service bands?

[abadcliche]

Anyone have any firsthand, secondhand, or even thirdhand info on what it is like to be in a (U.S.) service band? I'm currently working for a non-profit organization in orlando and for charitable people they sure don't like it when I leave at 5pm.... not quite the life for me. I know that music is the one thing I can't get tired of, and I am thinking that maybe a service band (after basic) would be a more or less comfortable existence that would allow me to play year-round. Anyone know anything, have advice?

[Bnatural]

I think that we've discussed that here (not positive and don't have time to search) but i know it's been discussed quite a bit on the clarinet boards and a few regulars over their were in service bands in various branches.. do a search on both boards http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/list.html?f=1

[abadcliche]

thanks, checked it out and there is some info there. by the by, im not saying i cant work past 5pm... i can almost smell the flames from here that is such flamebait saying that in a post about joining the army, even in a musical capacity. i just dont like working past 5 in a job i dont like that pays ___________ <---- microscopic dollar sign there

[gary]

i just dont like working past 5 in a job i dont like that pays <---- microscopic dollar sign thereYou need to get a pay scale from an Army recruiter, consider how many hidden hours an Army bandsman puts in and compare the two with your statement.

I don't have time at the moment, either, but I'll see if I can find the thread(s) that has already discussed this, for you. As I recall it was pretty thorough.

[gary]

Found them. Go to the search engine and type "military bands" in the top space but click on the second button down "Search for all terms". When the results come up scroll down and you'll find several good threads.

[Joe Linux]

I worked with a string bass player who was actually a classical trench horn player. He wanted to get into the NORAD band in the worst way, and finally succeeded. But in the end he hated it, and got out of the military. As I understand it, they rehearse about 8 hours a day, so I believe it is very tiring and boring work, On the other hand they become very polished at marching type of music. I know the military bands are always looking for keyboard players.

[gary]

Sorry, but that information is not current or accurate.
Anyone interested in this topic shoud review the threads mentioned above.

[Safesax]

I worked with a string bass player who was actually a classical trench horn player. He wanted to get into the NORAD band in the worst way, and finally succeeded. But in the end he hated it, and got out of the military. As I understand it, they rehearse about 8 hours a day, so I believe it is very tiring and boring work

Sorry, but that information is not current or accurate.

Could be true - I understand playing trench horn is very hard - Isn't that another name for a shovel? :D

[DD]

Trench horn was an instrument utilized by WW1 40&8 band members who traveled in boxcars designed for 40 men and 8 horses - also came in handy for cleaning up after the horses. It went out of style about the same time as the Hacklefone, and old wind instrument used in early marching bands (possibly the source of the origin of the saying "get your hackles up.)

[gary]

Trench horn...went out of style about the same time as the Hacklefone
Yes. I believe the most oft cited reason for its demise, why no one really wanted to blow it much anymore, was its aftertaste´. brushteeth

[Quentin]

Hello,
I'm in an Air Force band and I play saxophone and I love it.
I am happy to answer any questions you have.
Best wishes,