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):
Timpani:
Beethoven | Symphony No. 5 – Mvt. 3 [C] Through Mvt. 4, 4 measures before [A]
Sibelius | Finlandia – 5 after [E] through 1 measure after [I] (no repeat)
Williams | Star Wars “Main Title” – Beginning through measure 19 and measure 36 through measure 61
Perform a roll on the smallest timpano tuned to a G natural. Begin at pp and crescendo for 15-20 seconds to ff and then diminuendo for 15-20 seconds to pp.
Snare Drum:
John S. Pratt | Solo of choice performed using traditional grip.
Glockenspiel:
Sousa | The Stars and Stripes Forever- Begin at the pickup into the Trio. Play for 32 bars ending at the double bar.
Cymbals:
Tchaikovsky | Romeo and Juliet- [E] to 6 measures before [F]
Optional:
Solo or excerpt of choice demonstrating additional percussion skills that highlight personal strengths. eg.: mallet solo, hand percussion, drumset, etc.
Download Excerpt Packet
Live round excerpts will be sent to selected candidates via email.
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 in the Marching Band Percussion Section for pass in reviews, street parades, official ceremonies and funerals. The Marching Band performs at all home football games, in addition to other professional sporting events throughout the year.
Perform as Timpanist for the Concert Band. Cover various percussion section and chamber group assignments as needed.
The Concert Band frequently performs concerts at West Point and in the Northeast Region.
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 Sgt. 1st Class David Bergman: david.bergman@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.
