by Derek—2004.08.19 @ 1045
I am leaving to MEPS today (Military Entrance Processing Station) to take any final exams and to receive my first set of physicals in preparation for deployment.
For those who are just catching up, I accepted a job with the U.S. Army Band (Pershing's Own) stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia (next door to Arlington Cemetary. If all goes well at MEPS (e.g., I pass all my physicals, etc.) then I will be shipped off to Basic Training before going back East to work. It has been a long process (lots of paperwork) but I am excited about the job.
The U.S. Army Band is amazing. With eight different groups, it is the largest music group in the Armed Forces, and one of the oldest. The "band" also includes a string quartet, choral ensembles, and a jazz band, to name a few. The band performs for The President and has recently performed at the World War II Memorial services, the New York Memorial, and at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
I will be working in the Public Affairs office, helping with all aspects of media and public relations, broadcasting, photography, and a little graphic (and maybe web) design. It is an ambitious undertaking that will provide a lot of growing opportunities.
In the coming weeks, I hope to provide a daily entry of my "military" experience, especially Basic Training. This is a very interesting opportunity and I know it sounds a little crazy too. Besides the Basic Training, I believe working for the U.S. Army Band to be one of the best opportunities in the country to work as an Arts Administrator.