Naval Military School of Music in Norfolk, VA. The
Air Force expects their musicians to be fully qualified, and all training is
provided on-the-job.

In short, service with a military band is an excellent option, but one must
have realistic expectations, and be prepared for anything. If you have a
choice of pursuing your college degree first, do it. Although it can be
done, it is often difficult to complete your degree while in a military
service band.

David S. Naden, MMus
former member of the 661st Air Force Band of Flight

charette@-----.org wrote:

> Re: milatary options:
>
> As a former Navy guy (8 years of service), let me emphasize:
> 1) get it in writing
> 2) get it in writing
> 3) get it in writing
> 4) bring a former military person with you to help ask questions.
>
> There's a mindset to asking the correct questions of a military
> recruiter, and there are _very_ few guarantees they can legally
> give you.
>
> Mark Charette@-----.org, who joined the Navy to see the world, then
> realized after being on a boat for a few months that it's mostly water.
>
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