Narek Meliksetyan, 19, left his music education unfinished and was drafted into the Armenian Army a year ago. 

However, his favorite musical instrument, the shvi—the Armenian reed pipe—which he played for ten years, was not in demand in the army.

But there was a need for a saxophonist, and Narek became the saxophonist of the band of his military unit, not to cut off his tie with music.

Even though Narek’s saxophone is not always a part of the band, his repertoire is larger. And thanks to Narek’s saxophone, the band also improvises.

He, however, noted that being a part of the band does not give privileges during military service.

Narek will be discharged from the army in one year. 

After his discharge, he plans to continue his music education, find a job, and get married.