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So, I'm a senior in college (though I won't graduate for another year). I'll be finishing up my BA in Music Education and I'm trying to figure out what to do afterwards. My plan as of right now is to go to grad school and get my Masters (either in performance or conducting) and possibly a Doctoral degree.

I've been think lately about joining a military band after college though. I think the military would offer better benifits and better job security than a school somewhere and (depending on where you go) the musical experiences can't be beat.

I would just like some input from those with knowledge/expertise on this subject...

Thanks!

You can either see a recruiter of the services or check with the special bands (on their websites) to see where you are needed. No matter where you go as a military musician, you must pass an audition.

As a former member of three Army bands, I can tell you that the services are fairly similar. The Marine Corps is more rough and tough. All of the regular band members of the Army, Navy, and Marines attend a six month school at the Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base in Virginia. Airmen have an OJT (on the job training) program with the band to which they are assigned. There are no regular Coast Guard bands.

Except for members of the Marine Band in Washington, DC, and the Coast Guard Band in Connecticut (the only CG band), all band members go through normal basic training. It's only called boot camp where water is involved, so only the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard go through boot camp. Call it boot camp to an Army drill sergeant and you will understand this throughly.

As a college graduate, you have a lot of choices. I wish you well.

Army Bands
Navy Bands
Air Force Bands
Marine Bands
Coast Guard Band