By Nathan Williams, CFA recruiter
When students enter college, music degrees are typically put on the back burner because “you can’t have a successful career after going to music school.” We have several alumni and current students who have successful careers as a result of their music degree from the University of Kentucky. They are combining their passion for the arts with their desire to serve our country into one career! Sabrina Musick, Abby Rutledge, Daniel Cox, Kevin Dejuan Anderson, and Cody Williams are just a few CFA alums who are advocates for joining a military band. We had the pleasure of catching up with some of them!
Sabrina Musick – 2016, B.M., Music Education
Corporal Musick is a trumpet instrumentalist and Administration Clerk in the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band in San Diego, Calif. As a member of this band, Musick performs in a number of different ensembles such as the ceremonial band, concert band, and the 3rd MAW Brass Quintet. Musick plans to become a drill instructor in her next enlistment while aiming to become a Drum Major.
“I decided to join the military because I wanted to spend a little more time with my instrument after I graduated from UK. The military gave me a chance to focus on my instrument while continuing to develop my leadership skills as a non-commissioned Officer.”
Semper Fi
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Abby Rutledge – 2017, B.A., Music
Seaman Rutledge graduated Navy Boot Camp in 2019 and is completing her Hospital Corpsman Basic A-School training in San Antonio, TX. Upon graduation, she will be rated as a Hospital Corpsman - the enlisted medical staff of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. After graduating from UK, Rutledge spent two years on the road as a staff member with the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps (La Crosse, WI).
“At the end of the 2018 season, I discovered the Navy, specifically the Hospital Corpsman rate, somewhat by accident, but my untapped passion for medicine and serving a greater purpose had been lingering in the back of my mind for quite some time. As a Hospital Corpsman, I will have diverse opportunities to serve: in military clinics and hospitals, onboard Naval ships, and alongside Marine ground units, just to name a few.”
Rutledge hopes to complete her Masters degree during her first enlistment and plans to continue her Naval career by either working to earn the title of Independent Duty Corpsman or commissioning as a Medical Service Corps Officer in her graduate field of study. Hooyah!
Cody Williams – 2018, B.M., Music Education
Sergeant Williams is currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant while pursuing his Masters in Music Performance. You will see him around campus performing with the Tuba/Euphonium ensemble and running with the West Sixth Run/Walk club.
“I joined the guard as a musician so I could make some money performing and to use the educational benefits to come back to get my bachelor’s degree. I perform with the Diamond Brass Quartet, the Single Barrel Brass Band, as well as our concert and ceremonial marching band. I’ve held the rank of Sergeant since 2016 and additionally I work for unit recruitment trying to find musicians to come and join us.”
