Senior clarinet player Michael Okuno, then a sophomore, sat in the music building with his eyes glued to the Camp Pendleton Brass Quintet. The ensemble, which is a part of the 1st Marine Division Band, performed classical, jazz and marching pieces for students in the school’s music department.
After watching the band with its meticulous marching patterns and melodious music, Okuno was exposed to a path not many students take after graduating from high school: joining the Marine Corps. Little did he know that he would soon be joining the same musicians who had amazed him two years before.
“At that time, I didn’t see joining the military as an option,” Okuno said. “But, their abilities and skills definitely impressed me.”
Okuno, who has played the clarinet for the past eight years, was unsure of what to pursue as a college major as he entered senior year. He thought that pursuing music would be difficult because after obtaining a degree, most musicians do not immediately get recruited to play in major symphonies. He seriously considered joining the military as an alternative option to college since it offered him paid schooling and the chance to pursue music.
“Music is something that I love with a passion, but I didn’t necessarily see it as a feasible career,” Okuno said. “But that’s something the military offers: the ability to make a career out of music.”
Seizing this opportunity, Okuno committed to the Delayed Entry Program, a year-long program that includes a 13-week boot camp and trains Marines to play in one of many U.S. Marine Corps bands.
Prior to the application process, his parents were initially apprehensive, as they were unsure if the military would provide a secure job for a young adult.
“Thankfully, my parents are not the type to pass judgment,” Okuno said. “When I showed them the opportunities I would receive with performing, they were really intrigued.”
In order to apply for the program, Okuno went through a two-stage process. In early November, he sent a digital copy of him playing the clarinet via YouTube to Marine Corps recruiters. Within a month, Okuno was called back for the second round of auditions. Invited to play for the West Coast auditioner, Okuno performed at the Military Entrance Processing Station, a place where applicants go to complete the enlistment process. After sight-reading and performing excerpts of marches and scales, Okuno received positive feedback.
“Most people have to re-audition for stage 3, but at the end of my performance, the MTA told me that I had made it,” Okuno said. “If I wasn’t driving home with a friend, I would have been screaming in the car. It was really exciting.”
After receiving basic combat training at either San Diego, or Parris Island, South Carolina, Okuno will be required to attend the Armed Forces School of Music in Virginia for 30 weeks, where he will obtain a minimum of 60 college credits and receive a college degree. After graduating, he will attend full paid military training and receive many educational benefits.
After completing his required schooling and training, Okuno plans to join one of multiple Marine Corps field bands. Depending on the band he is in, Okuno may perform at ceremonies, funerals and flag raising. Each 40-member band not only performs within the country but also travels internationally to serve as musical ambassadors.
Though his Military Occupational Specialty will be music, Okuno can be called to join the Marines on the battlefield if need be. However, most musicians who are recruited into combat serve as security for generals, which means that they “follow generals around like ducklings,” Okuno said.
Okuno is excited for the chance to do what he loves while serving his country.
“I get to travel around the world, get some of the best training in the world, and get paid the entire time,” Okuno said. “Whatever I choose to learn, I’m presented with tons of opportunities.”