Roe’s next opportunity: Bandsman with the Air Force
calendar icon26 Jul 2018
After recently completing his DMA degree, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music graduate Mike Roe will soon be off on another great opportunity.
Earlier this year, Roe was made aware of an audition for a drummer/percussionist position with the Air Force Band of the Golden West. After submitting some prescreening recordings, Roe was selected as one of twelve people to attend the live audition on June 4 at Travis Air Force Base in California. At the end of the day, he was offered a job as a bandsman in the Air Force.
Since this isn't the premier band in Washington, D.C., he not sure yet where he will end up being stationed.
“Chances are it will be with the Band of the Golden West in California, but there is also a chance I may end up at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, and a small chance I could be stationed with one of the other regional bands,” Roe said. “It really depends on where there is the greatest need for my position within all the Air Force bands. I will find out for sure where I'm going some time during basic training, which lasts for 8 1/2 weeks. I'll leave for basic training in early September and be enlisted for a minimum of four years, at which point I can either re-enlist, or move on to something else.”
Glenn Korff School of Music Assistant Professor of Percussion Dave Hall said, “I am so proud of Mike (now Dr. Mike Roe) on his appointment. These auditions are incredibly competitive and Mike's versatility as a percussionist and musical adaptability helped him secure a coveted spot in this group. He has been an amazing member of the Percussion Studio in the GKSOM these past three years. He made beautiful contributions as a performer, composer, teacher, and logistics wizard. We will miss him here but couldn't be more excited for his future with the Air Force."
Roe said, as for the job itself, it's a really great opportunity.
“I will be primarily playing music in the United States for various outreach, support, and ceremonial events,” he said. “Typically, someone in my position is assigned to one large ensemble and one small ensemble, which could include anything from wind ensemble to big band or jazz combo, to rock/pop groups, or brass and woodwind quintets or other chamber ensembles.
“I'm excited that I will have the opportunity to play in many musical settings/ensembles, and I will get to perform with world-class musicians. There is also the chance for deployment, which in the band consists of a three-month overseas tour of embassies, military bases, and other locations to perform for ambassadors, dignitaries, and troops. I am really honored and excited that I was selected for this position.”