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):
Mozart | Clarinet Concerto, Mvt. 1, exposition
Egner | “The Official West Point March,” beginning through first strain
Gershwin | “Rhapsody in Blue,” opening solo
Coleridge-Taylor |Clarinet Quintet, Mvt. 2, beginning to 5th measure of N
(Optional) Any additional pieces that further demonstrate versatility and excellence
The following excerpts on either or both Eb and Bass Clarinet are strongly encouraged, but not required:
Ravel | “Bolero,” rehearsal 3 to 4
Berlioz | Symphonie Fantastique, rehearsal 63 to 6 after 64
Strauss | Don Quixote, rehearsal14 to 5 after 16, skip 15-16
Dukas | “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” rehearsal 44-45
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 the clarinet. 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.
Perform clarinet in the concert and marching band, and other chamber music groups as needed. In addition to outstanding musicianship, the hired candidate must be able to stand and march in a ceremonial formation for over 60 minutes and carry their instrument with no additional support for two or more miles.
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 SFC Kristen Mather de Andrade. kristen.matherdeandrade@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.
