Flute 360 | Episode 113: “Military Flutists with Specialist Allison Wollam” (51:07)

In today’s episode, Heidi talks with SPC Allison Wollam about her career as an Active Military Flutist in the U.S. Army Band. She goes into detail about the audition process, her experience with boot camp, 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 113 – Main Points:

• 0:45 – Contact: J&K Productions & Flute 360 for consultation work!
• 1:45 – Welcome & Introduction!
• 2:43 – Texas Flute Society
• 3:02 – The University of North Texas
• 3:46 – LavAzza Espresso
• 3:58 – Heidi: Please share with the listeners who you are and your musical background!
• 4:02 – Allison’s Answer
• 4:12 – Trudy Kane, flutist
• 4:15 – Dr. Mary Karen Clardy, flutist
• 5:08 – Question: What inspired you to enroll as a flutist in the U.S. Army Band?
• 5:15 – Allison’s Answer
• 7:29 – Question: What was the audition process like?
• 7:33 – Allison’s Answer
• 8:06 – Repertoire: Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute & Piano, Op. 107
• 9:51 – SFC Daniel McBride
• 10:19 – Brittany Primavera, flutist
• 15:09 – Question: Anything else about the audition process that you’d like to mention?
• 15:13 – Allison’s Answer
• 16:56 – Question: Did you have a sight-reading portion at your live audition?
• 17:16 – Allison’s Answer
• 19:07 – Question: Can you please share with us your boot camp experience?
• 19:15 – Allison’s Answer
• 20:33 – Length of boot camp is usually no more than 10-weeks and is found in three stages: Red, White & Blue!
• 27:22 – Question: After boot camp, all musicians attend a 10-week course through the Army School of Music for Advanced Individual Training (or AIT). What does this course entail?

• 27:28 – Allison’s Answer
• 34:04 – Body Mapping with Dr. Lea Pearson
• 34:28 – Question: Putting aside the current quarantine, what does your schedule typically look like as an Army flutist?
• 34:35 – Allison’s Answer
• 37:54 – Question: For a musician who is considering this career path, what advice do you have for him or her?
• 38:08 – Allison’s Answer
• 40:00 – Question: What resources would you recommend to prepare someone mentally for this career?
• 40:24 – Allison’s Answer
• 41:22 – Comments from SFC Daniel Alexander McBride
• 42:00 – Website: US Army Bands
• 42:07 – Army Band Incentives
• 46:04 – Question: Any last sentiments that you’d like to share with the listeners?
• 46:16 – Allison’s Answer
• 48:28 – PICKS!
• 50:40 – Conclusion!
• 52:26 – Bronze Sponsor: J&K Productions

PICKS!

Allison:

• “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind And Defy The Odds” by David Goggins
• 77th Army Band

Heidi:

• Etsy

Episode 113 – Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Heidi Kay Begay’s Website
• See Show Note Links Above

Episode 113 – Sponsors:

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