My younger brother graduated from basic training last month. This Friday, he graduates for Marine Combat Training and he'll head to Virginia to attend the Naval Music School. Yes, my brother's a Marine Musician, as well! He graduated from college with a degree in music and then he enlisted with the United States Marines. I am so excited and happy for my brother because it's his dream to serve our country as well as perform in a Marine band. My brother will be stationed at Camp Pendleton once he graduates from the Music school.
Joined the marine corps in 2010 to be in the band. Went through my first audition which was on the phone and then was told someone would be coming out to listen to me for my 2nd audition. 2nd audition never happened lol recruiter apologised to me because my asvab scores did not meet the requirements to be in the band. I believe i already had gone to MEPs prior to doing the audition. So i couldn’t bail out because only reason i joined was to be in the band . Ended up going bootcamp open contract. found out end of bootcamp my MOS would be 0111 admin. 4 yrs working in an IPAC really felt like a 9-5 plus the shit loads of females in that MOS so a-lot of hook ups/ parties in the barracks What i learn in my time there was how to talk to girls 😂 To this day im still pissed off at that recruiter Lol
I found out a few weeks ago after my midterm that I am going to the 1st Marine Division band as well. How was your experience there specifically? I heard it's the most "green side" of the bands. How were the hikes? What gigs would you say were the coolest and what were some of your favorite places you visited? Any specific advice for a new Lance Corporal going to the 1stMARDIV band? (Also sadly I heard there is no big band there anymore, it's all about brass bands now)
Congrats! You have a lot to look forward to. Biggest advice: continue to be humble and open to learning. Volunteer for as much "Marine" stuff as you can, like shooting coach school, MCMAP training, swim instructor course, etc. Volunteer for the music side too... you'll have the opportunity to lead a parade or conduct a song, but only if you want the work. It will definitely look great on your evals. Your first 30 days will be busy with memorizing about 30 songs, so you'll spend most of your free time in the practice room until your section leader tests you. If you went to boot camp at MCRD SD, you already know how brutal those hikes can be. Take advantage and get some hikes in on the weekend...luckily the H&S barracks are right behind a few hiking trails. Don't forget the basics that you learned in boot camp. You'll notice pretty quickly that many Marines forget where they came from, and quickly stop paying attention to the basic boot camp standards (PT, respect, etc). Take seriously any advice your leadership gives, and use any time you fail (which will happen a lot if you are like me) as a learning opportunity. Otherwise, good luck, and enjoy the ride!
It’s 2021 now. Are you still in the Corps? If not what path did you take and what are you doing now? your videos are a testament to the opportunities that are available with luck, timing, and the right mental attitude toward life. I think you have aha d all three. Semper Fi. Rob Petty, former Marine ‘86-90.
Hi! If you're not in it already I just wanted to let you know (after talking to my local recruiter) the most needed instruments across the bands are clarinet and percussion! I hope this gives you more confidence! Best of luck!
Thanks so much! I will be graduating with a bachelor’s in music ed soon and looking into marine muscicianship. I realize you mentioned that it was dependent on a lot of variables. However, how much free time would you say you have each day on average? Wondering if you had a good amount of time for socializing/gaming/decompressing, etc.
You'll have plenty of time to decompress. I'm a big gamer myself, and I remember gaming a lot during the School of Music and during my time in the fleet. There is definitely more of a normal/traditional 8-5 schedule in the band, but when work commitments require working late or on holidays/weekends, they do a great job of giving you "comp time." For example, normally during the fall you have "Ball Season," where you perform in smaller ensembles for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball for different units. That was a nice change from the normal schedule (morning PT, rehearsal, lunch, individual practice, sectionals, etc), because we would show up to work at 4 pm, take the bus to the venue (normally a hotel), perform, eat the free dinner, then get home at around midnight. While you will have plenty of long days in the band, I think overall you can count on having a good work/life balance, especially compared to a lot of other military jobs.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate this video and the information helps immensely! This answers many questions and I can't thank you enough! Happy Halloween as well!🎃
I’m really interested In lat moving to the band, but I’m nervous about the lifestyle. Is it hard to maintain a healthy relationship while you’re in the band because of all the traveling? Are there long stretches of being away or do you normally get to go home every night/weekend? Thanks
Of all the jobs in the Marine Corps, I think being a musician is pretty good on that front. We generally don't have any long field ops, but those do happen on occasion. I know in the infantry those guys are almost always out in the field for long stretches. I would say it is pretty easy to have a normal work/life balance in the band, especially compared to the rest of the military. "Comp time" is a thing, thankfully. So if you have a performance on a Saturday, you will generally get the Monday off, or be allowed to show up in the afternoon. Depending on what base you are at, you could always stop by or call the Marine on duty at the band hall, and talk to them about doing some OJT. I knew a few people who did that before officially lat moving.
Thank you again for the video and the information provided, it will definitely come in handy! If possible (whenever you get a chance), would you be able to make a video or a comment about what taking leave and liberty was like for you? Were you able to take some of the time when things weren't really busy with your band, did you play for most of the holidays, how many days does a Marine musician accumulate over time, and more like that? Take your time either way and thank you for being such an awesome reference for information in this career!
Every Marine, regardless of rank, accumulates 30 days of paid leave each year. As a member of the band, you will generally only be allowed to take leave in two, two-week blocks with everyone else. This means most members will take leave at the same time. Thankfully, there are some 3-day and 4-day liberty weekends sprinkled throughout the year, but they will usually be off-set from the normal holidays because musicians normally work holidays (New Years, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, etc). If you get assigned to any of the bands in California, you can count on performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade each year! Other bands have other holiday commitments too (St. Patrick's Day Parade, etc). Thanks for watching! Feel free to ask more questions!
My younger brother graduated from basic training last month. This Friday, he graduates for Marine Combat Training and he'll head to Virginia to attend the Naval Music School. Yes, my brother's a Marine Musician, as well! He graduated from college with a degree in music and then he enlisted with the United States Marines. I am so excited and happy for my brother because it's his dream to serve our country as well as perform in a Marine band. My brother will be stationed at Camp Pendleton once he graduates from the Music school.
I bet you are so proud of your younger brother! What instrument?
@@Joshjames1234 He plays the Tuba. My brother performed with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps!
He should of been an officer!!!
Passed the audition on Horn, awaiting a med waiver now. Can't wait!!
Joined the marine corps in 2010 to be in the band. Went through my first audition which was on the phone and then was told someone would be coming out to listen to me for my 2nd audition.
2nd audition never happened lol
recruiter apologised to me because my asvab scores did not meet the requirements to be in the band. I believe i already had gone to MEPs prior to doing the audition. So i couldn’t bail out because only reason i joined was to be in the band .
Ended up going bootcamp open contract. found out end of bootcamp my MOS would be 0111 admin.
4 yrs working in an IPAC really felt like a 9-5 plus the shit loads of females in that MOS so a-lot of hook ups/ parties in the barracks
What i learn in my time there was how to talk to girls 😂
To this day im still pissed off at that recruiter Lol
I found out a few weeks ago after my midterm that I am going to the 1st Marine Division band as well. How was your experience there specifically? I heard it's the most "green side" of the bands. How were the hikes? What gigs would you say were the coolest and what were some of your favorite places you visited? Any specific advice for a new Lance Corporal going to the 1stMARDIV band? (Also sadly I heard there is no big band there anymore, it's all about brass bands now)
Congrats! You have a lot to look forward to. Biggest advice: continue to be humble and open to learning. Volunteer for as much "Marine" stuff as you can, like shooting coach school, MCMAP training, swim instructor course, etc. Volunteer for the music side too... you'll have the opportunity to lead a parade or conduct a song, but only if you want the work. It will definitely look great on your evals. Your first 30 days will be busy with memorizing about 30 songs, so you'll spend most of your free time in the practice room until your section leader tests you.
If you went to boot camp at MCRD SD, you already know how brutal those hikes can be. Take advantage and get some hikes in on the weekend...luckily the H&S barracks are right behind a few hiking trails. Don't forget the basics that you learned in boot camp. You'll notice pretty quickly that many Marines forget where they came from, and quickly stop paying attention to the basic boot camp standards (PT, respect, etc). Take seriously any advice your leadership gives, and use any time you fail (which will happen a lot if you are like me) as a learning opportunity.
