introduction to us army bands

The U.S. Army Band Program

2011 Vacancies

V 2.1 MAR 27 2010

WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MILTHE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

U.S. Army Bands have vacancies for the following specialties:

Piano/Keyboard Guitar

Clarinet Trumpet

Electric Bass Trombone

Euphonium Saxophone

Flute Bassoon

French Horn

Tuba

Oboe

Percussion


MANY WAYS TO SERVE

Active Duty: A full time occupation, entrance into the Active Duty Army begins

with an enlistment of 48 or more months.

U.S. Army Reserve: A great choice for full-time students and professionals

with a full-time occupation.

Army National Guard: Similar to the U.S. Army Reserve, these citizen-Soldiers

continue to work and study in their communities while serving the Nation

through music.

WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL

WWW.GOARMY.COM

WWW.NATIONALGUARD.COM

http://www.goarmy.com/



http://www.nationalguard.com/


WHY CONSIDER A CAREER IN US ARMY BANDS?

Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill

Medical and dental benefits for you and your family

Tuition Assistance for college classes taken while on Active Duty

A chance to join the ranks of the largest employer of professional

musicians in the Country

Learn discipline, leadership & fitness while serving in the most respected

values-based organization in the Country*

Join the best, become Army Strong

*Based on results of a March, 2009 Harris Poll©


Unmatched Benefits:

Health Care

Dental Care

Life Insurance

30 Days Paid Vacation Each Year

Sick Days as Needed

Intangible Rewards:

Perform in a World-Class Musical Organization

Serve the Nation Through Music


MONTHLY COMPENSATION TEACHER SPECIALIST (E4)

MONTHLY SALARY $27321 $18282

UNTAXED ALLOWANCES $1126

HOUSING3 $629 $629

TAXES $5534 $1575

HEALTH CARE6 $75 $0

NET INCOME $1475 $2168

MONTHLY COMPENSATION TEACHER SERGEANT



HOUSING3 $629 $629

TAXES $6054 $2185

HEALTH CARE6 $75 $0


MONTHLY COMPENSATION TEACHER STAFF SERGEANT



HOUSING3 $629 $629

TAXES $7274 $2905

HEALTH CARE6 $75 $0


First Year Salary Comparison

Third Year Salary Comparison

Sixth Year Salary Comparison

$2,168

$2,621

$3,113

$3,947

$1,475 $1,599$1,849

$2,257

$0

$500

$1,000

$1,500

$2,000

$2,500

$3,000

$3,500

$4,000

$4,500

1 3 6 12

By Years of Experience

Monthly Net Income

*Other Allowances:

Clothing Allowance

Cost of Living Allowance

Moving Expenses

Family Separation Allowance

Special Pay

Temporary Travel Pay

Foreign Language Proficiency Pay

Teach

er

Te

ac

he

r

Teach

er

Teach

er

Sp

ecia

list

(E4)

Serg

ean

t (E

5)

Sta

ff S

erg

ean

t (E

6)

Serg

ean

t F

irst

Cla

ss (

E7)

BASED ON 2009 PAY AND ALLOWANCES


ARMY FAMILIES ARE ARMY STRONG

The Army takes care of its families. Services are free to Soldiers,

spouses, and children of Active Duty Soldiers.

