Bear

Annie,
Try getting in the Air Force first is possible. Garunteed to be a musician and not a silhoutte for target.

__________________
The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.
-C. S. Lewis

Life is about learning; when you stop learning, you die. -Tom Clancy

And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
-Revelation 8:6

flugelgirl

Navy is good, too- I've been in for close to 13 yrs, and never once have I been a target! The only duties I have ever had besides playing have been those needed to keep the band running, but they are in addition to playing and not in liu of. I haven't shot a weapon since boot camp and never expect to again. One word of caution, though- if weight is an issue for you, make sure you get a good workout plan and stick with it! I have seen more people kicked out of the Navy for weight or PRT issues than anything else, and a bandmaster has the right to not let you do gigs with the band if you look bad in uniform. The great thing is that in the military you can go to the gym for free and there is time scheduled into your workday for it. If you join any branch of the military, take advantage of that perk, and stick with it!

__________________
Reeves V Raptor
Yamaha 8335RGM
50's Calicchio
Marcienkewicz Rembrandt flugel
Schilke P5-4
French Besson Classic C
Weril Regium Eb/D

I am now a Marcinkiewicz Artist!
http://www.marcinkiewicz.com/artist/index.htm

ComeBackKid

Annie, I will add my 2 cents (although at my age, it may be worth less than 1 cent now). I served in both the Marine Corps and the Air Force. I was in during the Vietnam conflict although for very complicated reasons I did not serve directly in Vietnam so I'm sure that affects my view. As far as I am concerned, the Military is a great way to learn and to grow. Whether or not you are in the military band (I did not try out and I assume that few make it) there are many opportunities to grow and develop character traits. I am not a professional teacher although I love teaching and have taught many adult classes over the years. As others have said, it is not either-or. It is possible to do both though not necessarily at the same time, although I did do both at the same time.

I encouraged all of my children to consider the military although only one did. I just think it is a noble and fulfilling activity not to mention the contribution you make to our security and stability. You may not be popular with everyone although I served in some areas where anti-war sentiment was strong and even when I walked in public areas in my uniform, I never had anyone say a negative thing to me. So, the experience varies for everyone. Those I know now who are in the military love it.

__________________
Come-Back Kid
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Selmer Invicta London (T)
Olds SuperStar (T)
Olds Super (2T)
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Andreas Eastman (2T)
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King Cleveland Superior (T+C)
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Getzen 300
Amati ATR213
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Castle Bravo

I'm going on 17 years in the Army Band program. It's not always about music, but it's job security. If I could do it all over again, considering the pros and cons, I would have still joined. You get to do some really cool gigs, and you get to travel - I've spent 2 years in Korea, 9 years in Germany & a year in Belgium so far... but I would go Air Force if I had to do it all over again. Seriously!

__________________
Gary Wilder
NATO BigBand, SHAPE Belgium
Webmaster, EclipseTrumpets.com

stchasking

The U.S. Marine Band, The Presidents Own, is not a traditional service band. The people who get in do not take basic training. They are under the direct service of the President of the United States. They are not weapons qualified. You will never see or hear a drill sergeant in the U.S. Marine Band.
Former and present members please comment.

__________________
"I was performing professionally at age 17 and have never had a real job." Allen Vizzutti

http://cdbaby.com/cd/mcking

Jarrett

Like the other services, the Marines have a variety of bands, and for all except THE Pershings Own, you do have to take boot camp. If your good enough to get into the Pershings Own, you shouldn't even consider any of the services field band programs IMHO. You'll be miserable.

Good Luck!

__________________
Bach 37
3C