24 April 2007

Army Bandsman

Musical Soldiers

Some musicians are put off joining the New Zealand Army Band because they think the Army lifestyle jars with that of a carefree, free-spirited artiste. But Army Bandsman Corporal Jess Blair says military discipline and values have given her much-needed drive and determination.

“When I think about how I was before I joined the band, I've changed so much in the last nine years and for the better.  I really like what the Army has done for my motivation and drive to succeed.”

CPL Blair has been “shaped” by training that in 2006 included the junior NCOs course and the Assistant Physical Training Instructor (APTI) course. “I learnt a lot about myself doing that course”, she says of the APTI course, which allowed her to indulge her passion for fitness. “One thing I really like about the Army is that it’s active. I get paid to play music and keep fit – so it’s great!” she enthuses.

Of course, being a member of the Army Band has also extended her musically. The Army supported her getting her letters, the LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music) in euphonium performance, and her selection for the New Zealand National Band on 3 occasions in 2003, 2005, and 2007, including the 2005 tour to the World Championships in Kerkrade Holland.

She’s been able to play at some “amazing” festivals, including the Edinburgh Tattoo in 2002 and 2006, and the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland in 2008. In 2007, world renowned jazz instrumentalist James Morrison requested the NZ Army Band to join him on stage as the backing band for his appearance at the Christchurch Jazz Festival.  CPL Blair was able to join Mr Morrison on stage in a duet at the James Hay Theatre.  “It was the high point of my musical career.  I had never dreamed of being able to do something so magnificent with the band, and I still get chills thinking about it”.

“Some members of the Army would probably be surprised to know that the band plays at concerts like that.  Most of what they would see is the bands ceremonial capacity on the parade ground.”
In fact, she says some people in the Army – and we can only assume they’re Army newbies – are even surprised to hear the Army has a band of full-time musicians.

The band travel a great deal and have many exciting roles within the service from ceremonial to big band, cocktail parties, stage concerts and display marching.  The NZ Army Band is renowned world wide as an expert display marching band which has lead to the many appearances that the band has had in resent times around the globe.
In 2008 CPL Blair decided to pursue the other passion in her life of physical fitness. In May 2008 she attended the New Zealand Army Physical Training Corps selection board, and was selected for further training as a PTI in the Army.

“The selection course is a pretty gruelling process, where you find out just how much you really want it.  There are some low moments but that is where they find out if you’ve got what they want in an instructor.  Passing the army PTI selection course is a very proud moment for me in my life.”

CPL Blair is currently undertaking the 6 month tri service course at the Joint Forces Physical Education and Recreational Training School at Base Woodbourne.  “The course is blowing me away.  We have amazing instructors, and the quality of people that I get to work with in my course mates makes it so exciting to come to work.  I’m having the time of my life.”

The PTI course covers everything from exercise prescription to fitness testing and class taking for units within the service.  The course covers all of the major sporting codes and students also get assessed in anatomy and physiology examinations.
At the successful completion of her training in Woodbourne, CPL Blair will be posted back down to Burnham Military Camp which she is excited about.

“I have been lucky to be able to work in my two areas of passion while being in the Army.  I’ve developed my skills as a musician and travelled around the world; and now I am able to keep myself super fit and help others along that same path.  I think the Army has a lot to offer for anyone who is looking for something new in their life.”

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Based at Burnham Military Camp, the NZ Army Band performs at military and state occasions. The all-brass band is supplemented with a rhythm section, also includes a number of smaller assembles such as a Brass Band, Marching Band, Dance Band, and a Brass Quintet, which perform at schools, festivals, and public concerts.

Internationally, the NZ Army Band has earned its reputation as one of the finest marching bands in the world, and this reputation is upheld through rigorous drills and rehearsals.

TRAINING
You can enlist directly into the NZ Army Band without undertaking a basic military training course, unlike all other Army recruits. However, soon after you join you will have to undertake basic training competencies. As your career progresses, you will attend courses that assist with advancement and promotion. These Army courses are held at various army camps around the country.

COULD I BE A BANDSMAN?
You need previous musical experience, and will need to pass an interview and an audition. You need to be self-motivated, focused, willing to travel, and able to work well in a team.

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