I’ve heard bits about possible opportunities to play an instrument in boot camp- I play the trumpet well and wonder if this is something that actually happens. Would it make my time easier in boot camp if I were to volunteer for such duty? Would there be any disadvantage to doing this? Lastly, while I know the Coast Guard’s bands are Premier, is there any chance that if my “talent” were discovered, I would be channeled away from the job I want to do in the Coast Guard?
Yes, you do have the opportunity to try out for the recruit band while in Cape May. When you first arrive, there will be a questionnare you fill out, and listed on the form is a section asking if you have any experience playing an instrument, what instrument, how long, etc. On one of the evenings in the first week, those recruits who filled in this section will go to the bandroom to audition. If selected, you will be assigned to the Ceremonial Detail throughout basic training, go to the bandroom to practice most evenings and play in the graduation ceremonies every Friday. On occasion, the band participates in other events in the surrounding South Jersey area, and recruits are selected for such events based on whether or not they will be missing a mandatory class, are on light duty, etc.
Will it make boot camp easier? No, preparing for boot camp will make boot camp easier.
Will there be any disadvantages? Possibly; during the time of practice each evening is often the time that Company Commanders will have the rest of the company doing various other things that I overheard some recruits wish they could've been there for.
Is there any chance that if my “talent” were discovered, I would be channeled away from the job I want to do in the Coast Guard? Nope. The Coast Guard Band (in New London, CT) is a highly competitive job, who's members do not go through basic training then get assigned there; it's a formal audition based band comprised of musicians who have graduated from such schools such as Juliard and who's sole purpose in life is to be in the band. If you go to Cape May, your career choice is 100% in your hands.
I was in the band in basic, and I played the trumpet. With my company I actually lucked out and all the worst IT was done while I was at ceremonial. Got to go off base twice with the band. The senior trumpet player has the oppurtunity to play taps each night during the last week or 2. I played for the last 2 weeks, my CC's tended to not mess with me as much because I played taps, also got to shower by myself since I was playing while everyone else was getting ready for bed.
