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Staff Sgt. Jeremy Matt, a trombone instrumentalist, and Sgt. Than Nguyen, a clarinet instrumentalist, have dedicated their off-duty time to help potential Musician Enlistment Option applicants pass their auditions and become Marine musicians.
“We’re willing to help others in different situations,” said Matt, a native of Denham Springs, La. “When I give two to three hours a week to work with an applicant it really shows them the brotherhood and camaraderie we have in the Marine Corps.”
Nguyen, currently serving with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., coached and mentored Pfc. Ivy Robinson before she enlisted by giving lessons after work until she passed her audition. Robinson recently graduated boot camp and is now at Marine Combat Training in Camp Lejeune, N. C.
“I love helping people in any way possible,” said Nguyen, a native of Houston, Texas. “It shows what Marines do. We Give back to serve other people. You can’t be selfish here.”
Matt is currently giving trombone lessons to an applicant to help prepare him for material he will perform in his upcoming audition. He believes the service through his lessons not only satisfies his need to contribute to his community but also helps shape the future of the Music program.
“I look at it as finding my replacement,” said Matt, the Marine Corps Music Representative at Marine Corps Recruiting Station San Diego, 12th Marine Corps Recruiting District. “I want to put forth the best quality musician into our program. It’s very fulfilling.”
Nguyen and Matt both agreed that the life of a private sector musician can be difficult.
“This program allows me to keep teaching, which is something I love to do,” Matt said. “The applicant is going to get a really good impression of the Marine Corps and when you see the final product you’re blown away.”
Robinson was exposed to Marine Corps values long before boot camp. Through the lessons she concluded that Marines are willing to dedicate their efforts to better serve the community and do not finish until the mission is complete.
“When Marines start something, they are willing to see it through,” said Robinson, a Lakeside, Calif., native.
Before Robinson could enlist she received coaching from Nguyen to learn how to cater her sound to the Marine Corps’ style.
“It shows that Marines are willing to pay it forward,” said Robinson. “As a Marine, I know I have the responsibility to help others, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to help others.”
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.07.2017 02:24 |
| Story ID: | 236608 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Hometown: | EL CAJON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 231 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Musicians Do More, by Sgt William Hester, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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