Air Force Band

[Bassmanphat]

Hey guys,

I just found out about five days ago that I have an audition for the Air Force Band (for the jazz and contemporary bands) on the 21st of January. It sort of just fell in my lap and is a bit overwhelming. I was wondering if there was anybody here that may have gone through the audition process and could tell me what to expect from it so I know how to prepare. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

[Jeremy Crockett]

Paging Pacman... Mr. Pacman, a thread is in need of your attention.

[Pacman]

Hehe - there's at least two of us here who are in the Air Force band... For which band are you auditioning?

First things first - you're auditioning for the Air Force band program, not two ensembles. You'll be grilled on reading, styles, electric and upright. Reading is key - the better you read, the better you'll do. Know styles - the better you play them, the better you'll do. It was both the hardest and easiest audition I ever took. Hardest because the music was hard, easiest because the music was all real-world music.

Good luck, and feel free to ask any questions - if I can help, I will.

[Bassmanphat]

Well, I guess i'm gonna have to work on my sight reading then. I don't know what band I'm auditioning for. I just got a voicemail from my friend the other day who is auditioning on keyboard who told me that I got the audition too. I wasn't originally planning on doing it, but the more I do research, the better it sounds.
Are they going to ask me to do any classical pieces for the audition? If so, what might they have me do? Classical is the weakest aspect of my playing and it'd be great to have an idea of what they want so I can start practicing now. Thank you so much for your help too.

[IotaNet]

Send a PM to "Blake Bass" -- he's either in one of the USAF bands or one of the Army bands -- I forget which it is.

Whichever it is, he's had the gig for a long time and he's a very nice guy. (He bought one of my Sadowskys earlier this year)

[Pacman]

They'll ask you to do something classical ( I did the prelude to the Bach Cello Suite in G), but it's important to know that nothing's a deal breaker. Well, if you can't read, that's a deal breaker. But when I auditioned, I didn't play upright at all - and I got the gig anyway. I had to work my tail off once I got the gig to learn upright, but I got the gig.

A few questions:

Do you play upright at all?

Where are you going to audition? (I'm guessing Omaha...)

What are your strongest assets?

[Pacman]

By the way, Iota, Blake retired from the band at Bolling. I think he's just bumming around DC now....

[Bassmanphat]

First, I just want to thank you again for the advice. Second, I'll answer your questions in order:

1. I do play upright, but mostly for jazz. I've never owned one cause I could never afford one, but the bass players at the university have been very generous in lending me there's for gigs when I need them. I've never been classically trained on it though, and my bowing technique kind of sucks.

2. I will actually be auditioning in Eau Claire, WI

3. My strongest assets are rock and funk grooves. I have some pretty good slap chops and can read pretty well, but there is always room for improvement. I can improvise a solo over changes without a problem. Do you have any recommendations for any jazz parts of the audition? I'm currently working on some ii-V licks and preparing Donna Lee.

Thanks again and let me know what you think.

[Pacman]

Sounds like you've got a great shot at getting a job, dude! For the jazz parts, if you have the opportunity (and you should), call the tunes you're most comfortable with. You'll have plenty of chances to read, call strong tunes for you. Show them what you've got.

I think you'll be auditioning with the Band of Mid America, and a great friend of mine will be there (Jimmy Weber). I think you've got a great shot at it man - good luck. I'm here if you've got questions about the job, or anything - just let me know! Let us know here what happened, too!

[Bassmanphat]

Thanks for all the help, Pacman. I'll definitely keep you guys posted on how things turn out. Until then, it's practice, practice, practice. I do have one final question for you, though:
What can I expect from basic?

[Pacman]

Basic - it's a game. There's nothing you can do right. Everyone can do it, just do exactly what you're told. Exactly, nothing more, nothing less. Make sure you can do some push ups and sit ups and can run fairly well before you get there. The main thing to do is try to remain 'under the radar'. You'd be in the drum and bugle flight (marching band) - if you get in before the summer, I might come over and see you (I'm right next door).

Basic - lots of physical activity, lots of classes, and a big mind game. Nothing you can't handle. You might have the option of staying in San Antonio for duty, too (I'm leaving for Tokyo soon...)



edit: It's the Heartland of America Band that's coming to town, more than likely. Look for Jimmy Weber - great guy.

[Blake Bass]

Yes, I am bumming around DC now that I have retired, just playing a few gigs here and there. I love being "free" but I wouldn't hesitate to do it all again. It was a lot of fun and I learned a ton.

Bassmanphat, how did your audition go? What band did you audition for?

[Pacman]

He hasn't had it yet, Blake

[MAJOR METAL]

I studied with the airmen of note , good group of players and patriots.

[Bassmanphat]

Well guys, I've got some good news. My audition went very well and I will be joining the Band of Mid America this summer as their new bassist. I want to thank you Pacman for all your advice and maybe I'll see you down in Texas when I start basic training. All I have to do now is lose 30 lbs. before May. Rock.

[Valerus]

Wicked awesome! Congrats man.

[Pacman]

Well, you probably won't have time to see me while you're in BMT, bassman. But good luck, and congrats! An old Army colleague is a french horn player in that band. It's a great ride, man, I hope you enjoy it!