THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 29, 1995 TAG: 9503280233
SECTION: MILITARY NEWS PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CHARLENE CASON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
The first note by a U.S. military band was played to incite a revolution. Back in 1775, a Marine fife and drum corps was hired to stir colonists into parading down to the local tavern and enlisting in the fight against England.
Military bands have been instilling patriotism and boosting morale ever since.
Today, young musicians get in tune with the military's rigorous requirements for entertainment at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base - home since 1964 of the Armed Forces School of Music.
The spotlight shines on the school next week when it plays host to the All Eastern Band and Instrumental Clinic, April 5-8. The clinic, in its 39th year, offers instruction for civilian students and educators and free entertainment to everyone.
``Music charges people up,'' said Maj. Duane DeVoe, commanding officer of the Marine section of the school. ``It's the only weapon Congress has to keep up patriotism.
``We can listen to taped music, but live music, created on the spot, affects people more, appeals to their senses, moves their spirits.''
More than 500 students graduate each year from the school, designated a Navy command but counting Army and Marine Corps members among its staff and students. The Air Force trains its own musicians.
Most of the students are recruited while still in high school, so in DeVoe's view, they're ``military'' long before they become soldiers or sailors.
``As members of high school bands, they've learned self-discipline, teamwork and competitiveness - and you don't have to teach them how to march,'' he said.
Marine Lance Cpl. Gabriel Arnold, recently chosen student of the month at the school, was offered more than 20 college music scholarships in high school in Atlanta. How did he make his choice?
``The Marines kept coming,'' he said.
Arnold, who plays tuba and bass guitar, wants to be a career Marine. His goal is to join ``the President's Own,'' which will perform during the clinic.
The oldest continuously active unit of the Marines, the band was formed in 1798 under a bill signed by President John Adams. The band has performed at every presidential inauguration since then. Today, with 140 members, it plays at the White House and travels with the president.
As the armed forces have shrunk in recent years, so have the number of military bands. The Army will lose seven of its 42 active-duty bands in the next couple of years, and the Navy is losing four of its 17 bands this year.
The Marine Corps and Air Force each have 14 musical units.
Students who attend the Armed Forces School of Music must pass tough audition tests and complete their basic military training. They're enrolled at the school for six months, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., five days a week. The routine includes music and academic classes, one-on-one lessons and studio time.
Promising music students certainly don't choose the military for its facilities. School is a 1950s-era former barracks at Little Creek, ``absolutely in dire need of renovation, especially the air conditioning and sound systems,'' said Lt. Dave Wert, Navy executive officer.
Still, the students just can't seem to get enough of the place.
Arnold, 19, practices at least three hours every night.
``I figure my fun will be at my next duty station. While I'm here, I have to be about my business.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
GARY C. KNAPP
Fred Catchings, an Army warrant officer, is attending the Armed
Forces School of Music to learn to conduct. Catchings, who has been
a musician for 30 years, has been at the school for three months.
The school will host the All Eastern Band and Instrumental Clinic
from April 5-8.
by CNB