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

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.

Job training for a Bandsperson 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

Helpful attributes include:

• Being an accomplished instrumentalist
• Understanding music theory and harmony
• Ability to exhibit poise when performing
• Ability to play more than one instrument

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

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.

• Special Band Member (42S)
• Band Officer (42C)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.