Otherwise, good luck, and enjoy the ride!
I just graduated boot camp and arrived at MCT. Just one more month and I'll be at the School of Music. I can't wait!
Congrats to you! You've accomplished a lot, but you still have so much to look forward to!
It’s 2021 now. Are you still in the Corps? If not what path did you take and what are you doing now? your videos are a testament to the opportunities that are available with luck, timing, and the right mental attitude toward life. I think you have aha d all three. Semper Fi. Rob Petty, former Marine ‘86-90.
Wow that is a perfect video
Well done. I know The Marine Band is different but I wasn't well versed in the other bands.
Working on auditioning for clarinet in the marines !
Best of luck! You have exciting times ahead!
Hi! If you're not in it already I just wanted to let you know (after talking to my local recruiter) the most needed instruments across the bands are clarinet and percussion! I hope this gives you more confidence! Best of luck!
Thanks so much! I will be graduating with a bachelor’s in music ed soon and looking into marine muscicianship. I realize you mentioned that it was dependent on a lot of variables.
However, how much free time would you say you have each day on average? Wondering if you had a good amount of time for socializing/gaming/decompressing, etc.
You'll have plenty of time to decompress. I'm a big gamer myself, and I remember gaming a lot during the School of Music and during my time in the fleet. There is definitely more of a normal/traditional 8-5 schedule in the band, but when work commitments require working late or on holidays/weekends, they do a great job of giving you "comp time."
For example, normally during the fall you have "Ball Season," where you perform in smaller ensembles for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball for different units. That was a nice change from the normal schedule (morning PT, rehearsal, lunch, individual practice, sectionals, etc), because we would show up to work at 4 pm, take the bus to the venue (normally a hotel), perform, eat the free dinner, then get home at around midnight.
While you will have plenty of long days in the band, I think overall you can count on having a good work/life balance, especially compared to a lot of other military jobs.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate this video and the information helps immensely! This answers many questions and I can't thank you enough! Happy Halloween as well!🎃
I’m really interested In lat moving to the band, but I’m nervous about the lifestyle. Is it hard to maintain a healthy relationship while you’re in the band because of all the traveling? Are there long stretches of being away or do you normally get to go home every night/weekend? Thanks
@joshjames1234
Of all the jobs in the Marine Corps, I think being a musician is pretty good on that front. We generally don't have any long field ops, but those do happen on occasion. I know in the infantry those guys are almost always out in the field for long stretches. I would say it is pretty easy to have a normal work/life balance in the band, especially compared to the rest of the military.
"Comp time" is a thing, thankfully. So if you have a performance on a Saturday, you will generally get the Monday off, or be allowed to show up in the afternoon.
Depending on what base you are at, you could always stop by or call the Marine on duty at the band hall, and talk to them about doing some OJT. I knew a few people who did that before officially lat moving.
Also, you may not travel that far, or at least not that often. Most performances are local.
I wanna get into the Commandants Own
Thank you again for the video and the information provided, it will definitely come in handy! If possible (whenever you get a chance), would you be able to make a video or a comment about what taking leave and liberty was like for you? Were you able to take some of the time when things weren't really busy with your band, did you play for most of the holidays, how many days does a Marine musician accumulate over time, and more like that? Take your time either way and thank you for being such an awesome reference for information in this career!
Every Marine, regardless of rank, accumulates 30 days of paid leave each year. As a member of the band, you will generally only be allowed to take leave in two, two-week blocks with everyone else. This means most members will take leave at the same time.
Thankfully, there are some 3-day and 4-day liberty weekends sprinkled throughout the year, but they will usually be off-set from the normal holidays because musicians normally work holidays (New Years, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, etc). If you get assigned to any of the bands in California, you can count on performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade each year! Other bands have other holiday commitments too (St. Patrick's Day Parade, etc).
Thanks for watching! Feel free to ask more questions!
@@Joshjames1234 Thank you, that helps immensely and will do!