Just got a gig with the National Guard!

mebusdriver · #1 10-24-2010, 03:21 PM

So I had an audition today with the Georgia Air National Guard band and I smoked it. After the audition I was told that I got accepted and I'll be hearing from the recruiter that sets everything up for the band. One of my best friends is already in the band and he got me in the door. I worked really hard on all the tunes and played everything note for note. I was super nervous because I'd never auditioned for anything before. Plus I dont site read all that great and that is one of the requirements. I had to transpose two tunes to a different key on the fly...... that was scary..... but all in all i did really well and I'm happy. I'm not one of the guys that got the "talent" gene when it comes to playing. And I havent really ever had any serious formal instruction. But I've worked really hard to get where I'm at and I'm happy it was good enough to make the cut. Anyway....... Havent been on here in a while so I figured I'd come back with a cool story. Cant wait to rock for the troops!

rickdog · #2 10-24-2010, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mebusdriver

So I had an audition today with the Georgia Air National Guard band and I smoked it. After the audition I was told that I got accepted....

Uh-huh. And did you get that in writing? And do you know what you can do with that written copy after you're sworn in and they change their minds? (Hint: it involves the color brown.)

Don't get me wrong - warrior is just as good a profession as policeman, firefighter, musician, or whatever you choose. But unless you're enlisting in the military with the goal of becoming a warrior, you're deceiving yourself (probably with the active assistance of the recruiter).

BassScum · #3 10-24-2010, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickdog

Uh-huh. And did you get that in writing? And do you know what you can do with that written copy after you're sworn in and they change their minds? (Hint: it involves the color brown.)

Don't get me wrong - warrior is just as good a profession as policeman, firefighter, musician, or whatever you choose. But unless you're enlisting in the military with the goal of becoming a warrior, you're deceiving yourself (probably with the active assistance of the recruiter).

Geez! Nothing like bringing a guy down huh!

**Pacman** · #4 10-24-2010, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickdog

Uh-huh. And did you get that in writing? And do you know what you can do with that written copy after you're sworn in and they change their minds? (Hint: it involves the color brown.)

Don't get me wrong - warrior is just as good a profession as policeman, firefighter, musician, or whatever you choose. But unless you're enlisting in the military with the goal of becoming a warrior, you're deceiving yourself (probably with the active assistance of the recruiter).

This is absolutely terrible advice from someone who has no idea what they're talking about.

Edit - congrats on getting the gig. My wife used to be in that band, before she went active duty.

If you got a 485, you're golden. (the the guy above, an Air Force form 485 is a job offer, in writing.

mebusdriver · #5 10-24-2010, 04:22 PM

Little bit of background for ya. I'm currently a civil service employee for the federal gov. I have a full time job, a career. This was just a try out for the a reserve group. The only reason I'm trying to be a weekend warrior is to get money for school, a little extra retirement (maybe), some other benefits, blah blah blah. This isnt going to be my full time job. I'm not looking at this as a profession. So if in a month they call me and tell me that theyre gonna go with someone else, or they no longer have an opening, or whatever...... It's really no skin off my ass. My dad was AF for 18 years, my brother was AF, my wife is a AFR, my father in law is an AF recruiter, and i work on an AF base. I've been around the military my whole life. I know how the process goes. I guess I should have added that I'm an adult and not some nieve 18 year old kid that thinks he just got the greatest gig in the world. Thanks for being so optimistic tho. I really appreciate it.

rickdog · #6 10-24-2010, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mebusdriver

Little bit of background for ya.... My dad was AF for 18 years, my brother was AF, my wife is a AFR, my father in law is an AF recruiter, and i work on an AF base. I've been around the military my whole life. I know how the process goes. I guess I should have added that I'm an adult and not some nieve 18 year old kid that thinks he just got the greatest gig in the world.

