Marine band

[Stilettoprefer]

Hey, I'm approaching senior year in high school and some marines musicians came to my school today and gave us a little bit of info about the music area of the forces. And it got me really interested! But, the Guys that came were cut off due to short class periods, so I didn't get to inquire any further than what they said to the whole class.

So I'm wondering if any TB'ers have been involved in the marines (or other branch) bands? How was your experience during your service? What is involved in trying out to be in one of the bands? And is there a possibility of being put into action?

I'm looking at either trombone or bass. I'm equally good at both, gonna see how I feel about them after this summer and decide what instrument to pursue mainly in the rest of my schooling.

[BigOldHarry]

I wasn't in the band, but let me tell you: A recruiter will tell you ANYTHING to get you to sign, including "Sure, you can make it into the band!"

Next thing you know, you're walking a patrol in Sadr City...

[Stilettoprefer]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I wasn't in the band, but let me tell you: A recruiter will tell you ANYTHING to get you to sign, including "Sure, you can make it into the band!"

Next thing you know, you're walking a patrol in Sadr City...

Exactly why I'm asking here haha. I don't wanna be serving, I want to be in the band:P music is my life and free college+ 4 years of constant gigging experience would be pretty damn incredible.

[Buster Brown]

That actually is nowhere CLOSE to the truth. If you audition for any of the Armed Services bands (I believe that they are required) and you sign an enlistment contract that SPECIFICALLY appoints you to the band AFTER SUCCESSFUL completion of BCT (Basic Combat Training) you are gold. If, for some reason you don't complete BCT, it is a moot point. You have failed to honor YOUR end of the contract.

If they fail to honor their enlistment contract with you - they are in breech and will honorably discharge you.

Understand one thing. Do NOT take ANYONE'S word for it. IT MUST BE IN WRITING!!!! Otherwise, (obviously), it is NOT a contract.

I have a very good friend who plays trumpet in the Army band.

Contrary to some of the respondents here - he has never "walked a patrol in Sadr City". He has, however, toured the 4 corners of the world countless times playing.

[rmkesler]

I auditioned on saxophone for the Navy band in DC when I graduated from college. They listened to over 60 of us and none were chosen. It's a tough gig to get into.

[Pacman]

Originally Posted by Plays_For_Dog

The Trombone is a more likely avenue. The only bass players in the Marines (if any) are on Yankee White duty (President's band in DC). Every major base has a band detachment for ceremonies and what not. The Trombone is in all of them.

absolutely false. Every Marine band has at least one bass player. I went to the Armed Forces School of Music with many of them.

PM me if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help.

PM him for details about the Marines, but not about bands. There are many of us on TB who have been in, or are currently in, military bands.

[Pacman]

FWIW, I've got 24 years in military bands now (both Army and Air Force). Feel free to PM me, or do a search here at TB. I've posted about this great way to make a living many times.

[Pacman]

Just noticed this:

Originally Posted by Stilettoprefer

Exactly why I'm asking here haha. I don't wanna be serving, I want to be in the band:P music is my life and free college+ 4 years of constant gigging experience would be pretty damn incredible.

If this is truly your attitude, the military might not be for you.

[Plays_For_Dog]

Originally Posted by Pacman

absolutely false. Every Marine band has at least one bass player. I went to the Armed Forces School of Music with many of them.

Maybe one. Several Trombones. Still a more likely avenue to get accepted with the Trombone. I was 5 years active duty and NEVER saw a bass player in any Marine Corps band. I went to several concerts, change of commands, Marine Corps Balls, Mess nights, retirments ceremonies and the stand-up of three squadrons. Maybe the other services have them, but if the Marines do, they're not common enough for this poor guy to get his hopes up. There are several Trombones per detachment, thus a greater chance of getting accepted. Once he's in as a Trombone player, it would be a lot easier to prove himself and transfer to the bass IF there is a position.

Edit: I can only share my experiences with the Marines. The other services are considerably larger and therefore, will have more opprotunities for you. If playing music in the military is what you want, go Air Force, Army or Navy. If being a Marine is what you want and playing music is a bonus, try out for the Marines. You'll never make it through boot camp if you don't want to be a Marine first and foremost.

Also- I'm a bass player that was in the Marines, I looked into these opportunities while I was in. I'm trying to share my first hand experiences with what I went through and what I found. Take it or leave it, I don't care. I'm just trying to help.

On a side note to that, the "President's own" Marine Band is a different thing altogether. A google search can explain that a little further, but without a college education in your instrument, you won't be competitive enough for that particular band.

[Plays_For_Dog]

Originally Posted by Stilettoprefer

Exactly why I'm asking here haha. I don't wanna be serving, I want to be in the band:P music is my life and free college+ 4 years of constant gigging experience would be pretty damn incredible.

