Teaching Moment for Middle School Teacher

Objective: Introduce students to the world of military music careers by helping them understand the role of musicians in the U.S. military and encouraging early goal-setting in their musical journey.

Teacher Talking Points:
“Did you know that some of the most skilled musicians in the country play in military bands? They travel, perform for important events, and represent the nation with their talent and service. Today we’re going to imagine what it would be like to combine your musical skills with the pride of serving your country. You’ll reflect on your musical path, explore military music opportunities, and dream big about what’s possible.”

📚 Student Assignment:
Title: Music and Service: Dreaming Big

Assignment Instructions:
Before you move to the instructions, read the article “Music in Uniform: The Real Path to Becoming a U.S. Military Musician” found on Accoladi.com.

Step 1: Learn About Military Musicians

• As a class, review key points from the article.
• Discuss the different types of music ensembles found in the military (band, choir, orchestra, jazz band, rock band, ceremonial units like the Fife and Drum Corps).
• Talk about why character traits like discipline, teamwork, and leadership are important for both musicians and service members.

Step 2: Personal Reflection

• Think about what instrument or voice part you play now.
• Imagine what it would feel like to be a professional musician — traveling, performing, and serving your country.

Step 3: Create a "Future Musician" Poster

• Design a poster about yourself as a future military musician:
• Include your name, instrument or voice part, and a drawing or picture of yourself in a military band, choir, or ensemble.
• Pick one military branch you would like to represent (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard).
• List 2–3 character traits you think would make you a great military musician.
• Share one goal you have now (e.g., auditioning for All-Region Band, learning harder music, improving sight-reading) that will help you get there one day.

Poster Requirements:

• Must include an illustration (hand-drawn or digital).
• Should list your military branch, instrument/voice, character traits, and musical goal.
• Be colorful, creative, and neat — something you would be proud to hang up!

Rubric:

Point Scale:
45–50 points = Outstanding
40–44 points = Strong Work
35–39 points = Satisfactory
Below 35 points = Needs Improvement

Word Bank for Students:
Instrument, Choir, Band, Military, Musician, Patriotism, Teamwork, Leadership, Discipline, Ensemble, Travel, Perform, Character, Goal

Teaching Moment for High School Teacher

Objective: Imagine the daily life of an enlisted musician in the United States military by exploring military music ensembles and envisioning a performance tour experience.

Teacher Talking Points:
“Being a military musician means traveling the country, performing in historic places, and serving through music. Today, we’re going to take a creative journey—researching real bands and imagining ourselves in their shoes. What would it feel like to wake up, rehearse with elite musicians, and perform for a community? Let’s go on tour — together!”

📚 Student Assignment:
Title: Three Days in the Life of a Military Musician

Assignment Instructions:
Before you move to the instructions, read the article “Music in Uniform: The Real Path to Becoming a U.S. Military Musician” found on Accoladi.com.

Step 1: Choose Your Path

• Select one military branch and ensemble:
  • Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus
  • United States Marine Band (“The President’s Own”)
  • United States Navy Band
  • United States Air Force Band
  • United States Coast Guard Band
  • Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
  • Marine Drum and Bugle Corps
• Visit their official website.
• Explore their current or past performance schedule (Concert Calendar / Events Page).

Step 2: Envision Your Tour

• Create a three-day diary entry imagining yourself as a member of their ensemble on a performance tour.
• Include:
  • Morning activities (rehearsals, soundchecks, outreach performances)
  • Afternoon performances or ceremonies
  • Evening activities (concerts, travel, free time)
  • Repertoire performed (choose pieces from their real concert programs)
  • Local attractions you would visit during downtime (museums, landmarks, restaurants)
  • Special experiences (community engagement, collaborations, important ceremonies)

Step 3: Write Your Diary

• Format your work as three diary entries (one for each day)
• 150–200 words per day entry
• Describe not just what you did — but how you felt serving and performing as a professional musician

Example:

Day 1: San Diego, California
Morning: Rehearsal with the Marine Corps Band at MCRD San Diego, preparing patriotic and classical pieces.
Afternoon: Outreach concert at Balboa Park for local veterans.
Repertoire:
"Semper Fidelis" by John Philip Sousa
"Lincolnshire Posy" by Percy Grainger
"America the Beautiful" (Band arrangement)
Evening: Walk by the harbor and dinner at Point Loma Seafood.

