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Calling out to all my fellow active and retired MU 3811s (tubists)! I recently posted a notice under the "Audition" thread about the Navy Music Program conducting auditions at ITEC in Tucson this year. viewtopic.php?f=13&t=38459" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank
I have a had a few people ask me what life is like in the Navy as an MU tuba player. No one could give better answers to this question than all of you. Please post any thoughts or contributions that might help answer that question.
Thanks for your help!
Kurt

Let me, first, say Kurt is a top notch tuba player and a strait shooter. He is a great representative of the program. I worked with him in the old CincLantFleet Band in Norfolk.

The program offers more benefits than detractors. As a Navy musician you will be busy. You will ONLY be a tuba player. You will also have a fair amount of time to practice (should you choose). I noticed stronger players were coming in as I was leaving the Navy (1999). I think that was excellent progress. The folks you will work with will make lasting impression on you for the rest of your life. I will not express any dissatifaction, I had, on this forum.

I liked the AFSOM. The library was great. Lee Stofer was one the repair techs on the 3rd deck ('nuff said). I may be contacted by PM should you need more candid information about MY experience as a Navy musician (1992-99).

Tom Gregory
adjunct professor of tuba/music theory
Rhode Island College
Community College of Rhode Island

As an MU (1983-1988, tuba, euphonium, trombone)I had ample time to practice, take lessons, go to graduate school, and workout. It was a great opportunity!

Life as an MU will have its ups and downs just like civilian playing does. Some gigs are a blast, some are terrible, most are just average. You will have many opportunities to get out of your comfort zone. You will meet all kinds of people and see all kinds of places, some good some bad. I guarantee you will have the opportunity to grow as a person and as a musician.

One danger of playing in a fleet band is feeling like you are a failure because you are not in The Navy Band, DC. Please don't waste a second of your time worrying about that. Be the best player that you can be wherever you are. Play the sousaphone for a group of elementary school children on Guam as though you are playing with the New York Philharmonic.

Also, feel free to contact me by PM if you need more infromation.

b.williams wrote:Play the sousaphone for a group of elementary school children on Guam as though you are playing with the New York Philharmonic.

This is the BEST ADVICE I HAVE EVER SEEN ANYONE GIVE ON THIS BBS.

Thank You


Chuck

I just enlisted in August, and just reported to my first duty station as a tubist in the Navy Band Southeast. Everything so far, from training in A school to my first week in the band, has more than lived up to expectation. I would like to say something original, but earlier posts already say it all!

The military music programs are an excellent career choice overlooked by many waiting to land the perfect job. As with any job, it is what you put into it. My career was in Washington D.C., and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

In real world terms, the D.C. band does ceremonial support of Navy and military functions in the greater D.C. area. This includes performances at the White House, Arlington Cemetery, Pentagon, and countless other places in the area. In addition, the concert band plays throughout the region and goes on tour throughout the country once a year.

There is some travel, in my career the band went to Canada, Sweden, Norway, Russia, and other places I'm sure I've forgotten.

Daily life involves maybe one day playing a funeral ceremony, the next a parade, maybe a brass quintet in a school performance the next. Versatility is a great asset to have as is an ability to accept change. You can expect a lot of work on holidays (4th of July, Columbus Day, etc.).

The service bands are an excellent career. You get paid to play your horn, can develop your skills, continue your education, and travel the world. Did I say you get paid to play? Sure, it may not be the NY Phil, but you can have a great time making music, get paid to practice, and enjoy a nice retirement check every month when you're done.

JKD