Just Want to Say Thank You...

[DevilDog-2013]

It's been quite a while since I've been back here. I took the time to read through all my old posts. It's shocking how far I came in such a short period of time...

It's been rough... No one ever warned me how low the life of a musician can get. But music is like a drug, once you get a taste of it, you can't get enough. I've been fortunate enough to get a taste of the high, but I've also suffered through the lows. But in the end, I'd have to say it's worth it. For, where would we all be without it? Without music - this drug.

Despite all those against me, I'm going to enlist in the Marine Corps within the next year or so and hopefully, make it into one of the bands. And, although I realize the odds are against me, I hope to have advanced so far in my musical abilities by then, that I can make it as a professional musician. Somewhere. Somehow.

It's saved my life on more than one occasion... I've come to far to give up on it now.

So thank you to you all who have taken the time to help me along the way...

[circusboy]

I can feel what you're saying here and really appreciate it.

You are smart and brave and clearly have some real depth. The Marines will be lucky to have you.

Put your lows and your highs into your music. Music is big enough to take all you've got. It'll make you and keep you free.

Best of luck with your bright future.

[Michael Bush]

Based on a young friend's experience, I would advise you to make the decision whether you want to be a Marine separately from your desire to play in a military band.

My friend enlisted in the Navy and hoped an audition would then come up and that he would win. In fact there have been some openings. But he's still doing an office job, not playing the tuba. So unless you just want to be in the military regardless of whether you're playing in a band, I'd suggest winning an audition before signing on the line. FWIW.

[acjcf2]

As a former Marine I'd have to second what talleyrand said. As I remember, to be in one of the Fleet Marine bands you have to win an audition first. Don't let the recruiter B.S. you into enlisting first so you can lateral in later. It won't liekly happen.

Come re-up time in 1979, I offered to waive all reenlistment bonuses and a promotion to Sgt to go from Aircraft Recovery into Crash Fire Rescue. No soap! I'm not trying to discourage you just give a heads up. Oooh Rah!

Jim

[Elbee]

I for one have read your posts with interest and empathy and want to wish you the best in whatever you do! Your music will always be with you whether you can fit in with a military career or not.

As to the military; at the ripe old age of 18 I marched a very under-inspired all knowing son to the nearest recruiter. (Navy as it happens...) In six years I received back an industrious hard working young man who has been accepted to several universities in engineering.

As to the music; looking back, the saddest part of my life was the 20 or so years spent with my horns in the closet.

Again, good luck!

Loren (at age 76 driving 4 hrs round trip each week to get to the nearest community band!)

[Tundratubast]

In agreement with several of the above posts, Don't trust the recruiter, if it's not spelled out specifically in the contraact, than it's not going to happen.
Remember, in the Marines, you are a Marine first, that means combat infantry, than your trained specialty. If you don't get an audution immendiately, there
are plenty of openings in combat organizations. As Elbe said he left the horn in th closet for twenty years. Don't do that, Music is a life long endeavor an pleasure.
If your playing is profesional enough for a military band, wait for the audition. If not find what you would like to do for a living and keep playing in community
groups to help keep the head clear. On a side note, if you do get into a Marine Band,considering the career paths available. The Marine are the only service that
employ there own, Band Instrument Repair Techs. I had two Marines in my class at Red Wing last year. Great, squared away Staff Sergeant, one male one female,
EXTREMELY competitive individuals. I guess you need to be, if you're completing for one slot in each of only fourteen Marine Corp Bands, and that number is likely
to decline considering upcoming budget cuts. Best of luck, A retired Navy Russian Sub-Hunter, who went in for the adventure, and is still playing tuba for fun and
relaxation after the job that puts the food on the table. Keep it all in perspectve, and don't stress over the decision.

[Tundratubast]

In agreement with several of the above posts, Don't trust the recruiter, if it's not spelled out specifically in the contraact, than it's not going to happen.
Remember, in the Marines, you are a Marine first, that means combat infantry, than your trained specialty. If you don't get an audution immendiately, there
are plenty of openings in combat organizations. As Elbe said he left the horn in th closet for twenty years. Don't do that, Music is a life long endeavor an pleasure.
If your playing is profesional enough for a military band, wait for the audition. If not find what you would like to do for a living and keep playing in community
groups to help keep the head clear. On a side note, if you do get into a Marine Band,considering the career paths available. The Marine are the only service that
employ there own, Band Instrument Repair Techs. I had two Marines in my class at Red Wing last year. Great, squared away Staff Sergeant, one male one female,
EXTREMELY competitive individuals. I guess you need to be, if you're completing for one slot in each of only fourteen Marine Corp Bands, and that number is likely
to decline considering upcoming budget cuts. Best of luck, A retired Navy Russian Sub-Hunter, who went in for the adventure, and is still playing tuba for fun and
relaxation after the job that puts the food on the table. Keep it all in perspectve, and don't stress over the decision.

[Tundratubast]

In agreement with several of the above posts, Don't trust the recruiter, if it's not spelled out specifically in the contraact, than it's not going to happen.
Remember, in the Marines, you are a Marine first, that means combat infantry, than your trained specialty. If you don't get an audution immendiately, there
are plenty of openings in combat organizations. As Elbe said he left the horn in th closet for twenty years. Don't do that, Music is a life long endeavor an pleasure.
If your playing is profesional enough for a military band, wait for the audition. If not find what you would like to do for a living and keep playing in community
groups to help keep the head clear. On a side note, if you do get into a Marine Band,considering the career paths available. The Marine are the only service that
employ there own, Band Instrument Repair Techs. I had two Marines in my class at Red Wing last year. Great, squared away Staff Sergeant, one male one female,
EXTREMELY competitive individuals. I guess you need to be, if you're completing for one slot in each of only fourteen Marine Corp Bands, and that number is likely
to decline considering upcoming budget cuts. Best of luck, A retired Navy Russian Sub-Hunter, who went in for the adventure, and is still playing tuba for fun and
relaxation after the job that puts the food on the table. Keep it all in perspectve, and don't stress over the decision.

[Ace]

I for one have read your posts with interest and empathy and want to wish you the best in whatever you do! Your music will always be with you whether you can fit in with a military career or not.

As to the military; at the ripe old age of 18 I marched a very under-inspired all knowing son to the nearest recruiter. (Navy as it happens...) In six years I received back an industrious hard working young man who has been accepted to several universities in engineering.

As to the music; looking back, the saddest part of my life was the 20 or so years spent with my horns in the closet.

Again, good luck!

Loren (at age 76 driving 4 hrs round trip each week to get to the nearest community band!)

You are 76 too? I thought I was the oldest guy on this board. We'll have to share that distinction. Unless, of course, there are others on TubeNet older than ourselves. (?)

Ace