Becoming an Army Musician?

Question:Hey,
I've just applied to become an Army Musician, has anyone done this and can you give me some pointers? Whats it like? Anything I might need to know? Just hearing from someone who's been here before would be good.
Thanks

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hey,
I've just applied to become an Army Musician, has anyone done this and can you give me some pointers? Whats it like? Anything I might need to know? Just hearing from someone who's been here before would be good.
Thanks

You don't tell us which Army.

I was a career US Army musician and I loved every minute. The real pointer is - this is a professional performing gig. It's real professional music playing. Expect to play your instrument 8 hours per day every day and to become an accomplished performer.

Yes, you will learn to do all of things soldiers do. That's not a negative because sometimes bands do go to places where there's a war going on. There are bands in Iraq right now. They won't pull you out of the band and put you in the infantry though - you're in the band and that's what you do. But, you will pull guard duty and such just like everyone else in the military and you must always remember, it's the Army first and a band second.

You will come away from a tour as an Army musician as a very skilled performer.

Yeah...i'm sure there is a big call for musicians in iraq right now!

Woolwich in London had a lot of army musicians back in the late 90's. Not sure if this is of any help.

You can join as a musician, but you must realise that nowadays you have to be a REAL soldier as well - i.e. ready for battle at any time - rather than just do general duties or medical orderly work during times of conflict although all being well, after an expensive spell at Kneller Hall they'll do their best to keep you away from the action ! ! !