Overview
Salary & Benefits
– Annual salary $79,209-$90,621 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):
Solo – First movements of either:
a. Handel Concerto in B-flat for Harp
b. Mozart Concerto in C for Flute and Harp, K. 299
Bartok – Concerto for Orchestra (Harp I): Intermezzo (Fig.43 to Fig.59
Berlioz – Symphonie Fantastique (2nd movement) (Harp I)
Tchaikovsky – “Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker
Verdi – Overture to La forza del destino (G-H)
Ravel – Tzigane Cadenza
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 your instrument. 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.
Job Description
The 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 harp with the West Point Band’s concert band in classical, popular and jazz styles.
Play solo harp for dinners and receptions for various functions for, and not limited to, dignitaries, world leaders, government officials, and VIPs.
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 Staff Sgt. Judith Gaunt: judith.gaunt@westpoint.edu
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.
Military Personnel
Military personnel must also submit their Soldier Record Brief (or equivalent) without photo, three years of performance evaluation reports, and a Commander’s Intent to Release memo.
About 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.
