Music merit badge

[teepeeayy]

Quick story: Last week our troop held a Court of Honor. My son was awarded 2nd class, geology MB, and the music MB. The scoutmaster asked if he played an instrument. My son said "trombone". SM relayed to the troop that he'd been attending Eagle Boards of Review for years, and inevitably the Eagle candidate is asked if he played an instrument, and if so, why did he not go after the music MB (unless he had). SM told my son that in 18 years as SM, his was the first music MB he'd awarded.

I was amazed!

[Guneukitschik]

Our Troop has a few each year...it seems that the scouts involved in school band are usually the ones that earn it. I think we even had one scout earn it at summer camp this year.

[mommatoodle]

my son is learning to play the trumpet...he hopes someday to have the music merit badge and become bugler in the troop. He has a scout bugle from around 1930!

[optimist]

Don't forget, he can earn Bugling merit badge too!

[wagionvigil]

Everyone knows in our council that I am a professional musician. During the year I do at least 1 or 2 music merit badges a month and sometimes more. I have scouts bring insruments to OA weekend,Rountables,OA Banquet and to summer camp to complete their MB. Trumpets are told to learn the calls and I do Bugling with them also.

[mommatoodle]

I think my son has a ways to go before he can think about either music or bugling merit badges. He does want them, but right now he is just learning how to make a sound! He has only had 4 lessons so far! But he is one of those kids that when he gets determined about something, then he goes all out to do it...So maybe by summer he might know the calls and be able to go for the badges. At least when he practices he sounds ok, (I don't have to run for ear plugs!) He also is hoping to some day be troop bugler!

[Jazzdoc07]

It will go quickly. The hardest call for most is Reveille, but even that only requires some skill in lip slurs and range. (I'm a trumpet player). Music MB is a great one to have, but be sure when working on it to notice the requirements that go hand in hand with Bugling!

[Lynda J]

If units are having trouble getting counselors for Music and Bugeling. Talk to your school band directors. Since the boys are doing the requirements within the structure of band most directors are more than willing to help.

Plus is also gives you a little in with the director when there are times when scouts and band conflict.