TENOR TROMBONE

3rd Trombone Vacancy, The U.S. Army Blues

CD, RESUME, AND FULL-LENGTH PHOTO DEADLINE: Postmarked by May 26, 2009
AUDITION DATE: July 7, 2009
Audio audition requirements are listed below

The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the Army’s premier musical organization, located 5 minutes from downtown Washington, DC, announces a vacancy for 3rd Trombone with the Army Blues.

After beginning informally in 1970, the Army Blues became an official part of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in 1972 and is the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army. One of eight official elements of The U.S. Army Band, the Army Blues is one of the few remaining professional big bands working today. Comprised of alumni of prestigious music schools and veterans of the professional music scene, it is an ensemble of the finest jazz musicians in the nation.

The 18-piece ensemble has performed at world-renowned venues including the Monterey Jazz Festival in California, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, New York City’s historic Birdland, and Washington, DC’s legendary Blues Alley. The Army Blues has performed with jazz greats Doc Severinsen, Dave Brubeck, Arturo Sandoval, Stanley Turrentine, Louie Bellson, Wycliffe Gordon, James Moody, Bill Watrous, John Clayton, Carl Fontana, Peter Erskine, Phil Wilson, Terrell Stafford, Slide Hampton, Chris Potter, Conrad Herwig, and Dr. Billy Taylor. The group is a regular performer at national and international music conferences. Performances at the White House, State Department, and various high-profile military venues are not uncommon. Another important part of the group’s mission is to educate students of all ages in clinic settings. Also, the Army Blues plays an important role in community outreach by performing for the public around the National Capital Region. Army Blues members are also occasionally tasked to perform with the Ceremonial Band, Concert Band, and Downrange, a 3-horn rock/variety band.

Military benefits include medical and dental care; 30-days paid vacation each year; a permanent assignment to Fort Myer; educational benefits such as the College Loan Repayment Program (up to $65,000). Annual starting salary for a Staff Sergeant is: $51,000 (no dependents) and $58,000(w/dependents).

Auditions

Auditions will be by INVITATION ONLY and will be held July 7, 2009, at the home of The U.S. Army Band, Brucker Hall, located at 400 McNair Road, Fort Myer, Virginia 22211-1306. All applicants must have U.S. citizenship due to a security clearance requirement. Military applicants must also include their Enlisted Records Brief, or equivalent, and a Commander’s letter of intent. Invited candidates will pay for their travel. Please submit with your resume and full length photo a CD or DVD containing:

  • Performance with rhythm section accompaniment (piano/guitar, bass, drums). The rhythm section can be live or recorded. It must contain piano (or guitar), bass and drums. Recording should include head, solo choruses (no more than two) and out head on:

    A. Any medium to up-tempo swing

    B. Any Latin

  • Applicant performing the excerpts provided on web site vacancy listing. Excerpts are provided as a PDF: Blues Trombone Audition Packet Please record the excerpts at the tempi indicated.

OPTIONAL CD/DVD inclusions:

  • Performance within a trombone trio or quartet (any genre) of choice. This must be a cappella. Please indicate what part the applicant is playing.

  • Applicant performing with a big band. Please indicate what part applicant is playing. No more than two examples.

  • An etude on double (bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, other instrument). One example please.

  • Applicant’s compositions/arrangements, specifically related to jazz and/or big band. No more than two examples.

Submit all materials by posted deadline to the address below. Clearly label name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address on all items. Correspondence from the auditions office will be primarily through e-mail.

Submission of your materials signifies the first round of the audition process. Final rounds will be held live at Fort Myer. The audition will include the performance of prepared excerpts and the candidate must also demonstrate superlative sight-reading skills.

Anyone offered a position will be expected to pass the Army’s physical examination and meet other standards required to enlist in the Armed Forces. Effective January 6, 2006, individuals must enlist and begin Initial Entry Training (IET), formerly known as Basic Combat Training, prior to their 42nd birthday.

Further Information

Applicants with questions or concerns regarding the 3rd Trombone-Army Blues vacancy may contact: Master Sergeant Maria de la Cerda or Sergeant First Class Sylvia Stanton at 703-696-0206.

Please send hard copy submissions to:

Commander
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”
Attn: Audition - 3rd Trombone-Army Blues
400 McNair Road
Fort Myer, VA 22211-1306

Updated Monday, June 22, 2009 11:34 AM | Vacancy - 3rd Trombone - Army Blues