I had a chance to discuss Army bands in an interview for our local Alaskan newspaper. As I talked to the interviewer and showed her around our building, I stumbled upon 6 of my musicians that had just returned from the Rifle Range. They were eating lunch and cleaning their assigned weapons. As I introduced them, I mentioned what their primary instrument was … I naturally found myself introducing the 2^nd and 3^rd instruments they played.  Everyone in the room had a double. As I reflected on this, I realized that each of them are willing to volunteer to take on any task necessary to make the 9^th Army Band successful.

Effective Army Bands get more done with less. An Army Band Small in an Operating Force environment like mine are pulled in many directions. It is essential for Army Musicians to volunteer their time and efforts to grow as musicians and “volunteer” learned skills to get the mission accomplished.  I can’t think of a better description of the word Team than that.  

This Team concept brought me back to a memory when I met Army Musician, Master Sergeant Jeremy Smelser. He was speaking in front of my class at the Army School of Music and was discussing leadership and team.

The gist of what he said follows: Many of you have been told to hide your skills and were told to not volunteer them to your leadership. What good is that? How are you helping to serve? How does that model selfless behavior? If the Army needs a volunteer to learn to play gazoo to get a mission done, I’ll be the first in line.

I am amazed that so many of the people I work with have that same “can do” attitude and dedication to the mission.  It is no wonder that I enjoy going in to work.

Until next time…Arctic Warrior, Arctic Tough

 CW2 Jeff Price