Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2005-12-07 15:34
Alexi -
Military bands are (or used to be) divided into two groups: "regular" or "line" bands and "special" bands.
Special bands are made up of players all of whom are, in theory, better than anyone in a line band. You get into them only by audition, and assignments are "stabilized" -- that is, you stay there for your entire career. Most special band players are career players.
Each large military post has its own line band, doing ceremonial duties. The best players are quite good, and the rest less so. The assignment to a particular band, or even as a bansdman, is not stabilized.
Special bands include the Marine Band, the Army Band, and, among others, the Army Field Band. It is the Army's "roving ambassador" and spends much of its time traveling. Since it is on public display so much, there is great concern about "spit and polish." I've heard them a couple of times over the years, and it's a really excellent group.
Make sure you're auditioning for "the" Army Field Band, not "an" army field band, which would be a line band.
Ken Shaw
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