<p>We are looking for options that will allow my son (HS junior) to continue in music (jazz, tenor sax) should the money not work out. Long story, we basically need a full scholarship, or darn close, for him to attend any of the top schools. We are not giving up on that possibility, but are exploring community college, a gap year and other avenues. The possibility of a military band came up, and I don't know anything about them outside of their websites. These appear to be career positions filled by players with advanced degrees, but is there any realistic chance a talented freshman can make the band? Is there a danger of bait-and-switch-- join the service with a promise of a music position and end up sweeping for mines or some such? Any information would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I love this site, learn from it daily, and recommend it to every parent I can.</p>
<p>FWIW, military bands, at least the higher echelon ones, require auditions and only take very accomplished musicians. My D was thinking about auditioning for some in lieu of going to Graduate School, but reported that colleagues of her who auditioned and were of equal or greater talent, didin’t even get call backs…</p>
<p>Out of curiosity, I looked at their web site. In the FAQ section, it says:</p>
<p>“Although most members of The United States Air Force Band have earned undergraduate degrees, a college degree is not required to become a member. Candidates are offered positions solely on the basis of a successful audition.” I assume it is quite competitive.</p>
<p>The military route can be an option, but it is important to do your homework. The only military performing ensemble without ANY boot camp requirement is the Marine ensemble, The President’s Own. All of the other service bands do require the standard basic training.</p>
<p>The competition for the premier bands and performing ensembles across all military ensembles can be just as tough as any of the upper tier civilian ensemble and many of the very top draw a good portion of the civilian audition pool. There are performing organizations across all levels, and from memory only the higher level organizations are listed as “permanent duty”.</p>
<p>I would suggest a thorough reading of the specific service branch parameters regarding music. If I recall, after boot, the initial assignment is a stint at the Armed Forces Music School (which I believe is now under the command of the US Navy and renamed The Navy SOM), and the assignment (some of which may be by audition) to any initial duty station.</p>
<p>You will be subject to the standard terms and conditions of military service.</p>
<p>It can be an option, but extreme due diligence is necessary. Some recruiters have been known to make promises to sweeten the pot, but the reality is the standard enlistment contract. Again, the exception is the President’s own, a four year service contract for exclusive duty with that organization.</p>
<p>An older thread: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/312799-service-bands.html?highlight=president’s+own[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/312799-service-bands.html?highlight=president’s+own</a></p>
<p>I had a friend in high school who was accepted to be in a military band to play the trumpet. He was so excited since he had no college plans and we lived near a base. Anyway, they let him do it for a while and then sent him off to Vietnam as an infintery person. He luckily came home and I heard it from him at a reunion.</p>