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Music plays an important role in the Army. Members of Army Bands are involved in the vibrant tradition of performing at Army ceremonies, parades, concerts, festivals, dances and many other events. Musicians perform in a variety of ensembles ranging from ceremonial band to jazz band to small ensembles, playing all styles of music.
The Army Bandsperson specializes 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 Bandsperson is primarily responsible for performing and rehearsing as a professional musician within different ensembles of an Army Band. Some of your duties as a Bandsperson may include:
An instrumentalist performs all applicable styles of music
Expected styles include, but are not limited to, the following: 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
Discriminates and matches pitch
Perform operator maintenance on a musical instrument
Requirements
In order to qualify for a position with the Army Band, you must pass one or more auditions. You must be a fairly accomplished musician and have good music sight-reading ability.
Training
Job training for a Bands person requires nine weeks of Basic Training, during which you’ll learn basic Soldiering skills, and up to 23 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, VA. Training length can vary depending on your level of instrumental proficiency. Some of the training includes:
Private instrumental instruction
Music theory
Sight singing and ear training
Group instrumental techniques
Percussion techniques
Advanced Responsibilities
A senior instrumentalist provides technical guidance and supervision to junior grade personnel. As a senior instrumentalist, you may be involved in:
Perform duties in unit administration, training, supply and/or operations as required
Related Civilian Jobs
The skills and playing experience you’ll gain as an Army Bandsperson will prepare you for a future with professional orchestras, bands and choral groups. You might also work in nightclubs, concert halls, theaters and recording studios.
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