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tl;dr version: thinking of doing music in military in a couple of years, looking for thoughts and opinions from people who are in or used to be in a military music group.
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Hey Guys

I've got a question for you guys, but first a bit of back story...

I'm a big guy. I've always been a big guy. But about two months, I realized just how big I had gotten. The scale said 428lbs. I know - that's huge. I never realized it, because I honestly do look it. Even my doctor was a bit perplexed - haha. But, even thought I didn't look it, I knew I had to change it. So, after setting my mind on changing, and with some help of smart, well-rounded dieting, I am now 50lbs lighter. Huzzah! I'm enjoying it, and how I'm feeling.

What's this have to do with tuba? I'm getting there.

My experience in grad school wasn't great. Partly my own fault, partly my universities fault. I loved the instrumental instructors, but the academic professors really sucked all the fun out of music for me. By the time it was over, I was done with music. I played my graduate recital and put my tuba away. It's been two years and I've decided to start playing tuba again. It's been slow-going, as two years off can kinda screw with one's embouchure - haha. But, I'm back in the swing of playing, and enjoying it, even if it's just my normal warm up stuff for now.

So, with the weight loss and tuba playing momentum I have going on right now, I've started thinking a crazy thought. I've always been interested in doing music in the military, and I actually feel like for the first time ever I'm on track to making that a reality. I've got a lot of work to do, both physically and musically, so it won't be for a couple of years most likely. I'm thinking along the terms of an army reserve group, as I will want to keep up the civilian side of it teaching music. What I was curious about from this community was if any one else is/was in military music group of some kind, what was the experience like, etc.

Thanks for any input, I appreciate it.

Thank you for sharing. I was a Navy musician for five years and I think it is totally doable. There may be an Army National Guard or Army Reserve band near you. BTW, weight watchers is a great way to loose weight. Even if you don't end up in the military, getting back into playing shape and losing weight could be just what you need at this time in your life.

Hey, I played tuba active duty for 4 years, did 2 years in the DC National Guard band and now I'm in the Maryland National Guard band. The Guard bands are a good gig; lots of benefits and perks for 16 hours a month and a two week tour in the summer. Check out bands.army.mil for locations of all the Guard and Reserve bands; even if the closest one is a couple hours from you, they'll pay for a hotel before drill days. You do have to go to basic and you will have to get the weight down before then. If you want to know more, just drop me a line.

Rob