Melton (right-front) and band performing for the U.S. Navy.
Patrick Melton ’06 gets paid to sing in front of huge international audiences – but maybe not the audiences you’d think. He is a vocalist and entertainer with the U.S. Navy. Based in Naples, Italy, Melton plays a variety of shows ranging from rock n’ roll to jazz to full-concert band performances all over the world. Find out how he turned his music degree into a career with the Navy below!
Q: What is your official title?
A: My official title is Musician 3rd Class, usually abbreviated MU3. I am a junior non-commissioned officer in the United States Navy. But each rate (job) within the Navy has sub-specialties called NEC’s, and mine happens to be Vocalist/Entertainer. Many people are surprised to learn that the Navy has musicians, but we’re actually one of the three oldest jobs in the Navy!
Q: What are your job responsibilities?
A: I perform a wide variety of music with different musical ensembles. I am the vocalist for Flagship, the Naval Forces Europe Rock Band. I also sing jazz with the Flagship Combo (a jazz ensemble made up of the rock band instrumentalists and me), and I occasionally sing more classical tunes with the Wind Ensemble, which is the full-concert band. I also perform solo ceremonial music (usually the U.S. and Italian national anthems) for events. When I’m not singing, I play percussion in the Wind Ensemble; usually bass drum or cymbals.
Since I am the vocalist/entertainer, I interact with the public more than most musicians, so I always have to be prepared with talking points – why I’m there, what Navy music entails, why we exist, etc.
When I’m not performing, my day-to-day job involves lots of rehearsals, clerical work in an office setting, and physical training. Navy musicians have to stay in shape just like the rest of the military, so we can work out on the clock. It’s one of the few jobs that actually pays you to stay in shape!
Q: How long have you been in this position?
A: I have been in the Navy for 16 months, but I’ve only been with the Naval Forces Europe Band for seven months.
Q: How did you hear about the job and what was the process of getting hired?
A: I come from a Navy family, so I was aware the Navy had musicians already. In order to join the Navy Fleet Bands, you have to set up an audition with your local Fleet Band (Navy Band Southeast in Jacksonville, Fla. for those in the Charleston area) through your local recruiter.
Recruiters rarely get people auditioning for the Fleet Bands, so I highly recommend both researching the process yourself AND contacting the band yourself before setting up the audition. For instrumental musicians, the audition format is very similar to auditions for any other organization; prepared music, scales, and sight-reading.
For a vocalist, you choose two songs and then you receive a CD of a live band (without vocals) playing your chosen songs one month before your audition. At your audition, you sing your songs and the Star-Spangled Banner for a panel of judges. It’s kind of like karaoke without the words scrolling on-screen.
If you’re selected, you get a letter guaranteeing the MU rate upon enlistment. At this point, you go through recruiting just like anyone else who joins the Navy; medical examinations galore, and eventually Navy Boot Camp up in Great Lakes, Ill. Upon graduation, you receive specialized training at the Naval School of Music in Little Creek, Va. for a few months. After that, you receive orders to one of the Fleet Bands: Navy Band Northwest near Seattle, Navy Band Southwest in San Diego, Navy Band Great Lakes in Great Lakes, Navy Band Northeast in Rhode Island, Fleet Forces Band in Norfolk, Va., Navy Band Southeast in Jacksonville, Fla., Pacific Fleet Band in Honolulu, 7th Fleet Band in Yokosuka, Japan, or Naval Forces Europe Band in Naples, Italy.
Q: What do you like most about being a vocalist for the Navy?
A: I’m never bored! There is always something new to do, no two gigs are the same, and I’m constantly seeing new places and meeting new people!
One day I’m singing French jazz standards for a French Admiral, the next I’m singing rock and roll on Estonian television, the next I’m performing patriotic music in an extinct volcano for military service members, and the next I’m part of a dance band for a NATO event, performing for a real-life prince. It’s always something new, and it’s often very cool! I also have to mention that I have the most amazing co-workers in the world. You’ll never find a similar group of such driven, intelligent, talented people!
Melton and his fiancée Susan Guth ’12 at the Coliseum in Rome, Italy.
Q: How do you like living abroad?
A: Well, as I often joke, a country as mountainous as Italy is bound to have its ups and downs! Italy is a beautiful country, and it’s an amazing stepping off point for visiting all over Europe and North Africa! I’ve only been here a few months, and I’ve already visited Rome, Pompeii, Venice, Florence, and the Tuscan countryside.
Living abroad can be very hard, you don’t have the support network you’re used to, and believe me when I say you’ll miss the convenience of America! But the people are very kind and friendly. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and I am grateful to be here. Knowing that I’ll see so many bucket-list places that I might not see otherwise makes it all worthwhile. It’s not every job that allows you to explore Europe with your fiancée!
Q: What are some of the coolest places you’ve been able to travel?
A: Estonia – it’s a beautiful country full of beautiful, friendly people! I highly suggest the capital, Tallinn, as a tourist destination. It’s very cute, and almost everyone speaks English. (Very important, because Estonian is difficult!) I also highly suggest Cyprus as a summer vacation spot, the beaches are beautiful, the food is delicious, and the mix of Greek and Turkish culture is one-of-a-kind. In Italy, Tuscany is definitely the place to go–amazing food and wine, and the views are spectacular.
Q: What was your major at the College?
A: I majored in music, with a concentration in theory/composition. I later got a master’s of arts in teaching choral performing arts as well.
Q: How did the College help you prepare for this position?
A: In hundreds of ways! Between the public speaking class I took one summer and all my music classes, plus all the extracurricular activities I did, I can’t imagine doing this job without the education I received. I may not be using what I learned in the way I expected, but I use it every day!
Q: What advice would you give to current students?
A: Learn everything you can, and get involved! My best college memories are all from groups and organizations I joined. Even things you might not think you’ll ever use may be the basis of a career. Also, don’t worry if you don’t figure out what you want to do with your life by the time you graduate. Some of us take longer finding our dream career than others.
