Klarinet Archive - Posting 000158.txt from 2000/04

From: "Don Platter" <dplatter@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Military Positions
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 01:38:16 -0400

Phil,

I am a 'veteran' of the USMA Band at West Point, one of the "Special Bands"
of the military. I can tell you from first-hand experience that the special
bands are highly selective and provide a first-rate performing experience
for a truly talented musician. Although there is no branch overall that I
would consider to be better than the others, the premiere ensemble is
generally considered to be the "President's Own" or the U.S. Marine Band.
Most of the members of that ensemble have degrees from highly regarded music
schools, and quite a few have masters degrees in addition. Most students
without college degrees would normally audition for a 'line band' which
means they would be placed in an opening after about a year of training at
the School of Music in Norfolk, Va. (Auditioners who are accepted into the
"Special Bands" bypass this requirement and are placed directly into their
assignment following basic training). However, there are exceptions to
this, if the student is unusually talented and can compete against college
graduates auditioning for the special positions.

Don Platter

----------
>From: Phil Shapiro <pshapiro@-----.com>
>To: klarinet@-----.org
>Subject: [kl] Military Positions
>Date: Mon, Apr 3, 2000, 10:11 PM
>

> Hey all,
>
> I have a student who is thinking of pursuing a career in military
> music. Is there one branch of the forces that is better than others??
> What about 'Special Bands'??
>
> Anyone out there with military band experience, your guidance would be
> greatly appreciated.
>
> Phil Shapiro
> Miami Symphony Orchestra
>
>
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