.

[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.

[Michael Bush]

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

David Zerkel sometimes says that when he was in the Army Field Band, the main qualification for his job was the ability to stand very still for long periods of time.

[JCradler]

Okay, I'll jump in here. I do not know whether this gentleman's condition disqualifies him from service with the Marine Band. I do feel that it is best to be forthcoming with any issues like this before enlisting. The materials we send out contain a contact for questions such as this. Check the band's website for this number or email. Advising this person to hide such a condition or try to slip through the medical screening is best ignored in my opinion.
Speaking as the section leader for the USMB tubas, it would impact the rest of the section in a negative way were such a condition to flare up or incapacitate this player. There are times of year when having a player "out of pocket" is felt rather acutely by the rest of the section. If this player were to be out of action, the other 6 need to pick up his workload. Even worse, if he needed to be medically separated, the process of hiring a new player would need to begin all over again, leaving the section shorthanded for a long period of time.
Cameron is right, the sousaphone is a big part of life for our section. Fortunately, everyone has remained healthy of late and the workload can be spread evenly.
Again, please direct questions such as this to the number listed on the website (if you can't find it, PM me) for a definitive answer.

John Cradler

[ghmerrill]

Anything you HAVE to do (or that you THINK you have to do) isn't so much fun. Who would have guessed?

[David Zerkel]

David Zerkel sometimes says that when he was in the Army Field Band, the main qualification for his job was the ability to stand very still for long periods of time.

Close, Michael. I rarely stood up in the Army Field Band. This was when I was a member of The United States Army Band (Pershing's Own). And, how still I stood was at least as important as what came out of my bell.