LoyalTubist wrote:When you do go to combat zones, you take (Army issued) instruments with you. You do get to play music in war areas. In the Vietnam War, some bands were wiped out during such activities.
I served with SGM Charley Heinz who was one of a handful of 101st Airborne Bandsmen that weren't killed in Vietnam on one of these missions to secure the "hearts and minds" of the local population. It does happen, however I can't comment on the frequency.
I think you will be fine. Just remember, some people do wash out at the School of Music. There were six that flunked out when I was there in 1979. They ended up going to artillery school. (I guess they figure you can't hear very well, so why not make it worse!)
It will be nice if you do, in fact, get to go to the 82nd Airborne Band. Just remember this, too. Sometimes, people end up going somewhere else, to another band. It might be for the better...
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You only have one chance to make a first impression. Don't blow it.
Combat photographer seems to be the flunker MOS du jour. Don't worry, we don't fail you, you fail yourself...
Students show up here am sometimes seem to be distracted from the mission, graduation. Those are the ones that leave us. Do what you're told and work hard, you'll get through no problem.
Adjunct Tuba Professor, Christopher Newport University
Eastman Artist
Welcome to the U.S. Army, and the opportunity to be a bandsman. I spent 22 years active duty in this organization, retired, and will always be thankful for the opportunities I enjoyed.
My first tour of duty was with the 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagle" Band, which had everything to do with tradition and nothing to do with jumping out of planes for us. The Division had transitioned to Air Assault missions and a percentage of the Band was Air Assault qualified, but it was not mandatory. In fact, when this young tuba/electric bass player requested to go to Jump School, Air Assault School, or Leadership Academy, the answer was always the same - "You are our only electric bass player and primary tuba player - forget it!" As I progressed through my career, I found that if I became busy-enough with meeting a Band's mission through playing in several groups, I was generally not burdened with much else. After all, I had volunteered to take the truck training and drove the equipment truck for the Band, so I had a secondary duty. But, if you were a clarinet/oboe/bassoon/french horn/euphonium player that didn't double, they would certainly find an administrative job for you in the Band.
I wish you the very best in your time in the Army. Also, know that I will be one of those Americans supporting you and praying that we win this war.