Relocation Assistance

Money Management

Family Advocacy

Legal Assistance

Child and Youth Services

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Services

Commissary and Exchange Privileges

Deployment Services


ACTIVE DUTY BANDS IN THE UNITED STATES AND OVERSEAS

Atlanta, GA Germany Petersburg, VA

Augusta, GA Hampton, VA Radcliff, KY

Colorado Springs, CO Hinesville, GA San Antonio, TX

Columbia, SC Hopkinsville, KY Sierra Vista, AZ

Columbus, GA Huntsville, AL South Korea

Dothan, AL Killeen, TX Tacoma, WA

El Paso, TX Lawton, OK Japan

Fairbanks, AK Manhattan, KS Watertown, NY

Fayetteville, NC Oahu, HI Waynesville, MO

*APPLICANTS THAT ENLIST FOR 48 OR MORE MONTHS MAY SELECT A STATION OF CHOICE

FROM A LIST OF AVAILABLE ASSIGNMENTS BASED ON CURRENT VACANCIES


U.S. ARMY RESERVE BAND LOCATIONS

Seattle, WA Rochester, NY Flushing, NY

Fort Dix, NJ Concord, NC Whitehall, OH

Arlington Heights, IL Bell, CA Livonia, MI

East Windsor, CT Norristown, PA Richmond, VA

Louisville, KY Lawrence, KS Oklahoma City, OK

Camp Parks, CA Birmingham, AL Fort Snelling, MI

Milwaukee, WI


MAKE GREAT MUSIC. YOURS.

Express your creativity in a wide array of ensembles:

Pop Top 40 Country

R&B Latin / Salsa Bluegrass

Rock Quartets/Quintets Traditional

Ceremonial Music Trios Show Tunes

Jazz Wind Ensembles Big Bands


A CAREER THAT LEADS TO MANY CAREERS

Enlistment as an Army Bandsperson (Military Occupational Specialty 42R)

offers the chance to seek other career paths.

Band Warrant Officer: Our Commanders and Conductors are selected from within our

own ranks. Prove yourself as a talented musician and leader, and you may find

yourself earning an appointment as a Warrant Officer One.

Band Officer: Do you have what it takes to command and conduct the finest military

bands in the world? A career as a band officer will earn you a commission as a

Second Lieutenant and the opportunity to lead the best of the best.

Special Bandsperson: Many of the musicians in our Nation’s top bands began their

military career in our ranks. Musicians below the rank of Sergeant First Class are

eligible to apply for these vacancies.


JOIN US AND YOU’LL BE JOINING THE RANKS OF RENOWNED

PERFORMERS, EDUCATORS, AND COMPOSERS.

Cannonball Adderly Bill Evans Alfred Reed

Herb Alpert Steve Gadd Nelson Riddle

Leroy Anderson Percy Grainger Frank Rosalino

Tony Bennett Joe Henderson Doc Severinsen

Irving Berlin Sara Jones Bobby Shew

Anthony Braxton Thaddeus Jones Wayne Shorter

Dave Brubeck Lennie Niehaus Claude T. Smith

Bill Chase Joe Pass George Strait

Paul Desmond Maceo Parker Grover Washington

Eric Dolphy Elvis Presley Paul Yoder

U.S. Army Veterans


DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL MUSICAL SKILLS? GOOD.

Arranging Graphic Design

Composing Teaching / Training

Soloing Public Speaking

Recording / Mastering Singing

Conducting

Improvisation

Audio Technician


COMPETITION? THERE IS NONE…

Army Marines Navy Air Force

Assignments 32 14 12 13

Initial Rank E4 E1 E2 E3

Enlistment Bonuses Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal

Maximum Entry Age 35 29 35 35

COMPARISON OF U.S. MILITARY SERVICE BANDS: OCT 2009

CONTACT YOUR BAND LIAISON FOR MORE INFORMATION


ELIGIBILITY

Army Enlistment Requirements:

Be single or married with no more than two children under the age of 18

Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien

Have a high school diploma or equivalent

Be healthy and in good physical condition

Be in good moral standing

Be 17 to 35 years old

Additional Requirements for Musicians:

Pass an audition

Be accepted for an existing vacancy


AUDITION INFORMATION

Pre-Screening:

Applicants may be asked to provide a resume and recordings before

scheduling an audition with a qualified proctor is scheduled.

Audition Process:

Auditions begin with selections performed by you that demonstrate

your technical ability, artistry, and versatility. Rhythm players will need to

demonstrate proficiency on several styles of music.

