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Re: military band question

Author: Daniel Frazelle
Date: 2008-06-02 02:51

Hi Steve,

I don't have a 100% answer for you, partially because it is a rare situation and partially because all rules of ending enlistments and switching services are tricky and can be inconsistent. From what I can tell, switching services is almost no easier than ending your enlistment early. From a military perspective, there is very little difference on paper between a premier band and a line/field/fleet band. The justification for changing services would be hard to make, I'd imagine. I can think of a couple situations recently where it has not been easy to just move someone from one premier band to another. While this is not the scenario you asked about, I find it hard to believe that the case would look that different to those making the decisions.

Hopefully Ben Redwine will add his thoughts. I know Ben was in an Army field band prior to winning his position in the Naval Academy Band. I'm unsure of the timing, however.

I know that premier bands are thrilled to bring in musicians who have worked their way up, but I can say with certainty that the issue of seniority would not factor into a current audition. It has happened before and will happen again, but it is rare for a musician to make the jump for the reasons listed above. A typical military musician does get drawn away from the time and skills needed to compete at the level needed for the premier bands. It can happen, but really doesn't often.

I wish I could give you a more definite response. Feel free to contact me for any information if needed.

Daniel Frazelle
United States Navy Band

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