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Army Bands

A Soldier marches down a street playing a drum while surrounded by the rest of the Army Band on parade A Soldier marches down a street playing a drum while surrounded by the rest of the Army Band on parade

Army Bands

Take your talents to the next level while you support your fellow Soldiers through the power of music.

Soldier plays guitar and sings in Army Band in rock concert setting Soldier plays guitar and sings in Army Band in rock concert setting

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

ARMY BANDS JOBS

The Army Bands Advantage

As a member of U.S. Army Bands, you’ll get opportunities you won’t get anywhere else.

Army Band Soldiers lined up ready for a parade, in uniform and holding brass instruments and led by a band leader Army Band Soldiers lined up ready for a parade, in uniform and holding brass instruments and led by a band leader

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.

Three Army Band Soldiers in uniform, lined up and playing brass instruments Three Army Band Soldiers in uniform, lined up and playing brass instruments

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.

Army Band Soldier in uniform plays a wind instrument and reads sheet music in front of the rest of the band Army Band Soldier in uniform plays a wind instrument and reads sheet music in front of the rest of the band

Travel Opportunities

Discover all the places your music is needed, from national public parades to overseas tours.

Army Band Soldier in T-shirt plays electric guitar in rock concert setting Army Band Soldier in T-shirt plays electric guitar in rock concert setting

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

All Benefits
Army Band Soldiers in uniform lined up playing horns with flags hanging down from each horn, in an outdoor setting Army Band Soldiers in uniform lined up playing horns with flags hanging down from each horn, in an outdoor setting

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.

Army Band Soldier in uniform singing into microphone Army Band Soldier in uniform singing into microphone

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 instrument icon woodwind instrument icon

WOODWIND

  • Flute/piccolo
  • Oboe
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Basson

brass instrument icon brass instrument icon

BRASS

  • Horn
  • Trumpet
  • Tuba
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium

percussion instrument icon percussion instrument icon

PERCUSSION

  • Drum Set
  • Piano
  • Keyboard

microphone icon microphone icon

OTHER

  • Electric guitar
  • Electric bass
  • Commercial vocalist
  • Technician (audio engineer)

Army Band Soldier in uniform plays full drum kit in blue lit rock concert setting Army Band Soldier in uniform plays full drum kit in blue lit rock concert setting

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.

Talk to a Recruiter

Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

Who will reach out to me?

One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

What is the time commitment for part-time service?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?

How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

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Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can I join ROTC at my age

Can I join as an Officer?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

KEEP EXPLORING

Explore more topics that may interest you

Thanks for reaching out, .

We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.

Topics to Explore

Questions you may have right now

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

What are the ways to serve part-time?

You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

How do I become a health care provider in the Army?

You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.

What types of medical careers are available in the Army?

There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

What are the benefits of joining ROTC?

ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.

How do I prepare to join ROTC?

When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.

Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?

Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.

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