Army Band Officers are Active Duty Soldiers that rotate through a variety of assignments throughout their careers. They may serve at the following locations:

• The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” (Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA)
• The U.S. Army Field Band (Fort Meade, MD)
• The United States Military Academy Band (West Point, NY)
• The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band (Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA)
• 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus (Fort Liberty, NC)
• The United States Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus (Sembach, Germany)
• 1st Cavalry Division Band (Fort Cavazos, TX)
• The U.S. Army School of Music (Virginia Beach, VA)

In addition, Army Band Officers may serve in administrative positions such as the U.S. Army Forces Command Staff Band Office (Fort Liberty, NC) or the Department of the Army Staff Bands Office (The Pentagon, Arlington, VA). Also, they may deploy as a Commander or Executive Officer of a band.

Requirements include:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in music
• Superior skills as a conductor
• Between 22 and 34 years old (You must commission prior to your 34th birthday)
• Eligible for a secret security clearance
• Physically fit
• Ability to pass military entrance requirements

Helpful attributes include:

• Professional conducting and/or teaching experience
• Leadership experience
• Management skills
• Wind, orchestral, and choral conducting experience
• Demonstrated strong musical and military leadership

Beyond programming, preparing, and performing music, Army Band Officers fulfill many administrative, operational, and logistical roles. Whether marching in support of a military parade, leading an engagement for service members overseas, or performing in concert halls, Army bands offer an exciting and fulfilling opportunity to work with outstanding musicians in service to our nation.

Only men and women of outstanding character and drive will become U.S. Army Officers. Officers are the leaders of the Army. They are tasked with making important decisions in stressful situations, and they are entrusted with the safety of the men and women under their command. Being and Officer in the U.S. Army will not only serve as a point of pride during your military service, but it will also be useful to you in a civilian career. Employers place a high value on the discipline and leadership skills that the Army fosters in its Soldiers. Army Officers are often looked to as prime candidates for management roles and executive positions. From leaders of industry to United States Presidents, many began their careers as Army Officers.

Eligibility

All applicants must meet requirements to become a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. Candidates without prior military service who are accepted will be required to attend Basic Combat Training, Officer Candidate School, and the Basic Officer Leader Course. Candidates with prior Army service and less than a 5-year break in service will be required to attend Officer Candidate School and the Basic Officer Leader Course only. After completing Officer Candidate School requirements, candidates are Commissioned and earn the gold bar of a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant.

Requirements

To attend OCS, you must be:

• At least 22 and no more than 34 at the time of Commissioning. Age waivers may be considered by the Army on a case-by-case basis. Prior-service applicants may have no more than 10 years of accumulated active federal service.
• A U.S. citizen
• A college graduate
• Eligible for a secret security clearance
• Physically fit (able to pass an Army Combat Fitness Test)

For more information on OCS requirements, go to: https://www.goarmy.com/ocs.html
 

Accepting Applications: November 1, 2023 through November 30, 2023
 

Application packet must include:

• Links to video of yourself conducting (both performance and rehearsal). Include at least two contrasting works or excerpts that best demonstrate your conducting and rehearsal technique. Videos should be 12-15 minutes in length and posted on an accessible site such as a Google shared drive.
• Résumé or Vitae
• All college transcripts
• Full-length photo
• Three professional letters of recommendation
• Military applicants must also include SRB/ERB/ORB, Commander’s letter of intent to release, and last three evaluations (if applicable).

Applicants should send their application electronically to:

CPT Philip Tappan
U.S. Army School of Music
ATTN: Officer Auditions
1420 Gator Boulevard JEBLCFS
Virginia Beach, VA 23459
philip.d.tappan.mil@army.mil
 

Contact
 

For any questions about eligibility requirements or the Army application process, contact:
 

Master Sergeant Christopher Martin
Senior Army Bands Recruiting Liaison
U.S. Army Recruiting Command
502-626-0456
christopher.t.martin1.mil@mail.mil

Or:

CPT Philip Tappan
U.S. Army School of Music
philip.d.tappan.mil@army.mil

Auditions

Auditions are typically held once per year and are by INVITATION ONLY. Civilian candidates invited to the audition will also be asked to contact a local Army recruiter to ensure eligibility to enlist and begin the Officer Candidate School application process.

The live audition is a two-day process. On day one, candidates will perform an audition on their main instrument or voice. Candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting works or movements that best represent their performance skills as well as sight read. Candidates will also take a series of music theory and aural skills tests. These tests will include interval and chord recognition, melodic dictation, error detection, sight singing, harmonic analysis, and arranging for a chamber ensemble.

During the second day, candidates will conduct concert band works from a provided list as well as a selection provided to the candidates the day prior. Additionally, they will conduct three selected works with either The U.S. Army Chorus (SATB) or the Soldiers’ Chorus (SATB) of the U.S. Army Field Band. Finally, candidates will undergo an interview with a panel of senior officers and noncommissioned officers.

Acceptance of a position requires a minimum three-year active duty service commitment in the United States Army. Anyone offered a position will be expected to meet standards required to pass Basic Combat Training and Officer Candidate School.