42R Army Bandperson

About the role

This is a role for musicians who want to turn their passion into a career as part of the Army National Guard band. As an Army Bandperson, you will perform in a variety of settings—ceremonial band, jazz band, marching band, and small ensembles—playing across all musical styles 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

• Perform in all musical styles on your instrument, including marching band, ceremonial band, concert band, classical, jazz, ethnic, and popular music compositions
• Perform on a musical instrument in ensembles ranging from solo performances to full concert bands
• Tune an instrument to a given pitch
• Transpose moderately easy music

Skills

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

Helpful Skills

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

Training and career development

You will continue to hone your skills, collaborate with other musicians, and prepare for a career performing with professional orchestras, bands, and choral groups. Opportunities may also include work in nightclubs, concert halls, theaters, and recording studios.

Earn While You Learn

Instead of paying to learn these skills, you get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance. Job training for a Bandperson consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, during which you’ll learn basic Soldiering skills, followed by up to 23 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Training length can vary depending on your level of instrumental proficiency.

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