The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community

MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

Hi all!

My name's Matt and I'm 24 years of age, hoping to get in to the Band Service as a Musician.

I play guitar (both rock/contemporary and classical), bass, drums and some keyboards/piano - basically I'm a rock musician, but the key word here IMO is MUSICIAN.

I've heard of guitarists being selected even though guitar is not an instrument of choice in the service - the thought of learning two new instruments for me is highly appealing, and daunting!!!

I've just passed the recruiting test and have my interview on 13th sept 2006.

This is a really exciting time in my life - or frightening - I can't quite tell the difference right now.

I've been working out like crazy and am getting into the best shape of my life, though running is not my speciality, nor are press ups - oh dear.

Thanks for reading, any advice would be much appreciated.

Aaron Aardvark · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 5:41 pm Post subject:

hello Matt

welcome to the forum. Hope you have fun here and please be a regular.

Ask Deli (admin) if you need any advice etc......he is da man!!

MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

Hornblower · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 8:23 pm Post subject:

Best of luck Matt - I think you've probably gathered from the rantings in here that none of us think we made a duff choice.

Give it your best shot and let us know how you get on.
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MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

Co-admin · Site Admin Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 1811

Welcome to the forum Matt...
in 3 days time I'll have been in for 26 years and I'd do it all again at the drop of a hat.
I'm sure you will enjoy the job and lifestyle. There are many pluses but basic training will be a bit of a pain for you. Grit your teeth and get on with it if you do join. It does get better, a lot better!
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MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

MrJpig · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 8:20 am Post subject:

Welcome MJ............remember you only really regret the things you don`t do in life not the things that you do ( unless you are drunk at a BBQ very close to a sausage) Seriously mate...go for it and enjoy yourself

MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

Aaron Aardvark · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:38 am Post subject:

MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

Aaron Aardvark · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 11:53 am Post subject:

admin · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 1:22 pm Post subject:

Apart from buglers having dashing good looks, charm, charisma, a fanatical devotion to the Drum Majors and the chance to do Cat V's there is very little difference in their training!

Bugler's training is slightly shorter but they do cover the same elements, history, viva, aural, theory lessons. Because buglers work from memory they will spend some of training learning the standard marches and drum beatings and committing them to memory as well as bugle calls and fanfares and Eb trumpet fanfares. Techniques of blowing and drumming are studied with uniformed instructors and civilian professors. They are also required to perform solo drum and bugle studies during lunchtime recitals at the School of Music. Because of the different nature of the Bugler and Musician's work they are different. Buglers have to work as a team on a daily basis and this bonds the class, and later the Corps of Drums, very close. It is difficult to explain the differences as they are very slight but huge at the same time. Same job in many respects but very different in others.
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sticky blue · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 1:36 pm Post subject: