42R Army Bandperson

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

The Bandperson is primarily responsible for performing and rehearsing as a professional musician within different ensembles of an Army Band.

• 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

Skills

Some of the Skills You'll Learn include:

• Private instrumental instruction
• Music theory
• Sight singing and ear training
• Group instrumental techniques
• Percussion techniques

Helpful Skills include being an accomplished instrumentalist, understanding music theory and harmony, ability to exhibit poise when performing, and ability to play more than one instrument.

Qualifications

To qualify for a position with the Army band, you must pass one or more auditions and meet the following requirements:

• Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
• Must meet citizenship requirements

Benefits

Benefits include:

• Paid training
• A monthly paycheck
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Federal and State tuition assistance
• Retirement benefits for part-time service
• Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
• 401(k)-type savings plan
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
• Health care benefits available
• VA home loans
• Bonuses, if applicable

Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change.