| Archive for The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community Bringing the serving and ex serving communities together |
| MJ |
24 yr old hopeful recruitHi,I've already introduced myself in the introductions forum so I'll spare you all that. I'm hoping to join as a musician - I'm 24 and play guitar(rock and classical), bass, some drums and some keyboard/piano. Any ideas for what I could play in the audition, should I get that far? (I've passed recruiting test and have interview on 13th sept) I'm thinking about playing a piece on my electric guitar, perhaps some joe satriani (maybe a little cliche???) and also a classical piece by Villa Lobos (etude no.1 or Mazurka choro). I know I need to play things that display my ability, but don't push me into making tons of mistakes. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks everyone |
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| townsergeant |
By what you have written, you sound as though you are a talented musician.
Do you play any Brass or Woodwind instruments, as this would normally be the criteria for entry, unless they've moved the goalposts, again! I'm sure others on the forum will advise accordingly. That aside, I wish you all the best with your interview and any subsequent audition. 
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| MJ |
Thanks. Unfortunately I do not play any woodwind or brass instruments. I have a friend in the service who told me that at least one guitar player has been selected recently, so I should stand a chance. He was put on violin and sax - the guitar must have relevant carry-over to playing the violin. Thanks again! |
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| RAB |
 ..Now I'm not quoting this as fact, but I THINK David Cole and John Ware were pianists when they auditioned. They both went on to do rather well methinks.
I'm sure if Pusser thinks you have the musical aptitude to learn the appropriate instruments, they will welcome you with open arms MJ.. But then again...don't quote me..
Very best of luck, and if it's meant to be, it will be... |
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| MJ |
Thanks, I certainly hope so :) |
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| A |
Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn will impress.
Really listen and try hard in your lessons on new instruments. |
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| Co-admin |
Matt, My current boss will probably be doing your audition so I'll ask his opinion on what he fancies hearing!
The main thing that they are looking fo on an audition is POTENTIAL and you seem to have plenty of that! |
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| MJ |
I hope it does. Cheers A! |
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| MJ |
Any news on that? Thanks PM me if you get the chance please |
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| A |
What I did on my audition (which I passed so I must have been doing something right) was think of what I'D want if I was running the auditions.
So I dressed to impress, no 'trendy' stuff, invest in a proper suit if you don't have one already. And a tie. Smile. Lots. Don't be afraid to crack jokes. You'll know from hear that these guys like a laugh, and the auditioners are no different. Help other people on the audition with anything they struggle with, teamwork is always an appealing quality. And enjoy it. I did for the most part. |
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| MJ |
^^^
Thanks a lot for that - really helpful! I have a nice suit that I dig out for weddings and interviews, etc, I've already had it dry-cleaned - I'll wear that. Another question for anyone - * How difficult is the aural test? My ear for intervals and scales is good. When they test you on triads, the book says they will play a selection of major and minor triads - is this so or will they throw in more complex chords such as half diminished or perhaps even stuff like b9's etc. I'm not overly worried about this aspect of the audition to be honest but some more info would be great 
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| A |
It's all simple stuff, if you breeze the simpler tests they MAY throw in an odd chord, but only out of curiosity, and hey, they have 3 years to teach you the more difficult chords anyway.
If you have a good ear you'll walk it. |
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| Co-admin |
I have an ear like a brick and I passed!
There is nothing difficult. They are looking for the potential to TRAIN an ear. They didn't even ask me if the chords were major or minor... I got happy or sad. I had NO aural training before and passed. It isn't a breeze but it isn't difficult if you have a little bit of ability. I'll speak to the boss as soon as he calms down after my broken printer problem 
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| Aaron Aardvark |
they are still looking ....wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh  ...after 26 yrs you'd think they'd give up.
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| MJ |
Thanks people. Super helpful stuff | ||||||
| Sharpy |
Looks like there could be several categories you could be put into,
Basses (Tuba/String Bass/Bass Guitar) Cornet/Piano Clarinet/Piano Percussion Bugler These are the obvious ones based on the instruments you already play. Unfortunatly Guitar isnt an official instrument but there are several guitarists in the bands. I play but mainly in the Dance Band and Rock Band side of things. All the best next week! |
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| MJ |
Thanks a lot! All those categories sound fantastic, particularly clarinet/piano (two instruments that I am especially fond of). I'm suprised that violin/saxophone isn't on your list though, as I beleive the carry over from guitar to violin is significant enough to give the player a head start over someone who has never played a stringed instrument...? Many thanks once again |
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| Co-admin |
http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/actionmusic/training-ie4.htm
The link details most of the instrumental categories, Sax and Viledin... Typo? Nah! Sax and violin are one of the categories |
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| sticky blue |
They have! - they just put up with him now  I think it's the stringed bugle he turns up with doe's it 
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| RAB |
Careful with your choice of instruments MJ..If you end up in a Band which is heavy on clarinets, you'll have to march with your piano... 
Honestly...Now would I tell a lie..???? 
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| MJ |
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| MJ |
OK every one - just over a month before I start basics - I always thought basics were spent in Lympstone - but was told last night that I won't be at Lympstone - I'm very confused now???
Was all this CTC business a figment of my imagination? Where did I learn this from?? Haha I feel so stoooopid......hick..v.hungover today. |
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| Jimbo |
Did you do your 'audition' at Lympstone? and if so were you surprised that you werent asked to play an instrument? LOL! Commandos train at Lympstone, the Band Service train in good ole Pompey good luck with it, whichever colour beret you are trying to get,
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| MJ |
Hahaha thanks a lot Jimbo.
I can't believe I've been thinking I'm going to CTCRM all this time - Doh!
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| RAB |
You have the makings of an excellent bulger young man...
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| MJ |
haha thanke yoo |