Perform Your Passion
As an Army Bands Musician, Special Bands member, or Army Bands Officer, making music means you’re making a difference.
- Motivates and inspires deployed Soldiers through music
- Provides musical support for events and local communities
- Challenges you to improve as a musician
The Army Bands Advantage
As a member of U.S. Army Bands, you’ll get opportunities you won’t get anywhere else.
Musical Variety
With over 80 Army Bands and more than 17 different instrumental and technical specialties, there’s a place where your musical talents and skills can shine.
Freedom to Play
Focus on the thing you love most—making music—while getting paid and maintaining military benefits, even if you serve part time.
Travel Opportunities
Discover all the places your music is needed, from national public parades to overseas tours.
Financial Stability for the Future
As a member of U.S. Army Bands, you’ll receive benefits that will allow you the freedom to focus on your music without worrying about where the next paycheck is coming from.
- Competitive starting salary (E-4 pay grade), plus allowances
- Up to $65,000 student loan repayment for select instruments
- Comprehensive health care
- 30 paid vacation days a year
Discover the Band for You
U.S. Army Bands are comprised of four branches: 20 active-duty Regional Bands, 13 Army Reserve Bands, 51 Army National Guard Bands, and four Premier Bands, each with its own unique mission and qualifications.
A Variety of Army Band Paths:
U.S. ARMY PREMIER BANDS
Army Premier Bands are highly specialized performance ensembles, regularly providing music for high-profile national events, such as visiting dignitaries and heads of state. They also tour for events nationwide.
U.S. ARMY REGIONAL BANDS
Army Regional Bands tour regionally and nationally, perform for public events, and provide educational outreach to communities. They also perform for military ceremonies and concerts for Soldiers on post. Army Regional Bands include rock band, brass and woodwind quintet, salsa band, jazz combo, brass band, and more.
U.S. ARMY RESERVE BANDS
Army Reserve Bands provide part-time musical support to local regions. Performances include a concert tour two weeks out of every year or support for a military base, with opportunities for overseas travel. Army Reserve Bands include concert band, rock band, brass and woodwind quintet, jazz combo, and more.
U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD BANDS
Army National Guard Bands provide part-time musical support to 48 states. They require only one weekend per month for rehearsals and performance and a two-week concert tour or musical support for a military base. Army National Guard Bands include concert band, rock band, brass and woodwind quintet, jazz combo, and more.
Musical Diversity
Each U.S. Army Band offers more than 17 different instrumental and technical specialties. While your primary instrument is your key to being selected, we value the ability to double on other instruments.
17+ Instruments Played
WOODWIND
- Flute/piccolo
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Saxophone
- Basson
BRASS
- Horn
- Trumpet
- Tuba
- Trombone
- Euphonium
PERCUSSION
- Drum Set
- Piano
- Keyboard
OTHER
- Electric guitar
- Electric bass
- Commercial vocalist
- Technician (audio engineer)
How to Join
If you want to see how the Army can help you pursue your musical career, we’d like to help you get there.
- Reach out and let us know you’re interested in U.S. Army Bands
- You’ll set up an audition with us to demonstrate your musical skill level
- We’ll let you know if you’re selected to be a Musician, Bands Officer, or Conductor with U.S. Army Bands
Common Questions About Army Bands
Will I still have to go to Basic Training as an Army Musician?
As an enlisted Soldier/Musician, you will need to attend Basic Training. In addition, a ten-week course, Advanced Individual Training (AIT), is also required at the Army School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA.
Do I need previous musical experience to join Army Bands?
Our musicians are selected based on proficiency of their instruments. You are not required to have previous experience as a professional musician or in a musical academic setting—your skill level is your greatest qualification.
Will the Army provide me with an instrument?
Yes, the Army will issue you a professional-quality instrument when you join your unit.
Can I audition for the Army Band while currently serving?
Yes, you can still audition, and many do. Be sure to request permission from your chain of command.