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DougW · On audition Joined: 19 Dec 2008 Posts: 3

Hi,

I am thinking of joining the royal marine band is a buglar however i dont play the bugle or any other brass instrument. Would in your experience it be better to learn the bugle or the trumpet? And also in the buglers do you just specalise in the side drum and bugle or do you play any other percussion or it that just left the the percussionists?

Thanks a lot,
Doug

bunky the bugler · On Draft Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 138 Location: derby

Hi Doug,
As an ex bugler and after reading your letter, I think that you would be better suited as a trumpet player,happy christmas

Wee Mac · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:46 pm Post subject:

Hi Doug,
Why not pay a visit to the nearest RN & RM Careers Office. They should be able to give you the best advice and guidance, in your choice of instrument

Good luck! :santa
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Once a Bugler, always a Turtle !!

RAB · Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2008 11:58 am Post subject: Re: Buglar Questions

Mr Bass Trombone · Drum Major Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Posts: 622 Location: Spain

LEARN SOMETHING be it Trumpet or Burgal it will be a great help for your future in the RMB should you be lucky enough to get in.
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Mr bass trombone

sticky blue · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 6:05 pm Post subject:

Hi Doug, As is said, get down to the careers office

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Wee Mac · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 6:20 pm Post subject:

DougW · On audition Joined: 19 Dec 2008 Posts: 3

Hi,
Im 17 I have done grade 8 on all percussion including drum kit and have offers from two music collages on percussion (only applied to two). But want to join as a bugler + side drum player.I used to play in a brass band playing percussion and played trombone for a little bit, but havent played a brass instrument for a while, however, i go to a specalist music school, Wells cathedral school so i can get trumpet and/or bugle lessons without that much trouble. Also, what type of standard would i have to be to get in? I have seen a Royal Navy careers person but he seemed to almost be reading out of a booklet which was almost the same as what is said on the website but was still useful. Does anyone know if it changes anything degree wize if you are a bugler?
Thanks a lot ,
Doug

bootybandy · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:56 am Post subject:

A tricky one this Doug. Not wanting to start a war here Doug, but I really do believe, (especially if you have Grade 8 Percussion) that you should apply to become a Percussionist in the Band Service and not the Bugle Branch. You will definitely be able to study for a degree alongside your training which will be a little longer than that of the Bugle Branch training. If you are after glamour and high profile then the Bugle Branch may be an option, but at Concerts the Kitchen Sink department have some fun dashing around all over the back of the stage making easy thinks look difficult!!

This is just my opinion and I'm sure others will give theirs.

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townsergeant · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 12:19 pm Post subject:

Could be a 'Duel for Drummers?'

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RAB · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 2:57 pm Post subject:

We all wear the same cap badge Doug, so whatever Branch you decide to perch on, just make sure you get into one of them...

You'll have a ball....

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'Never moon a werewolf'.

Wee Mac · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 8:40 pm Post subject:

Every one on here, wishes to give their best advice but at the same time, trying to be careful in not steering you in the wrong direction.

I enlisted when i was 15, as this was the earliest age i could get in, with the sole intention of changing to a Junior Marine at 16.
I decided to remain a Bugler for a number of reasons. Over the years, Buglers and Musicians have swapped, either Musician to Bugler, or vice versa. Some, have even changed their instrument, voluntarily, or had the decision made for them.

If you really want to be a bugler, then go for it. Go to an audition. You might find that this will help in your final decision.
What ever you decide, i wish you well and your decision is the right one, FOR YOU
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Once a Bugler, always a Turtle !!

2nd Clarinet · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:33 am Post subject:

A small piece of advice from me.........

If you can count up to 5, become a Bugler, if you can count higher than that, become a Musician Percussionist ........
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Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy marshmallows, which are kinda the same thing...!
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MrJpig · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:21 am Post subject:

Being totally mercenary about it considering paying gig opportunities.....

Side drum & Bugle

v Percussion ( Dance Band, Pit Orch, Trio etc ??)

KERCHING!!
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I've given up jogging for my health. My thighs rub too much and set fire to my Slinks!!

admin · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:21 am Post subject:

As a bugler I'd have to say go for the percussion option. Not much work for 40 year old buglers in the civilian world... You can study for a degree in music as a musician.
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