Day 2: Los Angeles, California
Morning: Travel to L.A. for a military ceremony at the USS Iowa Battleship Museum.
Afternoon: School concert at Los Angeles High School for the Arts.
Evening: Attend a jazz performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall featuring guest military and civilian artists.

Day 3: Palm Springs, California
Morning: Rehearsal and soundcheck at Palm Springs High School.
Lunch at Sherman’s Deli & Bakery.
Evening: Gala concert at the McCallum Theatre — featuring a collaboration with local All-State musicians.
Repertoire:
"Symphonic Metamorphosis" by Paul Hindemith
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa

Rubric: "Three Days in the Life of a Military Musician"

Scoring Key:
45–50 points = Outstanding
40–44 points = Strong
35–39 points = Satisfactory
Below 35 = Needs Improvement

Helping Your Young Musician Dream Big: Military Music Careers Start Early

Dear _________________ Parents

Every year, I’m amazed at the talent, dedication, and passion our students bring to the music room. Many of our young musicians are already dreaming about their futures — some see themselves in high school bands and choirs, some imagine playing on college stages. But there’s one professional path many families don’t know about — and it’s a career that blends music, service, and opportunity: becoming a U.S. military musician.

I’d like to introduce you to an eye-opening article, "Music in Uniform: The Real Path to Becoming a U.S. Military Musician," available now at Accoladi.com. It’s a must-read for any parent of a young musician who loves what they do and dreams of a future with music.

Why Should You Know About This Now?

Military musicians are full-time professionals. They perform everything from classical music and jazz to pop, rock, and patriotic concerts — all while serving our country. They receive outstanding benefits:

• Professional pay.
• Full healthcare.
• College tuition through the GI Bill.
• Global travel opportunities.
• Early retirement with a full pension.

And here’s something important: no college degree is required to audition. What is required? Skill, discipline, and preparation — things your child can start developing right now in middle school.

How Can Students Start Preparing This Early?

• Developing strong music fundamentals.
• Building leadership skills in band or choir.
• Taking part in honor groups or solo performances.
• Practicing sight-reading and ensemble playing.

These habits set a foundation not just for high school and college success, but also for real-world careers — including careers as military musicians.

An Opportunity Worth Considering

If your child has a passion for music and a strong sense of discipline, the military can offer an exciting and secure pathway. It’s not a backup plan — it’s a professional career with national and international impact.

I highly encourage you to read the full article, "Music in Uniform: The Real Path to Becoming a U.S. Military Musician," at Accoladi.com. It offers a detailed, inspiring look at what this path looks like — from auditions to enlistment to life as a professional musician in uniform.

Let’s help our students dream big — and prepare for every opportunity their talent can unlock.

Sincerely,

______________________________________________________
Director’s Name and Position

_________________________________________________________
School Name

A Path Less Traveled — But Full of Opportunity

Dear ____________________________ Parents and Guardians

As your child progresses through our music program, many of you may be wondering — what comes next? College tuition costs can be overwhelming, and for some families, the dream of higher education may feel out of reach.

But there is a pathway that combines talent, service, and education — and it might just be the opportunity your family has been looking for.

I encourage you to read an important new article, “Music in Uniform: The Real Path to Becoming a U.S. Military Musician” available now on Accoladi.com.

The U.S. military doesn’t just need soldiers and sailors — it needs musicians.

Real musicians. Talented high school musicians — just like your child — who want to keep playing at a professional level and pursue a college education.

Military musicians perform in bands, orchestras, choirs, jazz ensembles, and even rock groups. They travel the country — and the world — serving their nation while doing what they love most: making music.

And here's what might surprise you:

• Military musicians earn a full salary — right out of high school.
• They receive full healthcare benefits.
• They qualify for Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill, covering most (if not all) of their college costs.
• They can retire with a pension in as little as 20 years — while still young enough to start a second career.

For families who wonder how they can help their child achieve a college degree — this is a remarkable, often overlooked option. It’s a pathway not just to a diploma, but to a meaningful career, leadership training, and lifelong skills.

If your student loves music — if they’re willing to work, audition, and dream a little bigger — a career in military music could be the door they’ve been waiting for.

I strongly encourage you to visit Accoladi.com and read “Music in Uniform: The Real Path to Becoming a U.S. Military Musician.” It might just change how you see your child’s future.

Music can open doors — sometimes to places you never expected.

Sincerely,

______________________________________________________
Director’s Name and Position

_________________________________________________________
School Name