Today’s episode is about playing in military bands…
For this episode, I spoke with Larry Weintraub, saxophonist and clarinetist who has performed with Army and Navy bands from 1978 – 2005.
He was first introduced to military bands by his teacher at the time, Ron Diehl, lead alto player for the US Navy Jazz Commodores.
Since that time, he has traveled and performed all over the world.
Over the years he studied with Al Sigismondi, Edward Palanker, Joe Brisusco, Ron Diehl, Marty Nau, and others.
He has also taught in public schools, taught saxophone and clarinet in Old Dominion University and received his Master’s in Music Education from the same institution.
He currently teaches and plays gigs on a regular basis.
We talked about:
🎷 The 1 thing in college that shaped his life later on
🎷 How military bootcamp affected his practice and playing
🎷 Which military band is best for you
🎷 The glasses question – something I always wondered about
🎷 What you need BEFORE considering military bands
🎷 And much more!
Links:
Larry’s Bandmix site: www.bandmix.com/larry1261702
His Day with Michael Brecker article: https://www.bestsaxophonewebsiteever.com/musical-tips-wisdom-day-spent-michael-brecker/
Audition information:
USAF: music.af.mil look under Regional Band Vacancies, click on instrument. Call 703-692-8168
USMC: march.marines.mil click on instrument for excerpts marines.com for general information
Army: bands.army.mil click on instrument
Watch the Video Here:
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Thanks to Mr. Weintraub for his service. He had some great stories, too. I enjoyed learning about the rigorous requirements to be accepted into military bands – that is why those bands are so good! I checked out his Bandmix as well – all great standards there. (Plus the improvisational dog barking was an added treat ;))
I’m LOL about the improvisational dog barking – he obviously had something to say 🙂