Joining the Military BandsJoe LiotineMany musicians dont think of military career when it comes to playing and performing music. However, this path can provide talented musicians with a dependable source of income, great benefits, and a variety of opportunities.Each branch of the US military Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guardemployee full-time music ensembles. There are two types of each group:OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE ARMED FORCES1) Premier bands. Ensemble members of Premier bands have a guaranteed post, no worry about being transferred. Hired musicians are awarded the rank of E6. The 10 premier military bands are housed in places like Washington DC or service academies in West Point, Annapolis, Colorado Springs, etc.2) Regional bands. Some members can stay with the same group for many years, however reassignment to other ensembles can occur because of manning shortages or openings in other bands. Your entering status is determined by your educational background. Musicians who have college credit often start at the rank of E3. Regional groups are housed on bases across the country and abroad.

The term band are umbrella organizations consisting of several performing ensembles. For example, the US Army Field Band is made up of chorus, concert band, pop combo, big band.InstrumentalistsNon-performing staffVocalistsConductorsRecording/sound engineersComposers/arrangersPositions are available for:PROSEven without seeing combat, military musicians provide a valuable patriotic service.Serving your country. There are very few music jobs that can provide the level of security that the military offers. After obtaining an ensemble position, you can keep it until retirement at age 55. Musicians cant be fired or laid off unless they make a catastrophic mistake and are dishonorably discharged or reassigned.Job security.Many groups perform at mega high profile diplomatic ceremonies, tour, and record. Ensembles typically program a wide variety of musical genres. Members also have the option of performing in chamber groups or being featured as a soloist.Opportunities.Comprehensive health care programs are made available to all members.Health care. The military is able to pay down college debt, help subsidize private lessons, and contribute for the cost of additional schooling. Military personnel are also eligible to utilize the GI Bill.Education/college repayment.Members may live on base at no cost, or receive an allowance for housing. They also collect a stipend for food. Allowances are non-taxable. Instrumentalists are supplied with professional quality instruments. These can only be used for official military engagements (not outside gigs).Other benefits. When you are hired into a premier band, members are granted the rank of E6 immediately. This is very atypical for non-music personnel, who have to work 5-10+ years to reach that status.Elite entering status. Joining the military is a way to develop a more disciplined lifestyle.Discipline. Military obligations of course take precedence, but most if not all musicians line up extra work and income sources.Gigs on side.You receive retirement benefits after 20 years of military service. Retirees receive a pension that is equivalent to around 50% of their highest base pay.Early retirementCONSMusicians have to complete basic training, which takes between 6-13 weeks.Basic training.Joining the military requires one to forfeit freedoms that are available to civilians. The Uniform Code of Military Justice is made up of a different set of laws that you have to adhere to after signing your contract. You must look the partof a member of the armed forces which means you have to keep your hair short, face shaved, and boots shined. Your house must be kept in order, and dont even think about doing drugs.Restricted freedom. Many aspects of life are dictated by external sources, which can be frustrating for creative artists.Rigidity.After signing on, military personnel have to honor their legally binding contract for a the period of time.No way out.Keeping yourself in good physical shape is a job requirement.Physical requirements.Keeping yourself in good physical shape is a job requirement.Keeping yourself in good physical shape is a job requirement.The military is a complicated institution with lots protocol and red tape.Bureaucracy. Some musicians must be deployed to war zones, though for shorter periods than other parts of the armed forces.Deployments. Woman report high rates of harassment.Discrimination.Everyone has responsibilities outside of their primary musical duties. Examples may include web design, booking gigs, making posters, and accounting.Collateral responsibilities.The military is about following orders and conformity, not innovation. Contracts mention nothing about personal fulfillment, just completing assigned responsibilities. Ensembles often use the same material year after year, and there is little tolerance for creative individuals . Possible remedies include chamber ensemble assignments and personal pursuits during off duty hours.Lack of creative outlets. CarefreeKevin MacLeodRoyalty Free2014Contemporary205151.8eng - USUAN1400037eng - iTunPGAP0eng - iTunNORM 000000CB 00000117 0000121C 00000D78 00030D87 0002B092 00005848 00004A8C 00027134 0002711Aeng - iTunSMPB 00000000 00000210 00000870 00000000008A0000 00000000 00641054 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000