Prev - 46Q

Special Band Musician

Arts and Media		Next - 25R

Special Band Musician - 42S


  • Active/Reserve:Active Duty
  • Officer/Enlisted:Enlisted
  • Restrictions:None

Overview

The special band musician performs as a musician or in direct support of the mission of the U.S. Army Band, U.S. Army Field Band, U.S. Military Academy Band or the 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps.

Job Duties

  • Play in or lead bands, orchestras, combos and jazz groups
  • Perform in military and civilian ceremonies, street parades, concerts, festivals and dances
  • Perform all applicable styles of music
  • Transpose music by sight as required
  • Supervise and perform organizational maintenance of equipment

    • Requirements

  • In order to qualify for a position with the Army band, you must pass one or more auditions. You must be an accomplished musician and have good music sight-reading ability.
  • Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

    • Training

    Job training for a special band musician requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills. Although special band members do not attend Advanced Individual Training, they will have continuous training to maintain their instrumental proficiency.

    Helpful Skills

  • Mastery of musical instrument, as well as music theory, harmony and other musical areas
  • Poise and presence while performing in public
  • Multiinstrumental abilities

    • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • No ASVAB

    • Compensation

  • Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.

    • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.