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