Woody C.
About me
| Woody C. | |
| Psychology | |
| Psychology | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 2016 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Army Musician | |
| British Army | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Creative arts and design | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2017 |
More about Woody
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A day in the life of a Army Musician in the United Kingdom
I'd love to get promoted to lance corporal, where I could lead and mentor musicians. I also want to get posted to London in a Foot Guards band, where I'll join my bear skin and red tunic friends in performing for Trooping the Colour.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
The Corps of Army Music is the musical branch of the British Army. Around 750 people strong, 13 regular wind and brass bands and a string orchestra provide musical support for state ceremonies, diplomatic events, remembrance commemorations and represents the Army professionally.
What do you do?
I play the clarinet and saxophone in a military band, performing a variety of music. Apart from military marches for parades, we also perform concert repertoire in indoor concerts for charities and with schools as Army's outreach tool. These include the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, Edinburgh Castle's Military Tattoo, and musical tours to Japan and Australia. I also perform chamber music in smaller ensembles, such as jazz bands and woodwind quintets to support dinner nights, music festivals and county shows (e.g Norfolk's).
All band members also have administrative roles. As I'm in the recruiting team, I'm the first point of contact for potential applicants and support them throughout their applications. I also give career presentations in schools during our music workshops and open days. Apart from that, I've also helped managing the band's instagram and Facebook page, including shooting videos on special occasions, such as the VE Day 75th anniversary.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
After attending a music summer school where a lot of military musicians also attended, I was invited to perform in one of their band's concerts and experience a day of life in an Army band. I got to enquire about the job and I then decided to apply. The decision was driven largely by my passion for music, in particular wind bands. After submitting all the required documents, I attended the Army's assessment centre, where they examine my health, fitness, teamwork and general life skills. Subsequently, I attended a musical audition of around grade 8 standard. Once both parts were completed, I then started my military training in April 2017.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I hoped that I'll be doing postgraduate studies and become an educational psychologist/ pursue research in psycholinguistics (as I was, and am still, into bilingualism and languages!). And although heavily involved in the music scene at university , I didn't study music, hence I really didn't expect myself to end up in the Army's marching band to be honest!
Describe your most memorable day at work
What really motivates me to be my best is that sense of pride and honour for the country's heroes. Seeing international generals, political leaders and the public coming together for the sombre D-Day's 75th anniversary in Normandy 2019 really made me feel inspired; we weren't just performing music, but music about people's families, a milestone in history and for the greater humanity. The same sentiment applies when our music accompanied Allied paratroopers reenacting their jumps in Arnhem, Netherlands.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
As I was offered the opportunity to learn a new instrument (clarinet) and I didn't study music, although I work hard and am constantly improving, it is still technically demanding and I still struggle to be perfect. Fortunately all my seniors have been very supportive throughout.
The military training was enjoyable yet challenging physically. I'm glad I took time to run and start gym training before joining up, as that really helped. Also, although it took time to figure out how to work with people from a diverse background, I was honoured to receive the Soldier's Soldier award for promoting cooperation and support.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
The Army is underpinned by 6 professional values: courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment. I really agree with it as it maximise potential, teamwork and eventually (musical) output.
Same as other soldiers, we were the Army camouflage uniform at work. There's no typical day at work, with a mixture of the tasks below. I usually start my day by warming up on my instrument and playing my fundamentals. We rehearse indoors in full concert band or ensembles, either for upcoming gigs or musical training. Departments (finance, quartermaster's etc.) also complete their respective tasks, emails and meetings, either within the band or with other bands in the Corps. In both rehearsals and administration, the higher the rank you are, the more responsibility but also rights you have. Fitness-wise, bands train on fitness at least 3 times a week, including circuits, running or competitive sports. We also receive musical training, such as masterclasses from London musicians, attending concerts of professional orchestras and jazz bands and workshops such as that for Alexander Technique.
Apart from music, the Armed Forces also offers a lot of opportunities outside of your regular role, which is what I love about this career. Because I speak Chinese, I was asked to help with the UK's COVID-19 quarantine of Chinese arrivals in February 2019. Also, I've been offered heavily subsidised adventure training opportunities, such as alpine skiing, kayaking and mountain climbing. We're given professional development funding to attend courses such as languages and management and mentoring to maximise our potential. All of these are done while we receive subsidised accommodation, food and free healthcare.
Finally, on the social and morale side, bands organises events such as Christmas dinner and Chinese New Year (I did for my band), dining out of leaving personnel, as well as collection and congratulatory gifts (promotion, new family member, bereavement etc.). I love this supportive network and how I feel very comfortable seeking help from people.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I was chair and conductor of Concert Band, and also I set up and conducted an auditioned wind orchestra in 3rd year. I developed my conducting and instrumental skills while further enhanced my passion for music. Although it sounds cliché, this passion is still keeping me going right now. At the same time, the managerial side was challenging but fun! I learnt to be confident in myself as a leader whilst caring for the members and make sure they're enjoying band, and at the same time multitasking to ensure the band's smooth operations.
Music aside, I also did YSiS where I tutored AS psychology students of York College which taught me to be adaptive and patient when teaching people. Volunteering with The Island and SNAPPY gave me a real insight to young people indeed in York and how to be a good role model to them. Did so much dancing as well such as breakdancing, salsa and swing, which was tiring but fun!
What would you like to do next with your career?
I'd love to get promoted to lance corporal, where I could lead and mentor musicians. I also want to get posted to London in a Foot Guards band, where I'll join my bear skin and red tunic friends in performing for Trooping the Colour (aka the Queen's birthday!), Changing of the Guard, national remembrance events, and if I'm lucky, tour aboard as far as Hong Kong and Canada! Being an interpreter or music therapy is still at the back of my mind, as I do miss doing psychology and the language side of life.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Being a musician is actually a way of life that gives you so much soft skills, it's not easy, and skills here applies for all jobs and careers too: you have to devote your time and effort to practice a lot, learn from your mistakes and set SMART goals to progress efficiently. You also need to know what others in the orchestra are doing and balance yourself to produce the best harmony. Only by being humble and inquisitive and learn as much music and its history would a musician be able to express truly all emotions and ideas, and that's from the bottom of his/ her heart. Regardless of your rank, be strong and be kind, and others will treat you with respect.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
I'm happy to talk about a career in the military, whether it's being an officer or a private. You could ask me about the musical scene in London as well, as we often work with London professionals.
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