Is there any 42R, S or C here on RP? How has been your experience? Do you know any?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 09:39:27 -0400

One day somebody asked me, what would you do for a living if money wasn't an issue? I answered right away, I WOULD BE A DRUMMER! Well, I already tried that before joining and, yes, money was an issue. Is been more than year and a half since the last time I played with a band. Although I play almost everyday alone, it would be nice to play with a group again.

If there's any 42R, S or C here, or anybody that have contact or know one, how is it to be a musician for the Army? How are the promotion opportunities? How is the experience? Is it a good MOS to reclass to?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 13 at 2015 9:42 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 09:42:24 -0400

Just my humble opinion, but if you're serious about crossing over to the band, you should consider the Navy Band, the finest band in all the military in my opinion! :)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 9:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 09:54:29 -0400

You can always ask for an audition I believe that's one of the first steps in the process of reclassified into that field. I'm sure is like an interview experience, instrument, can you read music at least those were some of the particulars asked when I recruited 2 applicants into the Marine band. It seems like a good MOS to reclassified into and they travel a lot for I've been told.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 13 at 2015 11:06 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 11:06:41 -0400

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member I'm definitely a drummer, but I was never one in the Army, except for a band out in California call "Funk Inc." This was just a group of musicians that found each other and formed a band for Black History month in February 1976. It was great. I'm sure there are some Army musicians out here on RP that can really get down into the details for you. If you don't get some good intelligence from RP, send me a message and I will find some answers for you through some of my active contacts in the military.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 11:27 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 11:27:35 -0400

You'll find a whole bunch of Army band people on this page:
https://www.rallypoint.com/specialties/42r-army-bandperson/followers
Good luck!

Army Bandperson | RallyPoint

Army Bandperson

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 1:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 13:06:34 -0400

From talking to the band members I've met, the promotion rates are atrocious. But, when you join the Army you either choose between a support job with low promotion potential or a combat job with high promotion rates.
I'm sure you've seen the marching bands, so you know what would be in store for you, hours of marching and drumming. If that sounds like fun to you, then contact them for your audition. You do have to audition to be accepted, and you have to have at least one year on station before you reclass.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 1:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 01:37:30 -0400

I'm an Army Drummer, 42R9M and working towards getting the Horn ASI (9D). Do it. See if you can OJT with the band at your base. Drummer is the hardest audition of them all because you need to be able to play marching band style, classical music AND drum set. email me directly

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Response by SGT Curtis Earl made Oct 3 at 2015 7:07 PM

SGT Curtis Earl — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 19:07:48 -0400

Bandsman checking in. Hit me up!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 8:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:42:05 -0400

I am an Army Music Recruiter Liaison and a drummer! I conduct auditions for Army Bands. If you are interested in re-classing, I can help you and give you information about the Army Music Program.

Response by SPC Stephen Parlefsky made Nov 26 at 2016 7:35 AM

SPC Stephen Parlefsky — Sat, 26 Nov 2016 07:35:13 -0500

if you are a musician there is no better place to be. You do what you love to do and serve your country at the same time. i was in the 389th Army Band 1965-1968 and had a ball. Got my mos
at the Navel School Of Music in Norfolk Va, and then stationed at Fort Monmouth the 389th Army Band, marching band, concert band, dance band and also had my own rock & roll band that did gigs on the weekends. Also great way to grow up and be on your own and be part of something. loved the dress blues when we did concerts and other events.