 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jean
Date: 2002-10-29 12:43
I am working on my master's thesis which is about my father and the time he spent in the Army (1953-1955) as a clarinetist. Is there anyone on the bulletin board who also spent time in any branch of the service as a musician?
Also, does anyone know of any resources where I can get more information about military music (mid-20th century)? Much of the informaiton I am finding is prior to the 20th century, which is not pertinent to what I am researching.
Thanks,
Jean
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Author: Dan Borlawsky
Date: 2002-10-29 13:16
Jean, I spent two years as an Army bass clarinetist, alto saxophonist and arranger from 1961 to 1963, and would be glad to swap "war stories" with you.
--Dan
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-10-29 14:26
Jean, here are a few little tidbits which may be of help: I auditioned successfully to be a Clarinetist while in the Army (1955, Fort Jackson, South Carolina) I decided to decline the opportunity to play and went on to do other things instead. At that time, most Army Bases of any significant size (and a few smaller ones) had their own bands. Most Bands were led by Warrant Officers. My audition was conducted one-to-one by the Chief Warrant Officer who was leader of the Fort Jackson Band. I was led to believe that the band rehearsed at least once a day, five days a week, up to three hours at each rehearsal, as determined by the Bandleader. They played for all parades (which were several), usually "static," although sometimes they marched. Concerts were few. Players had other usual military duties as well, but they appeared to be fewer than those "enjoyed" by most other troops. Promotion opportunities for players (all of whom were enlisted grade) appeared to be not at all spectacular. The best players could earn the opportunity to attend The Navy School of Music. That school was very highly respected at the time (I know nothing of it today) and accepted students from all branches of the military. I knew a brass player in college (Gene McGrath) who ran short of money and left school. He enlisted in the military, hoping to earn a berth at the NSM. I often wonder if he ever made it.
Good luck in your research.
Regards,
John
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-10-29 14:44
Jean...hooray for you! I myself was not but I know a number of musicians who were. If you have a questionaire or specific questions I will be happy to pass along.
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Author: John
Date: 2002-10-29 15:46
Jean, I served as an Army bandsman in Korea during the time you mentioned, playing clarinet and bass clarinet. The duty in Korea was mostly marching situations -- parades, ceremonies, etc. A typical day would be to ride in the back of a truck for an hour or two, play for the event (always outside), and return back to the base to clean equipment and yourself. The conditions were extremely dusty for the truck ride since there were no paved roads and the truck was open in the back for the dust to fog in. We wore masks in an effort to keep most of the dust out of our lungs. We did have an occasional practice for concert band, but I can't recall ever playing a concert. The musicians who could improvise and play popular music music frequently played informally at evening parties for other troops in the field. Most of the musicians in our outfit were very capable, some drafted graduate students, some career Army personnel, all there by audition. A few of the career people had served two or three tours in Korea and seemed to accept it in good humor. The career people had most of the alloted rank, so it was very difficult to achieve much rank for the remaining enlisted men. The living conditions were very primitive. The first few months I was there, we lived in tents. We later moved to a more permanent location at Camp Casey where we were privileged to live in quansit (sp?) huts. We did maintain our military preparedness (physical fitness, weapons training, etc.) throughout our assignment, for the bands would be a potential backup for regular troops in the event of further conflict (I arrived in Korea a few weeks after the Armistice was signed). After returning from Korea, I was stationed at Camp Carson, Colorado for a few months before my discharge. Stateside duty was much more enjoyable, but I will always remember my 18 months in Korea. Good luck on your project, Jean.
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Author: Jean
Date: 2002-10-29 23:28
I will add all your addresses to my email and will perhaps get a questionnaire together.
Here is what I can tell you about my dad. He was originally drafted in 1951 along with his older brother. Because my grandparents farmed they requested the draft board only take one boy at a time. Since my uncle was older he was sent to Korea where he joined the medical corps. He was a medic in an area called the Punch Bowl. My uncle died 4 years ago and never talked about his experiences. Can't blame him there.
As soon as Jim came home it was my dad's turn. He was sent to Fort Riley, KS. He was training in heavy artillery, saw a sign for playing in band, faked an illness, and auditioned for the band. Lucky for dad the war ended about a month after he was sent to KS.
From Kansas he went to Fort Eustis, VA....he was there a very short time when he was called in and told to report to Fort Mason, CA. As far as he knows (and was told) his name was pulled out of a hat for the gig in San Francisco. My dad tells me he was the only draftee in that band. Many of his bandmates had enlisted specifically to play and many were professional musicians. Dad played on the dock for incoming and outgoing troop ships. His other duty was guarding ships that had come back from the Orient.
After his discharge my dad came home to South Dakota where he farmed for the next 20 plus years before becoming a carpenter/contractor. Because my dad doesn't hear well (and that started young) he rarely played the clarinet again.
When people ask why this for a topic I tell them there have been enough theses(sp) done about famous people. Why not one about a fellow whose musical ability impacted his life in a way he could not have imagined when he took up the instrument as a ten year old.
I will be in touch. Thanks to those of you who have responded. Any and all stories would be greatly appreciated.
Jean
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Author: Luanne
Date: 2002-10-31 11:45
Hi Jean,
I served with the 101st Airborne Division Band from 1989-1992 during the Gulf War if you need any information. I'd be happy to assist you.
Luanne
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