Episode 117: Military Musicians with Senior Airman Claire Workinger

Flute 360 | Episode 117: “Military Musicians with Senior Airman Claire Workinger” (52:13)

In today’s episode, Heidi talks with Claire Workinger about her time being a Military Oboist in the U.S. Air Force Band. She goes into detail about the audition process, her experience with basic training, and advises those who are considering this career path. This series runs through the entire month of May 2020 and we hope that it is beneficial for you and, or your students.

Episode 117 – Main Points:

1:06 – Contact: J&K Productions & Flute 360 Podcast 2:33 – Welcome & Introduction! 2:52 – Reference to Episodes 113, 114, 115, and 116 3:44 – Podcasts for Oboists 4:21 – Heidi: Please share with the listeners who you are and your musical background! 4:26 – Claire’s Answer 4:32 – University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA 5:00 – Marine Corps, USA 7:19 – Explore your musical career options! 9:19 – Band of Mid-America and Midwest Wind Quintet 10:31 – Question: What inspired you to audition for the U.S. Marine Corps Band & the U.S. Air Force Band? 10:40 – Claire’s Answer 13:51 – American University, Washington D.C., USA 14:15 – In the marching band, Claire played the flute & piccolo! 16:02 – Question: What was the audition process like and was a recruiter present? 16:15 – Claire’s Answer 16:18 – Marine Corps Boot Camp 16:27 – Air Force’s Basic Military Training (BMT) is typically 8.5 weeks long. 17:06 – Errata: AF units at BMT are called flights (not wings). 17:40 – Air Force MTI 20:05 – U.S. Navy’s Boot Camp 21:40 – Musical Chairs’ Website 21:59 – Question: What was your experience like in boot camp? What were the highs and lows? 22:20 – Claire’s Answer 22:31 – “Hurry Up and Wait.” – Military Quote 26:19 – Allison Wollam, flutist (E113) 27:27 – Parris Island, South Carolina, USA 29:07 – “How To Run On Sand” – YouTube Video 31:50 – Challah Bread & Grape Juice 33:17 – Question: What does your current schedule look like as a military band member in the U.S. Air Force? 33:23 – Claire’s Answer 38:10 – Air Force Social Media 38:55 – Band Directors through the U.S. Air Force Bands 40:18 – Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, USA 43:30 – International Relations: South Korea, Norway, Finland 45:48 – Question: What advice would you give to a musician who’s interested in this career path? 46:08 – Claire’s Answer 46:13 – “Take every opportunity that you can to play with other people!” – Claire 47:54 – Conclusion! 48:04 – Reference to Series 24 (E113-116) 48:34 – PICKS! 50:36 – Reference to Episode 116 with Sonia Dell’Omo! 51:00 – Bronze Sponsor: J&K Productions

PICKS!

Claire:

Alexander Technique – Missy Vineyard’s Book

Episode 117 – Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Heidi Kay Begay’s Website Double Reed Dish Podcast Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, USA Flute 360’s Series 24, Episodes 113, 114, 115, and 116! Alexander Technique – Missy Vineyard’s Book

Episode 117 – Sponsors:

Gold Level: J&K Productions Bronze Level: J&K Productions