Klarinet Archive - Posting 000803.txt from 1999/07

From: Jnbradner@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Advantages of Marching Experience
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 1999 11:03:44 -0400

In a message dated 7/23/99 10:21:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
charette@-----.org writes:

<<
I'm not sure that 4 years of marching band would have been that good a
tradeoff!
>>

Actually, it was five years (grades 8 - 12) for me. In those bygone days,
junior high schools had football teams and marching bands.

As to the tradeoff aspect, knowing how to play a musical instrument was a
real advantage in Aviation Officer Candidate School. We went to breakfast
earlier than others so we could get to band practice on time, thus avoiding
long lines in the mess hall. The band room was a refuge from harassment for
at least one hour a day. Our weekly regimental inspection lasted about five
minutes, as opposed to an hour or more for non-musicians. I marched in the
weekly graduation parades carrying my clarinet rather than a 10.5-pound rifle.

Also, candidate/musicians were in high demand, as there were so few of us. I
remember my "audition" well. The drill instructor asked our class if anyone
could play a musical instrument. I raised my hand (not a gesture to be taken
lightly under those circumstances). He asked challengingly: "Are you any
good?" I replied: "Yes sir," and was told where and when to report the band
director. At that moment, I wouldn't have traded my marching and playing
experience for anything!

Regards,

Jim

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