Flute 360 | Episode 114: “Military Flutists with Sergeant Angela McCuiston” (49:26)

In today’s episode, Heidi talks with Sergeant Angela McCuiston about her time being a Military Flutist in the U.S. Army Reserve 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 114 – Main Points:

• 0:25 – Contact: J&K Productions & Flute 360 for consultation work!
• 1:54 – Welcome & Introduction!
• 2:27 – Angela is remodeling her home studio!
• 4:08 – Air Filters & Light Bulbs
• 5:04 – Please share with the listeners who you are and your musical background!
• 5:10 – Angela’s Background
• 5:19 – Tennessee Tech University – Music School
• 5:27 – Boone, North Carolina, USA
• 6:01 – Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Destin, Florida, USA
• 6:11 – 129th Band in Nashville (Guard) to the 313th Army Band, Huntsville, AL (Reserves)
• 6:30 – Destin, FL & Panama City, FL
• 6:44 – Panama City Pops Orchestra
• 7:11 – Matthew Morrison from Glee
• 7:21 – Looney Tunes
• 7:32 – Question: What inspired you to enlist as a U.S. Army Band flutist?
• 7:38 – Angela’s Answer
• 7:49 – Air Force Bands
• 8:33 – Angela’s Audition Experience
• 10:09 – “I am an entrepreneur at heart, so the Reserves fit well for me!” – Angela
• 10:44 – Heidi Comments
• 11:37 – “You need to go to that next event, and performance super prepared. You never know who will be there, listening to you, and possibly giving you an opportunity that will blow your mind!” – Heidi
• 12:05 – Sofia, Bulgaria – Listen to Flute 360’s Series 23 (E109-112) and Series 21 (E98-100)!
• 13:00 – Angela talks about the traditional audition process through the Army Bands.
• 13:50 – General’s March, Stars & Stripes Forever (piccolo)
• 14:02 – Quickly Prepared Music: 24-hour notice
• 15:05 – Question: When did you talk with an Army Recruiter?
• 15:16 – Angela’s Answer
• 15:31 – Army Band Liaison
• 18:08 – Army’s MEPS
• 18:47 – Candy: M&M’s
• 20:20 – Heidi asks a question – listen here!
• 20:40 – Angela’s Answer
• 21:15 – Angela’s family background is in the military, too!
• 22:00 – Heidi Comments
• 23:28 – “I can either dread [basic training] or look forward to this; I chose the latter!” – Angela
• 23:44 – Question: Please share with the listeners your experience with basic training.
• 23:50 – Angela’s Answer
• 24:30 – Exercises: Push-Ups
• 25:10 – Angela continues her answer.
• 25:40 – Sport: Fencing
• 28:18 – Topic: Mind Over Matter
• 28:52 – “When I left basic training, I learned that I am capable of way more than I ever thought I was!” – Angela
• 29:10 – Angela’s Books
• 29:30 – Question: Can you talk about AIT, please?
• 29:42 – Angela’s Answer
• 30:07 – OJT: On the Job Training
• 32:17 – Question: What does your schedule entail as a part-time military flutist in the U.S. Army Reserve Band?
• 32:24 – Angela’s Answer
• 35:10 – Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA
• 35:40 – Question: What have been your top three memorable experiences as a U.S. Army Band flutist?
• 35:50 – Angela’s Answer
• 36:46 – Washington & Alaska
• 38:03 – Question: What advice would you give to someone interested in this career path?
• 38:08 – Angela’s Answer
• 39:53 – Episode 113: Interview with Allison Wollam
• 43:30 – PICKS!
• 45:38 – Angela’s Last Comments
• 48:15 – Bronze Sponsor: J&K Productions

PICKS!

Angela:

• Sushi
• Virgin Hot Toddy

Heidi:

• Raw & Unfiltered Local Honey

Episode 114 – Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Heidi Kay Begay’s Website
• Angela’s Website
• Angela’s Bio
• Angela’s Books!
• Contact Angela – Here!
• Episode 113: Interview with Allison Wollam

Episode 114 – Sponsors:

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