This is a job where you can rock out, chill out with few cool jazz numbers, or rouse the crowd as part of a marching band. If you’re into music, make it into a career as a member of the Army National Guard band.
As an Army Bandperson, you’ll perform in a variety of environments, ranging from ceremonial band to jazz band to small ensembles, playing all styles of music, while specializing in one (or more) of the following instruments: tuba, trombone, euphonium, bassoon, electric bass guitar, saxophone, flute or piccolo, oboe, clarinet, French horn, percussion, cornet or trumpet, guitar, and keyboard.
The Bandperson is primarily responsible for performing and rehearsing as a professional musician within different ensembles of an Army Band. In order to qualify for a position with the Army band, you must pass one or more auditions.
Job Duties
• Perform in all musical styles on your instruments, including (but not limited to): marching band, ceremonial band, concert band, classical, jazz, ethnic, and popular music compositions
• Perform on a musical instrument in a variety of ensembles, ranging from solo performance to full concert band
• Tune an instrument to a given pitch
• Transpose moderately easy music
Some of the Skills You'll Learn
• Private instrumental instruction
• Music theory
• Sight singing and ear training
• Group instrumental techniques
• Percussion techniques
Helpful Skills
• Being an accomplished instrumentalist
• Understanding music theory and harmony
• Ability to exhibit poise when performing
• Ability to play more than one instrument
By joining the Army band, you will continue to hone your skills, have the opportunity to work with other musicians, and prepare yourself for a rewarding career performing with with professional orchestras, bands, and choral groups. You might also work in nightclubs, concert halls, theaters, and recording studios.
Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
Job training for a Bandperson consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, during which you'll learn basic Soldiering skills. You'll also attend up to 23 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Training length can vary depending on your level of instrumental proficiency.
Benefits
Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.
The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the Guard in a moment’s notice. Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time. Guard Soldiers’ primary area of operation is their home state.
The Guard dates back to 1636, when Citizen-Soldiers formed militias to defend community and country. And for 377 years, the Guard has stayed true to its roots. Enlisting in the National Guard means more time at home. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime and earn pride for life. When you become a Guard Soldier, your family will thank you, your country will thank you and your future will owe you. Contact a recruiter to find more specifics about your opportunities in the Army National Guard.
