Career Opportunities in U.S. Army Bands

Make Your Passion Your Profession

Dating back over 230 years to the Revolutionary War, musicians have served a vital role in the Army by upholding tradition, entertaining our Soldiers, and serving as musical ambassadors of our nation. Today, the US Army is the oldest and largest employer of musicians in the world. With assignments around the world and a long list of benefits, the Army Bands Program offers talented musicians a unique opportunity to do what they do best — play music. If you're interested in earning a living while embracing your passion for music, then check out what the Army Bands Program has to offer you.

Whether you are a professional musician looking for a full-time gig or a college student interested in part-time employment, Army bands are a great opportunity for any serious musician.

Active Duty-Traditional Army Bands (MOS 42R)

Members of Army Bands are involved in the vibrant tradition of performing at Army ceremonies, parades, concerts, festivals, dances and many other events. Musicians perform in a variety of ensembles ranging from ceremonial band to jazz band to small ensembles, playing all styles of music. If you are looking for full-time employment as a musician, the Army may be the perfect fit. With over 30 locations across the U.S. and overseas, the active duty Army bands offer musicians the ability to perform music for a living while earning great benefits from the military.

Active Duty-Special Army Bands (MOS 42S)

The four special Army bands have a long standing tradition of excellence and perform at the most prestigious events in the US and overseas including presidential inaugurations, foreign dignitary visits, funeral services at Arlington Memorial Cemetery, along with regularly scheduled public concerts and tours. For information on these bands and their vacancies, please click on the links below.

THE OLD GUARD FIFE & DRUM CORPS
THE UNITED STATES ARMY BAND "PERSHING'S OWN"
THE UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND
U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY BAND

Army Reserve and National Guard Bands (MOS 42R)

The Army’s 18 Reserve and 53 National Guard Bands meet one weekend a month and two weeks a year to rehearse and perform for their local communities as representatives of the US Army. Army Reserve and National Guard Bands offer opportunities to serve part time while pursuing higher education or continuing your career in the civilian sector. This is a popular choice for college students and professional musicians alike.

Army Band Officer-Conductor (MOS 42C and MOS 420C)

Music offers exciting careers in the Army with significant opportunities for advancement. Every year, the Army Band program selects one or two highly qualified individuals via competitive auditions to serve as Army Bands Officers. These Officers rotate through a variety of positions: associate conductor (executive officer), administrator and instructor at the Army School of Music. After several years of experience, they may also serve as commander and principle conductor of an Army band.

Musicians with an interest and experience in conducting can also consider becoming a band officer through the Warrant Officer program. Warrant Officers are selected from the enlisted musicians in the band to be the commander and conductor of the band. Selections are based on strict criteria along with a series of auditions. The first step towards your career as a Warrant Officer in the Army Bands is to enlist as a musician.