Do you dream of becoming a professional musician? Are you tired of your "day-job?" Are you looking for a steady gig? If you answered yes to any of these, you should know that the Army Band is offering talented musicians full-time gigs performing music all over the world.
For most people, the words “Army Band,” conjure up the image of a marching band playing John Phillip Souza marches. But the fact is, the U.S. Army has 34 different bands that play all styles of music including Pop, Rock, Latin, Jazz, Classical, and of course Marches. Whether your passion is for Brass and Woodwind Quintets, Jazz Combos, Stage Bands, Rock Groups, or Dixieland Bands, you'll find the Army offers countless ways for you to make the most of your musical skills and talent.
Army Band Benefits
As a member of the Army Band you'll have great benefits and the freedom to concentrate on your music without worrying about where the next paycheck is coming from - benefits you won't find as a civilian musician. The Army offers the following cash bonuses, benefits, and incentives:
Cash Bonuses:
- Enlistment bonus for French Horn, Clarinet, Oboe and Bassoon (additional bonus for Keyboard):
- $3,000 for three-year enlistment/$4,000 for Keyboard
- $4,000 for four-year enlistment/$6,000 for Keyboard
- $6,000 for five-year enlistment/$8,000 for Keyboard
- $8,000 for six-year enlistment/$12,000 for Keyboard
- $2,000 for applicants with 30 or more college credit hours.
- $4,000 for applicants with 60 or more college credit hours.
- $5,000 for applicants with a 2 year (associate’s degree) or equivalent.
- $6,000 for applicants with a 4 year (bachelor’s degree) or equivalent.
- $5000 in addition to receiving the rank of E-4 upon enlistment for applicants that qualify for the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program (ACASP) Bonus.
Money for College:
- The Montgomery GI Bill and the Army College Fund (up to $71,424) - OR -
- The Army College Loan Repayment Program (up to $65,000) can help you with student loan payments
Other Benefits:
- Professional quality instruments, supplies and sheet music provided free of charge.
- Entrance into the Army at an advanced pay grade.
- Health care, life insurance and other essential benefits are provided at low or no cost.
- Army Tuition Assistance - pays 100 percent of your educational benefits while serving on active-duty.
- Travel around the country (and the world) making great music.
- Station of choice from available bands.
Joining the Band
The Army Band Program is open to talented musicians, male or female, who are qualified to enlist in the Army and can pass a prearranged audition. But more importantly, the program is for anyone who has a passion for his/her instrument and a love for performing music.
Once you are accepted into the Army Band Program, you will be required to complete nine weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT) — just like any other recruit joining the Army — where you will learn the fundamentals of being a Soldier.
But, after BCT, you'll get down to 24 weeks of serious musical study — Advanced Individual Training (AIT) — at the School of Music in Norfolk, VA. Once you've completed AIT, you'll be assigned to a band and will begin doing what you love -- practicing, playing, and performing.
If you're interested in making good money while feeding your passion for music, contact an Army Recruiter to learn more about the unique opportunities and benefits the Army Band Program has to offer.
