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[marinebandquestion]

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[Cameron Gates]

How does your condition act with a sousaphone? As in an hour or two of straight sousaphone. Uphill both ways. In the snow. Without shoes. In tune. No laughing.

I would not hesitate to contact the organization and have them look into the possibility of enlistment with that condition. I am sure they will answer your question promptly and look into all possibilities for you.

[marinebandquestion]

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[Cameron Gates]

The doctors giving enlistment physicals have many maneuvers they put you through. Specifically, I did not have any X-rays, but I did have to duck walk and touch toes among other things.

Your age is OK. I entered the military at age 29. Not an issue.

As for sousaphone......there is no such thing as a tuba player in the Marine Band that is not intimately familiar with their issued sousaphone. What is the percentage? Varies. Sometimes it seems like about 127% sousaphone, sometimes not. Sousaphone is a major part of the life for sure, and not one that is considered less important.

[bububassboner]

Just go talk to a recruiter. They should be subject matter experts and can help you out. As someone with back issues who is in I can tell you that I haven't had surgery yet but have already been told by a few docs to prepare myself mentally for a med board. Go talk with a recruiter.

[The Big Ben]

All I can say is let them tell you no. Don't do it for them. If they like your sound and think you can do it, they can worry about that later.

Now, that three nipple thing might be a problem. They don't want no mutants in The Corps.

[Three Valves]

That's right.

Trannys are OK but you triple-nipple freaks have to stay home!!

(Or consider joining the Air Force)

[swillafew]

I needed an Airman's medical certificate for my civilian career. I sought a letter from a specialist in order to pass a DOT doctor's employment exam, and then repeated the process after 15 years of employment, on the orders of another DOT doctor. Point being, the answer could be "it depends on what a doctor will find, then recommend".

Recruitment offices are likely to have ready access to all the answers; large libraries have hard copies too. I would be broadminded, too. I asked about getting into military music in 1982. Answer: "no way, all we want are aviators". I knew squat about aviation. In 1987 I started an aviation career (still knowing squat) where military experience would have been an enormous advantage. There was a saying in the FAA, "who's the idiot now?"

[jpetty24]

I know a friend in the Army(non-bandsmen) that is employed in the Army with a waiver for his colorblindness. I don't know the specifics of his colorblindness, but he got a waiver for it. One thing you may look into is going to a local doctor that and have them check you physical health for active duty requirements. I know for me I will have to got to a doctor and have them test me since I have had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, but if the doctor clears you for active duty with the appropriate documentation you should be fine. I would take care of this before the audition, because you may get hit with a doc that will turn you away from a visual aspect not a physical performance aspect like Jim.

[eupher61]

I do know that recruiters know almost nothing about military bands in general, much less DC Bands, much lesser the USMCB whet other
Marines don't consider you a
"real" Marine...that from a recruiter.

[marinebandquestion]

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[The Big Ben]

All I can say is let them tell you no. Don't do it for them. If they like your sound and think you can do it, they can worry about that later.

One of my hesitancies with this approach is that I've been teaching for the last 7 years and while I haven't been completely away from my horn (weekly community band rehearsals), I am very out of shape and would need to devote A LOT of practice time (away from my wife and 2 year old) in order to give myself any sort of chance.

I don't want to invest this amount of time away from my family only to be told (after the fact) that I'm medically disqualified. I would rather know now, but I hesitate to contact them directly if there's a chance they wouldn't find out, or if they would grant a medical waiver if they liked my playing enough.

You sound like you are very dedicated to your family and your relationship to them. Is *not* having a career as a professional tubist (or at least making a strong run at it) going to be something that will really grate on you when you are 50 years old and, like all of us, pondering the choices in your past? What kinds of sacrifices will your family have to make if you are successful in your pursuit of this position? Lots of things to think of. The medical exam might make things easy for you. I'd look to see a doc who will give you the truth not just what you think you want to hear.