Ah. In that case, I apologise for the tone of my previous post (and for not checking your profile before posting, which would have clued me in). I'm afraid I did jump to the conclusion that you were a teenager with unrealistic expectations.

mebusdriver · #7 10-24-2010, 05:50 PM

Haha. No sweat man. It's just the Internet. I don't expect everyone to know my personal story.

pnut166 · #8 10-24-2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickdog

Uh-huh. And did you get that in writing? And do you know what you can do with that written copy after you're sworn in and they change their minds? (Hint: it involves the color brown.)

Don't get me wrong - warrior is just as good a profession as policeman, firefighter, musician, or whatever you choose. But unless you're enlisting in the military with the goal of becoming a warrior, you're deceiving yourself (probably with the active assistance of the recruiter).

I don`t understand why some people find the need to just crap all over someone when something good happens to them. Congrats on the gig, though !!!

masoncole · #9 10-24-2010, 06:05 PM

I'm glad you got it! Congrats!!!

steveksux · #10 10-24-2010, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnut166

I don`t understand why some people find the need to just crap all over someone when something good happens to them. Congrats on the gig, though !!!

Information always beats affirmation. If he had been correct, and in many cases, recruiters do promise a lot of stuff they don't have to worry about delivering, he could have saved the OP a lot of grief.

Luckily, sounds like he's wrong in this case, and congratulations are in order....

Is it crapping all over someone who just won a Nigerian fortune, or someone that's offered to pay $500 extra on their craigslist listing to be paid by cashiers check to point out that its actually a scam? Disappointing, but crucial to know.

Randy

Mrdak · #11 10-24-2010, 06:23 PM

Good job man.

I'm in Warner Robins too.... actually in Byron. But my soninlaw is in the AF at WR and from what I've heard, you have to be pretty damn good to make the grade with those guys.
Congrat's and best of luck to you

Classickbass · #12 10-24-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassScum

Geez! Nothing like bringing a guy down huh!

More and more I am seeing this kind of attitude here. What gives? Guy nails an audition, Sights reads on the fly, transposes to another key also on the fly, and folks got to try and tear his moment from him. ***

OP, Congratulations to you sir. You should be proud not only of your accomplishment today but the honor of playing for your country. I say hats off to you!

audiomitch · #13 10-24-2010, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Classickbass

More and more I am seeing this kind of attitude here. What gives? Guy nails an audition, Sights reads on the fly, transposes to another key also on the fly, and folks got to try and tear his moment from him. ***

OP, Congratulations to you sir. You should be proud not only of your accomplishment today but the honor of playing for your country. I say hats off to you!

I think the response was worded badly. He didn't know the OP or his experience with military shenanigans. It very possibly could have been a case of bait and switch, there are much more egregious cases out there. But I agree, it was presented badly.

kcarr · #14 10-24-2010, 08:44 PM

Congrats and I know you will represent us well. Hope to get a chance to hear you some day.

Raymeous · #15 10-27-2010, 09:34 AM

I am in the military and have played in several "Camp Bands" over the years. Trust me the troops regardless of branch of service appreciate the diversion more than you know.

Have fun with your new gig.

**Staccato** · #16 10-27-2010, 09:41 AM

Congrats! That is fantastic.

A good friend is with the Alabama ANG across the border from you.

Medford Bassman · #17 10-27-2010, 03:26 PM

I'm not ashamed to admit, I'm jealous. I have known musicians in the Army and Air Force bands and they all said it was a great gig. Military pays for awesome equipment.

Congrats.

BillW87 · #18 10-27-2010, 03:39 PM

Congrats on the gig! My only word of caution is never to join the military unless you understand that there always is a chance that you could be called to serve in harms way, regardless of what a recruiter tells you about your particular assignment. However, it sounds like you've been around the system enough that you're aware of the risks and you're making an informed decision so don't let anyone talk you out of it if its what you want to do. Congrats again, nothing beats getting paid to do what you love!

lousybassplayer · #19 10-28-2010, 05:44 AM

I have been priviledged to meet and hear a number of military musicians, and let me tell you, being accepted by them is no small accomplishment. Being pursued by them is extremely impressive. Congrats.

mebusdriver · #20 11-13-2010, 08:27 AM

Thanks for all the kind words guys.