A life of music: when your career and your passion coexist, life sounds pretty sweet

All Hands, Feb, 2003 by Antoine PH3 Themistocleous

THROUGHOUT THE MUSIC-FILLED ATMOSPHERE OF LOUIS Armstrong's hometown; from world-famous Bourbon Street to the halls of Naval Support Activity (NSA) New Orleans; there is one Sailor who is living the jazz legend's words to the fullest.

Like Armstrong, Musician 3rd Class Matt Leder lives for his music. In fact, Leder follows Armstrong's mantra so much that his professional existence could be referred to as a double life. After jazzin up his days as one of Navy Band New Orleans' top trumpeters, he spends his mights playing in some of the "Big Easy's" best-known clubs.

"Being in the Navy Band is a really good thing, because not only are you doing a service for your country, but you have a steady paycheck, too. It gives me the ability to support my family without doing anything else," said Leder as he made his way to one of his nightclub performances. "I played on the outside before I got in the Navy, and [financially] it's really hard to be a musician and just do that."

Leder's trumpet-playing experience began at the age of 4, at the request of his parents. His interest in music stuck, and after playing the instrument throughout his high school years, Leder's musical talent landed him a spot in the band at East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C.

Following a few years of study for a jazz performance degree, he left college and started his career as a professional musician. His credits include playing in several theater shows, along with several appearances on "The Lawrence Welk Show." He also toured with an Elvis impersonator around The southeastern United States.

After a few years of being a struggling artist, The wear and tear of the road began to get to Leder. Playing in a number of big bands, a couple of weddings and at dinner Theaters, wasn't enough. He got tired of "hustling for money" and wanted a steady paycheck and security for himself and his family.

For Leder, There was only one answer. He decided to join the Navy.

Leder's process of joining The Navy was a little different than it is for most Sailors. Unlike other ratings, you have to be an established musician before you can become a Navy MU. "The musician rating is one of the few ratings That requires prior experience before you are even accepted," MUCM Don Miller said, as he explained The process of becoming a Navy musician.

Miller, the assistant director of Navy Band New Orleans, said, "It all starts with a phone call from the recruiter to set up an audition. If you are accepted, you Then join the Navy, go to boot camp and Then go to the military's School of Music.

"Upon arriving you take an incoming audition;' Miller continued. "At the mid-point of the school they do another audition, which is called 'Final 1.' Then three months later they do one more, 'Final 2 Before you become a designated fleet musician, you would have gone through four auditions."

Despite how hard the process of becoming a Navy musician is, Leder said a lot of Sailors still think MUs have it easy. "I think a lot of them don't really know what we do. Some of them don't even know we exist, and there are others who don't understand how important our job is."

Navy musicians often find themselves on the front lines -- not in battle -- but communicating through the international language of music. The Navy musician is not just a performer, but an ambassador representing both the Navy and the United States. They travel around the world and perform for many different audiences, from the highest delegations to the smallest towns.

For some audiences, the Navy Band is their first and only interaction with the U.S. Navy, and with each performance the band expresses themselves as professionals, upholding the traditions and proud reputation of the rest of the fleet.

"The greatest tool that Navy music brings to the table is the ability to improve Navy awareness in the general public, both military and civilian," said LT David Hodge, director of Navy Band New Orleans. "We have a slightly different mission as a smaller band, but produce the same product -- representing our Navy to as many people as possible in our region."

The small band of 35 musicians performs about 300 times a year throughout the southern United States. They cover the Gulf-coast states, from Texas all the way around to Florida, doing countless ceremonies, public concerts and even occasionally performing for official private parties.

Being such a small organization, it's critical they operate as a fully-independent, functional group. When they reach their venue, it is the musicians' responsibility to set up their stage and lights, and ensure they have a good sound system. Even though sometimes one is provided, they always make sure they have a backup option. These Sailors take great pride in their hard work and the commitment it takes to bring the best show possible to the people.

Although sometimes there might not be a big crowd, the band still enthusiastically performs their various types of music for those who want to listen. From jazz and blues, to classical and Latin, they give their all to put on a good show. "There might be one or two people who come to see you play:' Leder said, "but just because there isn't a big crowd, you still have to give 110 percent. You have to dig deep within yourself and put forth that effort."