[Dixielandjazz] Playing in the Army Band

[tcashwigg at aol.com]

Thought some of you guys might enjoy this:   Feel free to answer the 
guy if you want.

Cheers,

Tom Wiggins


has anyone had experience playing in the army band (san rafael)
Reply to: comm-150867464 at craigslist.org
Date: 2006-04-13, 9:31AM PDT


i'm curious about the army bands and am gonna audition soon...seems 
like a very good gig, good pay, travel etc..anyone ever been in it..any 
experiences let me know..thanks!

RE: has anyone had experience playing in the army band

Reply to: comm-150878130 at craigslist.org
Date: 2006-04-13, 10:02AM PDT


It is a good opportunity if you can pass the audition, my guess is that 
it's not hard to get in these days ;)
  I was offered a drumming position in the Marines Jazz Band, but passed 
on it at the last minute after talking with a couple guys. You're in 
for four years, so make sure it's what you want to do. Also, just 
because you're in the band doesn't mean you won't get called to serve 
active duty... in case that' a concern. The Recruiters will say you 
won't when trying to recruit you, but from guys I've talked to who have 
played, they said the Recruiters have no say/idea on who goes active. 
Just a heads up on that.
  But it would be a good experience to travel and play with some steller 
musicians... good luck.


 -- original text --
  >> i'm curious about the army bands and am gonna audition soon...seems 
like a
 >> very good gig, good pay, travel etc..anyone ever been in it..any
 >> experiences let me know..thanks!


Re: has anyone had experience playing in the army band (concord / 
pleasant hill / martinez)
Reply to: comm-150884211 at craigslist.org
Date: 2006-04-13, 10:18AM PDT


I've heard it is an awesome gig, full army pay, no chance for active 
duty, the army buys you pretty much whatever gear you want, practice 
all day with some of the best musicians in the country in a competitive 
environment. An older guy I know was in the army band in the 1980's, 
they'd split up into small 3 piece combos on their evening leaves and 
go play jazz/fusion casuals for $500-$600, head back to the base and 
get up and practice with each other, then go play some of the most 
prestigious gigs in the world as the US Army Band. That environment 
will turn great players into the best in the world quick.

  The bad news is that you have to audition against some of the best 
players in the country to get in... The worse news is that you have to 
enlist BEFORE you audition. If you blow the audition your axe goes poof 
and you get an M16, a buzzcut and a one-way ticket to Iraq.

  I would think very carfully about what I was doing before I leased my 
body to the US Army. The recruiter is the guy who is supposed to make 
you feel good about joining the army. He can tell you whatever you want 
to hear, but once you sign up, you are owned by the US Army and they 
can assign you wherever they want to put you, not where you want them 
to put you.

  That said, my friend said it was like being a rock star, playing with 
the best musicians in the country, being well paid and housed, being 
able to pick up casuals at any time for top flight pay, traveling all 
over the world, excellent benefits and retirement.

  It could be worth the risk. I'd just watch out if the recruiter never 
heard you play before you sign (literally) your life away.