Sight-reading is a must and you will be asked to read and perform

charts or excerpts appropriate for your instrument during the audition.

After the Audition:

Applicants that pass the audition and a physical examination and

ASVAB administered by a U.S. Army Recruiter will be considered for the

next available vacancy.


THE MEN AND WOMEN OF U.S. ARMY BANDS

Demographics of Recent Enlistments*

Gender: Average Education: 15.5 Years

Males 84 % *61% OF OUR NEWEST SOLDIERS HAVE AT LEAST A 4-YEAR DEGREE

Females 16 %

Previous Occupation:

Marital Status: Student

Single 62 % Music Educator

Married 38 % Freelance Musician

Average Age: 27

*BASED ON 2010 INFORMATION


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“I was told there were no vacancies at the moment, what should I do?”

You should schedule an audition to compete for the next available

vacancy. New active duty vacancies are available for most instruments

every three months. You may also inquire about opportunities in the

United States Army Reserve or Army National Guard bands.

“I double on another instrument, should I audition on both?”

Your eligibility to enlist will be determined by one instrument, usually your

primary instrument.

“Where will I audition?”

Auditions will be arranged by your Army band recruiting liaison

after you have qualified for military service.

“If I take an audition, do I have to enlist?”

No, you are under no obligation to enlist.


“I’m unsure which piece I should play for my audition. Who should I contact?”

Your Army band recruiting liaison can assist you in preparing for the

audition. They may put you in touch with an instructor at the Army School

of Music if you have additional questions.

“What happens if I fail the audition?”

In most cases you may be allowed to re-audition in as soon as 30 days.

“Can I practice while attending basic training?”

Usually the answer is no although sometimes your drill instructor may

allow you to practice or perform for your fellow trainees.

“Will the Army provide me with an instrument?”

Yes, once you arrive at the Army School of Music.



“Will I attend Basic Training?”

Yes, all new Soldiers are required to attend Basic Training.

“What other training will I receive?”

All musicians will be enrolled in a 10-week course at the U.S. Army School

of Music in Virginia Beach, VA after completion of Basic Training.

“What rank will I be?”

If accepted into the U.S. Army Band program you will begin as a

Specialist, pay grade E-4.

“How will I advance in rank?”

Upon graduation from the School of Music, you will advance

in rank based on your merits.




“How often do Army musicians move?”

On average, musicians move every 3-4 years. In many ways this works to

the musician’s advantage because it allows them the opportunity to serve

in other areas of the country or overseas and also gives them various

experiences/positions which are valued in the Army promotion system.

“Will my family move with me?”

Yes. There are very few exceptions to this which include tours to South

Korea for a one year period and deployments.

“What kinds of groups will I play in?”

Each band has the capability to perform together as a concert band or to

break down into several smaller ensembles. These ensembles might

include jazz band/combo, rock band, brass/woodwind quintet, Dixieland

band, country band, salsa band, etc. Most musicians can expect to

perform in more than one of these groups depending on their instrument.



“What is the typical day like in an Army Band?”

Most bands meet in the morning at about 6:30 for an hour-long workout

consisting of cardio or strength training exercises. Afterwards, band

members are free to go home for breakfast and conduct personal hygiene.

The band reconvenes at 9:00 and might have a large group rehearsal such

as concert or jazz band. From 11:30-1:00 the band usually breaks for

lunch. In the afternoon, small groups rehearse and band members spend

time doing their additional duties. There is also time to practice

individually if you are not involved in a rehearsal and have completed your

duties. Of course, this schedule is often adjusted for performances which

might occur during the day or if extra rehearsal time is needed for an

upcoming performance. A typical day ends at about 4:30.



“What are the additional duties for an Army bandsman?”

Each Army Band is completely self sufficient. This means that we book

our own performances, arrange for transportation, order music and

instruments, file paperwork to ensure timely promotions and leave, and

manage training requirements for the Army. Each musician is assigned to

an additional duty within the band such as working in the music library or

maintaining an inventory of instruments.

