Overview
Section Horn
Preliminary Recordings due: Jun 29, 2026
Electronic submission must be received by: 11:59 PM EST
Live Round: Oct 26, 2026
Applicants invited to the live round will receive paid travel, lodging, and food stipend provided by U.S. Army (pending approval for military service).
Salary & Benefits
Annual salary $84,008-$96,356 upon promotion to Staff Sergeant (accelerated promotion via Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program)
– Full military benefits (medical/dental/retirement plans)
– 30 days paid vacation yearly
– Post 9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance
– Stabilized duty assignment at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York
Application packets
Audition packets must include a resume with date of birth, cover letter, and high-quality audio recordings no more than six months old with the following music in this order (separate files for each excerpt preferred):
1: Mozart – Concerto No. 2 or 4, Mvt. 1 – Exposition
OR Strauss – Concerto No. 1 – Exposition
2: Beethoven – Symphony No. 3 – Mvt 3, Trio m. 171-205 – Horn 2
3: Strauss – Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche – Beginning to [1] (mm 6-20) – Horn 1
4: Shostakovich – Symphony No. 5 – Mvt 1 Rehearsal 17-21 – Horn 1
5: Bernstein – Overture to Candide – m. 122-201 – Horn 1
6: Any additional piece(s) that further demonstrate versatility and excellence
Live round excerpts will be sent to selected candidates via email.
Your resume should include education, performance/work/teaching experience, and references.
Your cover letter should augment your resume, describing what additional skills you bring to the position beyond playing horn. This might include skills in arts administration, arranging, audio mixing/engineering, other instrument/vocal proficiencies, marketing, computer skills (graphics/video editing/Microsoft Office/other), etc.
Your completed application can be submitted via the form at the bottom of this page.
Job DescriptionThe West Point Band is a U.S. Army premier band whose main duty is to perform for local, national, and international audiences in support of the West Point community, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Army.
Play Assistant/Third Horn with the West Point Band’s concert band; play Principal as needed.
Perform in the marching band (on the job training provided).
Play with chamber ensembles that range in musical genre.
Secondary duties related to the day-to-day functioning of the West Point Band will be assigned based on experience, knowledge, interest, and/or needs of the unit.
Questions about this job listing or music list should be directed to SSG Olivia Martinez: [email protected]
Qualifications
Professional performance level; Bachelor of Music degree or higher preferred (not required). Ability to meet Army initial entry requirements and maintain a professional appearance. The hired candidate will be required to march in ceremonial formations and stand for prolonged periods of time. Must be a U.S. citizen or other qualified resident. Position requires at least a four-year service contract; candidate will be informed of acceptance prior to enlistment.
Upon accepting employment with the West Point Band, the hired candidate will be required to complete Army Basic Training.
ExcerptsAbout The West Point Band
The West Point Band is the Army’s oldest active-duty band, founded on the beautiful and historic grounds of the United States Military Academy in 1817. The band traces its lineage to fifers and drummers who were part of Continental Army units at West Point during the time of the American Revolution. Officially established on June 8, 1817, the West Point Band recently celebrated its bicentennial. Although many changes have occurred over the years, music continues to be an essential aspect of daily life for the cadets and Soldiers at the academy. Today, the band continues to inspire and motivate the next generation of the Army’s leaders, as well as serving as musical ambassadors for the Army to the nation.
