Military Musicians

Military Musicians

What is a Military Musician?

• Military musicians are enlisted members of their country's armed forces who play in various ensembles and perform duties related to music stewardship. 

• Although military musicians rarely see active combat, on some occasions they may be deployed to conflict zones—and all are required to complete basic combat training regardless.

What does a Military Musician do?

• Most military musicians participate in several groups and perform at a host of military functions, including ceremonies, parades, dinner receptions, concerts for troops, and holiday celebrations.

• While most military musicians are performers first and foremost, many are assigned additional responsibilities such as working in the music library, maintaining an inventory of instruments, providing sound engineering for shows, or composing new pieces.

Multiple Choice

True or False: Military musicians do not have to complete basic training and will never be sent into active conflict.

• True

• False

Multiple Select

Place a check beside typical responsibilities of a military musician.

• Performing at ceremonies

• Fixing vehicles

• Marching in parades

• Concerts for the troops

• Flying planes

Career Path

• Most military musicians are high-level players with experience in concert and/or marching settings. Before joining the army, many military musicians work as orchestra musicians, touring musicians, or general business musicians. 

• For those who want to work exclusively as a musician and not as a soldier, it's critical that they audition, are accepted for a position, and complete the paperwork before enlisting. While some enlist and work for a brief period as military musicians before pursuing careers outside the military, working as a military musician can also constitute a career in and of itself. Military musicians cannot be fired or laid off without serious cause, and members of premier bands are guaranteed the position until retirement, at age 55.

Multiple Choice

True or False: Most military musicians are already accomplished on their instrument BEFORE they enlist in the service.

• True

• False

Finding Work

• The United States Armed Forces is the world's oldest and largest employer of musicians, offering the roughly 6,500 members who play in its 130 ensembles a dependable income, solid benefits, and a mission that revolves around cultural ambassadorship and musical diplomacy.

• Auditions are competitive, and desirable positions can have more than 50 applicants for a single opening. The best candidates are versatile players who sight-read well, are comfortable playing in many styles, and can play multiple instruments. 

Professional Skills

• Deep instrumental proficiency

• Knowledge of and proficiency in many musical styles

• Live performance

• Marching/parades

• Reading music

• Physical fitness

Multiple Select

Select the desired skills for a military musician below:

• Physical fitness

• College degree

• Proficiency on their instrument and ability to play in many different styles

• Ability to read music

• Prior military experience

Interpersonal Skills

• This is a military job, which means living a prescribed, disciplined life for the duration of one's enlistment: following the official dress code, showing deference to superiors, and staying in top-notch physical condition.

• In addition, most successful military musicians are patient, precise, and enjoy participating in ceremonies and traditions.

Work Life

• Military musicians follow a professional schedule that resembles that of an orchestra musician, with a few notable exceptions—those who live on a base, for example, or who are deployed in a war-torn region. A typical day might start with a workout followed by rehearsals with various ensembles, individual instrument practice, time to take care of other band duties, and performances.

• The job is a serious commitment, as military musicians are contractually bound to stay for the period of their enlistment, typically four to five years. However, they are also frequently allowed or even encouraged to pursue other musical projects and teaching gigs in their off time.

Premier Ensembles

• Although each branch of the military has many ensembles to which a musician can belong, there are a few "Premier" ensembles that stand above the rest.

• These are elite ensembles that perform at prestigious events such as presidential inaugurations, foreign dignitary visits, and funerals at Arlington Cemetery on top of regularly scheduled concerts and tours.

"President's Own" Marine Band

• The premier performing group of the US Marine Corps. Established by Congress in 1798, it is the oldest military band in the United States.

• The President's Own performs at approximately 500 events each year, including the Presidential Inauguration every four years.

U.S Army Band "Pershing's Own"

• Premier performing group of the U.S. Army, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

• 9 separate ensembles: The U.S. Army Concert Band, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, The U.S. Army Chorus, The U.S. Army Blues Jazz Band, The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Strings, The U.S. Army Voices, and The U.S. Army Brass Quintet.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following describes a premier military musical ensemble?

• A group of musicians who are often deployed into combat.

• Military musicians who also have college degrees.

• Elite ensembles that perform at prestigious events, on top of regularly scheduled concerts and tours.

• Musical ensembles made up entirely of officers.

Each branch of the Armed Forces has their own musicians. Check out more by going to each of their websites!

• https://www.bands.army.mil/

• https://www.navyband.navy.mil/

• https://www.music.af.mil/

• https://www.marineband.marines.mil/

• https://www.uscg.mil/Community/Band/