Overview
The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the U.S. Army’s premier musical organization, announces a vacancy for BASSOON in The U.S. Army Concert Band.
The U.S. Army Concert Band represents the Army and the nation through a wide range of concerts, ceremonies, educational outreach initiatives, and high-visibility public performances. The ensemble regularly appears at major national and international music events, including the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference and the American Bandmasters Association.
During the summer months, the Concert Band performs outdoor concerts at the National Mall and venues throughout the Washington, DC area. Additional performance opportunities include recording sessions, chamber music, state functions, and military ceremonies supporting national and international diplomacy efforts.
Members of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” receive a competitive benefits package that includes an annual starting salary of $83,209 without dependents or $91,633 with dependents, full medical and dental coverage, and 30 days of paid vacation each year. In addition, Soldiers may immediately begin contributing to a retirement account through the Blended Retirement System and become eligible for a pension after 20 years of active duty service. Educational benefits include tuition assistance for continuing education and full tuition support through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Musicians in “Pershing’s Own” hold the Military Occupational Specialty 42S, “Special Band Musician,” and are promoted to Staff Sergeant (E-6) two months after completing Basic Combat Training. Members receive a permanent duty assignment to Fort Myer, Virginia, located just outside Washington, DC.
All applicants must meet basic enlistment standards for The U.S. Army including: 1) age 17-42 at the time of the audition, 2) currently hold U.S. Citizenship, 3) meet height/weight standards, and 4) meet medical, moral, and physical requirements. If you have any preexisting medical conditions, recent surgeries, or criminal history, please consult with your local Army Recruiter prior to applying to confirm enlistment eligibility.
Audition InformationExcerpts
About The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own"
The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” has been the premier musical organization of the U.S. Army since 1922 when Army Chief of Staff General of the Armies John J. “Black Jack” Pershing directed that the band be organized, built on the tradition of the European military bands he had heard during the First World War. “Pershing’s Own” provides music support for the leadership of the United States, to include all branches of government, and to a wide spectrum of national and international events in support of Soldiers and their Families, public diplomacy, memorial affairs, community and international relations, and recruiting initiatives. Its mission is to help connect the Army with the American people. Its Soldiers represent all of the heroic men and women who stand around the world in defense of our freedom. Through their musical education, continual training, and masterful performance these outstanding Soldiers truly embody the excellence that is found across America’s Army.
The U.S. Army Band became widely known during its early years for radio broadcasts featured on several national networks. During World War II, the band was ordered overseas and performed concerts throughout North Africa and Europe, becoming the only Washington-based band to participate in a theater of war, and earning them the right to display a campaign streamer on their flag. Over the years the band has expanded in scope and diversity, today consisting of over 260 enlisted musicians and support staff and nine official ensembles: The U.S. Army Concert Band, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus, The U.S. Army Strings, The U.S. Army Blues (big band/jazz), The U.S. Army Band Downrange (pop/rock), The U.S. Army Brass Quintet, and The U.S. Army Woodwind Quintet. Personnel from several elements are combined to create The U.S. Army Orchestra and myriad small chamber ensembles and combos.
Today the musicians of this prestigious unit render musical honors on a regular basis for our Nation’s leaders, foreign dignitaries and heads of state, diplomats, and of course, our veterans. The band’s most important duties are performed in honoring our Nation’s heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Elements of the band have been visible in support of every presidential inauguration and have been part of the official escort to the president in each inaugural parade since 1925. Also, The U.S. Army Band plays a vital role in music education, often serving as the featured group at prominent music conferences and conventions throughout the Nation and abroad.
Pershing’s Own performs free public concerts throughout the year including performances during the summer months on the West Steps of the U.S. Capitol and in area parks throughout the region. During the cooler months, concerts and recitals are performed around the area and at the band's Fort Myer headquarters, Brucker Hall. The band regularly joins with the 3d U.S. Infantry, (The Old Guard) to present patriotic spectacles such as the weekly summertime Twilight Tattoo military pageant.
