musicmom

As a take off on the 'post school career goals' thread for music majors......

Can anyone offer first hand info on what it's like to be in a service band like the US Navy band or Pershing's Own or the Coast Guard Band?
The ads in the International Musician make it seem like an attractive option for musicians looking to play as a 'real job'.

Opinions/thoughts/warnings are all appreciated!

violadad

musicmom- see my post here:http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/...play.php?f=604

also,http://www.marineband.usmc.mil/caree...enlistment.htm

OldinJersey

go to trumpetherald.com and read up on the threads there. It's very important to understand what is happening in each service (army, navy etc) and in each band. Lower level band members have ended up on active duty in Iraq and elsewhere - not playing. the permanent ones can be great. The first link discussing all sorts of issues with the Navy Band. Pershings is outside much of the time -Arlington funerals. President's own is the only one that skips boot camp. Lots of info!
threads from the past..hope the links work. I searched Pershings Own, but you can search military as well. A number of posters are or were in the bands.
Navy Band thread
http://trumpetherald.com/forum/viewt...ae9d694874afce
military bands
http://trumpetherald.com/forum/viewt...4590559a204b12

musicmom

Violadad-

Thanks for the marineband link...........it has alot of info.
Of course, as the mom, I love the NO basic training and NO combat duty.
Looks enticing.

I'll wager it is just as difficult to land a spot in the marine band as any orchestra vacancy.

violadad

actually, tougher if you peruse the vetting requirements and clearances.

musicmom

OldinJersey-

I am OldinJersey too! And when I think of my son perhaps enlisting, it makes me feel even older.

Thanks for the links and the cautionary note.

thumper1

I posted on the other thread. We know a player in the marine band. He DID have to go to basic training...and a special firearms training as well. Then he went off to the Armed Forces School of Music. He will not be posted to combat duty..but he did do basic training and this is current events....he graduated from High School in June and began basic training in July 2006.

OldinJersey

There have been some blow-ups around the U.S. about recruiters outright lying to kids to get them to join. The flip side is the recruiters are nice folks themselves who are being harrassed to get the numbers up,up, up.
Back 10 years ago my DS looked at Airforce ROTC and it did seem like a great idea. Every day I watch the news and am glad it didn't happen.
Always research any of this stuff before signing up for the miliary.
I'm sure DD would look at President's Own as a great potential job - the downside would be NOT having basic training. She's love that.

violadad

Just to clarify for all, each service has its bands. Depending on the specific branch, these may be at the regiment, brigade, division, or corps level. Some are traveling bands, some are bands stationed to a particular post or unit, or ship for that matter.

"The Presidents Own", while a Marine Band, is unique in the true non-military mission it performs. All other service bands, including other performing organizations within the Marines are comprised of active duty service military personnel with the standard duties and obligations associated with that profession.

It is important that anyone contemplating this as a career option be fully aware of the distinction.

lostinthemusic

Both my current and former private teachers have been part of the "President's Own." Basically, it's an amazing life. My teacher's husband has medical problems and she earns enough (as a musician!) to support both him and herself without having to teach lessons for supplemental income (she just does because she likes to). They also receive all the military benefits without having to go through basic training.

However, it should be noted that it's about as difficult to get a position in the President's Own as it is to get one in a major symphony orchestra. *sigh*

violadad

Just a bump for those interested or know someone who might be, the Marine Band "The President's Own" posted audition info for a violin position on May 4th.