Music plays an important role in the Army. Members of Army Bands are involved in the rich tradition of performing at Army ceremonies, parades, concerts, festivals, dances and many other events. Musicians perform in a variety of ensembles ranging from ceremonial bands to jazz bands to small ensembles, playing all styles of music.

The Special Band Member is an integral part of the Army music team, performing as a musician or serving 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.

Some of your duties as a Special Band Member may include:

• Play in or lead bands, orchestras, combos and jazz groups
• Perform in military and civilian ceremonies, street parades, concerts, festivals and dances
• Rehearse and learn new music when not performing
• Perform all applicable styles of music
• Transpose music by sight as required
• Perform maintenance on instrument
• Supervise and perform organizational maintenance of equipment
• Perform as an administrative, supply, operations or training Sergeant
• Participate in security duties during heightened combat intensity as required

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.

Job training for a Special Band Member requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills. Although Special Band Members do not attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT), they will have continuous training to maintain their instrumental proficiency.

Helpful attributes include:

• An interest in band, music theory, harmony and other music courses
• Poise when performing in public
• Multi-instrumental abilities

Advanced level Special Band Members provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Special Band Member, you may be involved in:

• Perform as solo instrumentalists or vocalist
• NCO in an instrumental group
• Band support technician
• Administrative and supply support
• Library support
• Senior vocalist music annotator/commentator

The skills and playing experience you'll gain as a Special Band Member will prepare you for a future with professional orchestras, bands and choral groups. You might also work in nightclubs, concert halls, theaters and recording studios.

• Army Bandsperson (42R)
• Band Officer (42C)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.