Doug took pride in his ability to write clear and accurate music, one of the elements of his arrangements’ success. It should be noted that he had to hand-write all of his music, which required very good handwriting.

And to my gratification, the directors of Army, Navy, and Air Force bands came to our director and said, ‘where did you get those arrangements?’” Doug explained. I think that when people hear really good music, they don’t know why but they like it better.’ So they let me write, we did these shows. I had discussions with them about playing better music, and they said it was more about the precision of marching. “A warrant officer was in charge of the band, and gunnery sergeants or master sergeants would do the field directing. His arrangements included “Strike up the Band” and other Gershwin tunes, or simply music that everybody at the time would know. While in the field band, Doug started writing arrangements for it, mostly show tunes in a military style that used military band instrumentation. Every base had its own band, and California alone had five or six bands. He joined the 3rd Marine Airwing Band, stationed at El Toro, California. It was stressful, but it was cool,” Doug said of his experience. “You’ve been accepted into the Marine Corps band program, and you’ll be given an assignment,” they replied. “What does that mean?” Doug asked, not yet understanding the scope and sudden nature of what they said.

At the end of the difficult audition, they said, “okay, you’re in.” When he finally had the chance to try out following boot camp, he was promptly given a trombone to use and music to play. He knew from the beginning that he wanted to play music while in the service, and chose to pursue the Marine Corps’ music program. They have taken part in attacks, flown dangerous missions, and patrolled waters ̶ however, not as many have had music as their primary mission.ĭoug Finke, a trombonist of 23, was drafted in 1965 and remained in service until 1967. Countless people have joined the armed forces and taken part in defending the nation and its ideals on land, in the air, and on sea.

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