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Dating back over 230 years to the Revolutionary War, band members have always been an important part of the U.S. Army. And with assignments around the world plus a long list of benefits, the Army Band Program offers talented musicians a unique opportunity to do what they do best — play music. If you're interested in earning a living while embracing your passion for music, then check out what the Army Band Program has to offer you.
As a member of the Army Band Program, you'll have the creative freedom to perform a wide variety of musical styles with musicians who share your passion for music. From Benefits to History, learn more about Army Bands below.
Learn more about the various ways you can make the most of your musical career by serving in the Army Bands.
From strengthening the common spirit and pride of Americans to enhancing unit cohesion and morale, each of the Army's 34 bands has its own unique mission and qualifications.
From all over the country, serious musicians come to the U.S. Army for an opportunity that is unmatched — to play the instrument they love while serving their country.
- Inside the Band - Before the Army
- Inside the Band - The Audition
- Inside the Band - The School of Music
- Inside the band - Being in an Army Band
- Inside the Band - Camaraderie
- Inside the Band - Advise
INSIDE THE BAND
Before the Army
Stephens: Before I joined the Army I was a Music Education Major I did 2 ½ years of college and had to drop out cause I ran out of money.
Edwards: I worked in International Finance along with that just on side I played in a classic rock bands. I played in a Beetles cover band. My musical training was just lessons I never had any kind of formal education, just a lot of experience playing in the bands.
Allen: I went to West Virginia University as a Music Major received my BA in music. It was just playing and practicing on my own. Playing around with like different clarinet players that were out of college as well. We weren’t doing any big gigs or anything like that.
Emch: And I found myself scraping for those $50.00 gigs and having $60 grand in college debt and not being able to really stay afloat.
Weathington: I was singer/songwriter, I was also a teacher, a choral director. I’ve come to a stopping point in my career.
Jimenez: I was going to go to Graduate school but was somehow I ran out of money. My wife actually mentioned it, she mentioned ‘well how about you join the Army as a guitar player’ and I told her yeah you’re crazy.
