On Guard

Today, I visited with the Washington DC National Guard Band, the 257th Army Band. I was the guest of the trombone section leader, who in addition to trying to recruit me for the band is serving as sort of a mentor for me. I arrived believing that I was there to observe the practice, as well as having the opportunity to discuss life in the band with anyone I wished. What I was NOT expecting was to be invited to play along with the band. But I did have a sneaking suspicion, so I brought my mouthpiece, just in case. Sure enough, I was issued a trombone and I played along.

It ended up being exactly as I had hoped it would be, which was a mix of my past experiences. It felt like band, (duh!) but it had the military mix to it not unlike my JROTC days in High School. If you were to mix my JROTC and my high school band, well, that's what it was like... except a lot better, and an Army unit, not a Navy one. But the hope comes in understanding that those two experiences were the best worlds that I lived in during High School (LTJG Wells, back me up on that one, please sir!) and it was in those conditions, both military and musical, that I feel I was at my personal best in life.

Observations: Man was it great to be playing with an ensemble again! It had been six years since I had played with two or more people, and I loved it. Also of note, it had been six years since I had played with an ensemble. Have I mentioned it was a six year break between that time and today? The point is, yes, I was rusty and yes, my sight reading stunk up a little corner of the joint. By the end, however, I was catching on fast and correcting errors quickly. Lessons learned: For one thing, I wasn't the only one stinking up a little corner of the joint. No trombonist around me was perfect (whew!) I need more practice, especially in sight reading and in time meters other than common time, especially cut time and 6/8. I hope to work with the Staff Sergent to improve, and hope to audition soon. It will be a challenge, for sure. This band is on a different, higher level than any I have ever played with.

OH BY THE WAY: I have NOT repeat NOT abandoned my hopes of becoming a music teacher. Joining the National Guard band would accelerate that goal track by 1) allowing me to return to school faster, and at less (or no) cost and 2) the DC Guard band is filled with music teachers (and professors!) as well as musicians who played with the premier bands in Washington during their active duty days. Also 3) it would allow me to play, which brings me personal joy. :-D Thoughts?