[b.williams]

The President's Own is one of the best bands in the world. You mentioned that you haven't played much in the last few years. Unless you are an amazing player, Doctorate of Musical Arts in Performance level, don't bother auditioning. Sorry to be so blunt, but that is the way it is.

[Bob Kolada]

I agree with B-W, but also if you're seriously going down this road do not speak to a regular recruiter; there should be a POC for the audition.

[dwerden]

In addition to thinking about whether they will take you, think about whether you want to go. Anything related to the back is complex. If you deal with it with regular exercise, for example, how easy will that be to sustain during tours? Are you OK with sitting on a bus for an all-day ride? How about not just lifting and playing a Sousaphone, but standing for an hour with one on your shoulder? Even without the Sousaphone, are you comfortable sitting fairly straight and still for long periods if required? If you see the Marine Band, you won't find too many folks slouching in their chairs or sitting in ways significantly different from others. Is that OK? In my own case, my back has gotten worse since I left the band. Now sitting still for a long time can cause back issues, and that would have been a problem in band life. I'm guessing at some of these possibilities based on my Coast Guard experience - it could be better or worse in the USMB.

I'm not trying to discourage you. I think this is a great life and an outstanding growth opportunity for players. I'm just trying to give some perspective on the "other" stuff so you don't regret getting in if you win. If none of the above troubles you, go for it!

[marinebandquestion]

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[Big Francis]

Spondylolisthesis disqualifies you from joining the military. Here's where I found that information.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningt ... /spine.htm" target="_blank" target="_blank

I have a couple friends who recruited, and I could shoot them a question about it, but back problems in general disqualify you from military service based on the physical requirements of the job.

For that matter. I believe if you're diagnosed with it after you've been processed into the military, you would receive a medical discharge. That being said, when I joined the navy 16 years ago I don't recall having to fill out any medical history forms other than surgeries. It's up to the Marine Corp to diagnose your back problems. Since you haven't had the surgery to fix it, you theoretically could slip through the medical exam and you're in if you win.

Best of luck!
Frank

[marinebandquestion]

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[dwerden]

...The one part that you mentioned that I didn't consider was the "sitting fairly straight and still for long periods if required?" That might actually aggravate my back even more than wearing the sousaphone for an hour.

Would you mind elaborating on when that would be necessary? Just during concerts, or are there other times that I'm not aware?

I was thinking of ceremonies. Take a look at this page:
http://www.talkradionews.com/white-hous ... ation.html

Notice the schedule. This is only once every 4 years, but there are other ceremonies along the way!

[Radar]

I'm a retired reserve bandsman, we did many 2 week stints in the summer at Fort Leonard Wood performing their bands duties while they went on leave, or toured, etc. I believe what Dave was referring to (at least from my experience as a military bandsmen) you will play a lot of ceremonies. Often the band will be in the front in plain view and you'll be required to sit there (sometimes stand) as still as possible. The President's Own are one of the finest bands of their type (if not the finest), most of their members have advanced degrees, and they are all at the top of their game. The physical demands of being in the military are many, and if at any time during your career if you can't perform all of your military responsibilities you will be discharged. I can't speak to the President's own, but it is my understanding that some of the Premier military bands get a pass from Basic training, but carrying a Tuba / Sousaphone around from Job to job, sitting or standing with it for long periods of time, etc. will all be requirements. You'll have to evaluate the extent of your back issues, decide what the long term outcome will be, and if you think you can stand up to the rigors of being in a military band for the duration of your enlistment. I've seen several people over the years with underlying conditions who managed to pass the physical, but later wound up being separated because their condition got worse, and they could no longer hide it or perform all of their duties (which will be the key as to whether or not they keep you), who were discharged after they got in.

If I were in your shoes, and had an opportunity to audition I would. Knowing that you gave it a shot will be a consolation when you get to be my age, and auditioning doesn't commit you to join. After the audition (if selected) you can decide whether you want to go the next step and take the physical. I wouldn't try to hide your back issues, just be honest at the physical and answer the questions asked. They will evaluate whether or not they think you can handle the vigors of being in the military.