Hmmmm, ever consider a cruise ship? Constant gigging without the service part. College online...

[fourfinger]

I was in the Army years ago. I had a friend who made it into the band on our post, Ft. Hood, after spending 6 months working in the supply room in my unit. He was a really good jazz guitarist, and they wanted him for that reason, but he had to play another instrument to get in, because the jazz group was (as he found out later) an "after hours" thing. He lasted about 6 months before he decided that being in an Army band to play jazz after hours in the vague hopes of someday going off post to perform was more work than he was willing to commit to. He spent the rest of his four years out of the band.

[Stilettoprefer]

Originally Posted by Pacman

Just noticed this:

If this is truly your attitude, the military might not be for you.

Well serving wouldn't be bad. I would be honored to serve my country. Boot camp isn't even that terrible of a thought in my mind, Just killing people is my drawback.... If I had to kill a man (or woman) in ANY situation, I would go insane... I feel horrible just thinking about it.

And I'm not limiting myself to just the marine branch in any way. That just happened to be the branch that had a band in my school today.

And I'm aware that trombone is gonna be an easier instrument to get anywhere with, I just have a lot more fun with bass.

[PocketGroove82]

I have 5 years experience as an electric and acoustic bassist in the army band, 3 years active duty and 2 years national guard. I am currently finishing my degrees in Jazz Studies on the post 911 GI Bill at the University of North Texas, and I enjoyed my time in the military bands so much and I plan on going back in and finishing my 20 year career when I graduate.

If you'd like specific info PM me and we can talk on the phone about it. I am in no way a recruiter.

[Waterpilot]

Originally Posted by Plays_For_Dog

I was 5 years active duty and NEVER saw a bass player in any Marine Corps band.

I was in the Marine Corps for 4 years active duty and I didn't see one either. Though... I didn't play an instrument at the time so I wasn't really looking either. Saw plenty of horns and drums. No bass though.

Originally Posted by Stilettoprefer

Just killing people is my drawback.... If I had to kill a man (or woman) in ANY situation, I would go insane... I feel horrible just thinking about it.

As a Marine, your primary MOS is Basic Rifleman. It is what you are before anything else. But with any branch you can't expect to reap the rewards without some risk.

[PocketGroove82]

A probable reason you guys never saw bass players is because in marching band situations, the people who play non-marching instruments such as piano players, bass players, guitar players, and singers typically pick up axillary percussion instruments such as bass drum and cymbals to fill out the band.

[Buster Brown]

Originally Posted by Pacman

Just noticed this:





If this is truly your attitude, the military might not be for you.

Yep...saw that too. And a big +1 for your response. Every man and woman who serves, regardless or their MOS, is an Infantryman - if the need arises. If you can't find the guts to kill someone who is trying to kill you - then you might want to consider another avenue for music. Cruise ships might be your best bet.

[BassMan4Him]

I was offered to be te bassist for a similiar situation. I nicely declined..

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by Waterpilot

As a Marine, your primary MOS is Basic Rifleman. It is what you are before anything else. But with any branch you can't expect to reap the rewards without some risk.

I was going to mention this. My current band auditioned a Navy bandsman, and he said his only duty is to play in the band. Do not join the Marines under any circumstances if you are not willing to serve in a combat role. All Marines are infantrymen, as Waterpilot said.

As far as boot camp, it was not difficult for me. All you have to do is put your brain in neutral and do what they tell you. They even tell you where to put each foot, and when. If you get creative, you'll pay a price for it.

[lindseyp]

Originally Posted by Stilettoprefer

...

So I'm wondering if any TB'ers have been involved in the marines (or other branch) bands? How was your experience during your service? What is involved in trying out to be in one of the bands? And is there a possibility of being put into action?

I'm looking at either trombone or bass. I'm equally good at both, gonna see how I feel about them after this summer and decide what instrument to pursue mainly in the rest of my schooling.

One of the military Schools of Music is here in Virginia Beach, VA. Here is the website for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band on Fort Monroe in Hampton, VA. Check their FAQ link for your questions. I've been in the Army for more than two decades and have seen band members perform in war zones, in concert with civilian symphony orchestras and in parades and other civic events. You MUST BE A MASTER OF YOUR INSTRUMENT to pass the Army's audition, and you're still going to be fit enough to be a Soldier. A lot of men and women make careers out of military bands, so check their websites first then see if there is one near you that is willing to host a clinic at your school - yes, they do that, too.

[lindseyp]

Bass players, you are well represented. You're usually used for the orchestras, jazz and R&B ensembles and the the rock band sections. These all come out of the main band on that post or ship.