 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: redwine
Date: 2006-02-02 20:14
Hello,
The audition that I mentioned several months ago for the US Naval Academy Band resulted in noone being offered the position, so the audition is being held again. Check the band's website at www.usna.edu/USNABand, if you're interested in the job. Again, my offer stands on a first-come, first-served basis--if anyone on this board wants to take the audition, you are welcome to stay at my house to save the cost of a hotel.
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-02-02 22:06
Very tempting Ben. I wonder if I'm over the age limit....!
Bob Draznik
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2006-02-02 22:42
Well, Bob, I drive past the "Old Navy" store almost every day--perhaps you should audition there first!
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-02-02 23:12
Why aren't people offered positions? The audition seems rather basic, so what makes it so hard? I'm very curious, as this may be an option for me to consider in the future (although I am 18, I don't feel prepared enough)!
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2006-02-03 00:08
Clarinetgirl06 wrote:
> Why aren't people offered positions? The audition seems rather
> basic, so what makes it so hard?
Intonation, rhythm, sight-reading, appearance, etc.
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-02-03 00:42
Appearance? Why would it matter what you looked like? You do have to pass the fitness exam or something though, right?
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2006-02-03 00:56
Clarinetgirl06 wrote:
> Appearance? Why would it matter what you looked like? You do
> have to pass the fitness exam or something though, right?
Thank about it. You are competeing for one of the most prestigious <b>military</b> bands.
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-02-03 01:05
So, as long as you are well dressed for an audition and have groomed yourself well, why should it matter? I certainly care about quality of the player over nose preferences.
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Author: hartt
Date: 2006-02-03 02:34
why should it matter??.....
MUSICIANSHIP aside...........you, in toto, (including appearance) are representing the United States of America
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Author: Max S-D
Date: 2006-02-03 04:59
"So, as long as you are well dressed for an audition and have groomed yourself well, why should it matter? I certainly care about quality of the player over nose preferences."
I think "appearance" refers to neat, well-groomed, etc., not attractiveness. For example, if I were to go in (supposing I could play at the level they are looking for, which I cannot--yet) looking like I do, with my shaggy, almost shoulder-length hair uncombed, my face unshaven, dressed in a t-shirt, that would demonstrate (to them) that I didn't even care enough to look good for the audition. You definitely do not want to give the impression that you don't care.
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Author: clarinetfreak
Date: 2006-02-03 07:32
If I wasn't already in the band I would take Ben's offer in a heartbeat. I been to Ben's house and it's a nice place + Ben and Leslie, his wife, are very good people.
Also, the reason why appearance matters is because of the physical qualifications one must meet to join the Navy. However, that won't matter until you make it to the final round when the screens come down. Unless you look like a person who won't have a chance passing the Navy's standards (meaning you would have to be really out of it physically) it won't be a problem. I am the newest clarinet player to join the band and if any one of you have any questions about the job I would be happy to answer them for you.
Good Times!
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-02-03 10:20
Ok, ok, so if you're not fat and ugly......what's the gig like?
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: redwine
Date: 2006-02-03 12:00
Hello,
The first step is to contact the auditions supervisor. Then, send a recording, resume, and photo of yourself. This is the first round. Like Sam (clarinet freak) said, weight standards are pretty strict in the military, so an obese person will be given the suggestion to not apply. Overweight people are welcome, with the understanding that they must meet a certain weight (based upon their height) before entering boot camp, then they must meet the military accepted weight before exiting boot camp. The photo is really the first thing they will look at, then they'll listen to your recording. If it is good enough, they will invite you to round 2. This is usually about 6 or 7 people that play behind a screen all, or most, of the pieces on the list that's posted on the website. Then, those that play well enough are asked to the final round, which is not behind a screen. If there is a winner (out of 6 or 7 auditions that we've had for clarinet since I've been in the band, we've not selected someone twice, I think) that person will join the Navy, go to boot camp and then report to our band. Long hair and dissheveled clothing will NOT prevent you from winning the audition. Boot camp will take care of the hair and the band will make sure that your uniform is always ironed.
To answer Paul, the duty is great. The band is in a very nice location, very close to Washington, D.C. and to Baltimore. It's about a 2 hour drive to Philadelphia and a 4 hour drive to NYC. I've got plenty of time to run a business and play with my chamber music group a recital once a month and with my jazz group a weekly gig and do recordings and work in the garden or on my house.
If you're interested, you should definitely take this audition. You never know!
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: ken
Date: 2006-02-04 00:01
Clarinetgirl06 wrote: "So, as long as you are well dressed for an audition and have groomed yourself well, why should it matter?"
--The military maintains and enforces weight standards and age restrictions on all its members; it's that simple. And, in my experience making/playing music is at most only 50% of the job, slightly more in the premiere bands. And, the hiring standards at the "premiere band" level is on a par with the finest U.S. and European Minor orchestra Principal desk and asst. desk positions. ALL the premiere bands contain world class instrumentalists with the same resumes and backgrounds who didn't quite make the top of their field and "settled" with the band venue. Many are on-call for major orchestras, chamber groups and earn a remarkable living gigging and teaching in the shadows.
Get the facts; check out any Washington DC military band's website for the particulars; then, before making/sending a tape invest the time finding and speaking with a current/former U.S. military Bandsmen for a real-time perspective. v/r Ken
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Author: Tom Puwalski
Date: 2006-02-04 00:51
Let's see, not at the top of the field, as an E6, 26 years ago I was in the top 10% of anybody making a living as an instrumentalist actively performing. As a retired master sergeant, I'm probably still in the top 20% with just my retired pay not counting the klezmer, wedding and Bar Mitzvah circuit.
One could spend their careers playing for half filled halls, playing music that the American public doesn't understand or care about, or one could play in a special military band. Get a chance to see the world, be a soloist, and play packed houses. Tough Choice.........
Tom Puwalski, former soloist with the US Army Field Band, Clarinetist with Lox&Vodka, and Author of "The Clarinetist's Guide to Klezmer"and most recently by the order of the wizard of Oz, for supreme intelligence, a Masters in Clarinet performance
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-02-04 12:19
Tom,
Don't forget those of us who ARE fat and ugly.
..............Paul Aviles (the bottom 10%)
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Author: Tom Puwalski
Date: 2006-02-04 13:10
I had the weight problem all the years I was in the Army and I won a limerick contest about it so here it is
In my mind there's not one once of doubt
that if I get exceedingly stout
and if I can't trim it, get under my limit
the weigh in will be my way out
Tom Puwalski, former soloist with the US Army Field Band, Clarinetist with Lox&Vodka, and Author of "The Clarinetist's Guide to Klezmer"and most recently by the order of the wizard of Oz, for supreme intelligence, a Masters in Clarinet performance
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