“Can I go to school while on active duty?”

Absolutely! In fact, the Army will pay 100% tuition assistance for courses

you take while on active duty. Many musicians take advantage of this

benefit and are able to complete degree programs while serving full-time

in a band. This can be accomplished through online universities, satellite

campuses, or local colleges. Of course, coursework cannot interfere with

your responsibilities at the band.



“Can I teach/gig in the civilian sector while serving in an Army Band?”

Absolutely! Many of our musicians enjoy teaching and gigging in the

community and we encourage this as a way to further professional

development and as a way to spread the word about our Army Bands. As

long as your outside obligations don’t interfere with your full-time job, the

Army Band, you are free to teach and gig as much as you like.

“Will I work on the weekends and holidays?”

It is common for the band to have a performance on a weekend or holiday.

When this happens, the band will be given time off during the week to

compensate. Other than performances, the band is usually off on

weekends and observes all national holidays.



“Will I have to deploy to a combat zone? If so, will I be reclassified into

another job?”

You may deploy as a musician with and Army Band to an area where the

U.S. Army is in continued conflict. You will NOT be reclassified into

another job in the case that your band is deployed. You will deploy as a

band and will serve in your assigned location as a band performing

concerts for the troops, playing for ceremonies, and using music as a

diplomatic tool to improve relations with the local nationals. Deployments

range in length from 1-15 months.


READY? CONTACT A BAND RECRUITING LIAISON

MASTER SERGEANT DAN SHANNON (SAX)

U.S. ARMY RECRUITING COMMAND

SENIOR ARMY BAND RECRUITING LIAISON

OFFICE 502-626-0456 CELL 888-216-0960

[email protected]

STAFF SERGEANT MARK LUCERO (TUBA)

1ST RECRUITING BRIGADE BAND LIAISON

CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV

OFFICE 301-677-2985 CELL 877-298-0221

[email protected]

STAFF SERGEANT DAN ENGLE (SAX)

2ND RECRUITING BRIGADE BAND LIAISON

AL, GA, FL, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN

OFFICE 256-450-9571 CELL 888-253-7671

[email protected]

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JAMES DONAHUE (BASS)

3RD RECRUITING BRIGADE BAND LIAISON

IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, ND, OH, SD, TN, WI, WV

OFFICE 502-626-0228 CELL 888-684-4553

[email protected]

STAFF SERGEANT KATIE VERINDER (FLUTE)

5TH RECRUITING BRIGADE BAND LIAISON

AZ, CO, MS, MO, NE, NM, OK, TX

OFFICE 210-295-8738 CELL 888-301-1754

[email protected]

STAFF SERGEANT ANGEL PORRAS (SAX)

6TH RECRUITING BRIGADE BAND LIAISON

AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

OFFICE 702-639-2049 CELL 877-874-4370

[email protected]


SOURCES FOR COMPENSATION COMPARISON

1. Teaching salaries are based on the 2009-2010 Texas Minimum Salary Schedule:

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/

2. Military salaries and allowances are based on 2009 military pay tables using “without

dependents” Basic Allowance for Housing rates:

http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/militarypaytables/2009MilitaryPayTables.pdf

3. Average housing costs are based on rental prices for one-bedroom apartments in San Antonio,

TX as reported by Apartmentratings.com:

http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate?a=MSAAvgRentalPrice&msa=7240

4. Tax estimation for high school teachers is computed by Salary.com and zip code 78205 with no

deductions: www.salary.com

5. Soldiers enjoy a significant tax advantage and much of their pay is not subject to federal income

taxes. Federal tax amounts were computed with the military’s tax estimator claiming no

deductions:

http://www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/mpcalcs/Calculators/RMC.aspx

6. Out of pocket health care costs for teachers were used from a 2009 report by Familiesusa.org:

http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/costly-coverage/texas.pdf


WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?