The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the U.S. Army’s premier musical organization, announces a vacancy for BASSOON in The U.S. Army Concert Band.

The U.S. Army Concert Band represents the Army and the nation through a wide range of concerts, ceremonies, educational outreach initiatives, and high-visibility public performances. The ensemble regularly appears at major national and international music events, including the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference and the American Bandmasters Association.

During the summer months, the Concert Band performs outdoor concerts at the National Mall and venues throughout the Washington, DC area. Additional performance opportunities include recording sessions, chamber music, state functions, and military ceremonies supporting national and international diplomacy efforts.

Audition Information

Auditions will be held at Brucker Hall, home of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” at 400 McNair Road, Fort Myer, Virginia 22211-1306.

• All candidates have the choice of playing a live and/or recorded preliminary audition.
• Candidates that do not advance from a recording are encouraged to still attend the live preliminary audition on September 14th, 2026.
• For civilian candidates that advance from a recording into the semi-finals, the U.S. Army will cover travel expenses (pending enlistment qualification and funding approval).
• The semi-final round, and any subsequent rounds, will take place on September 14th, 2026.

Audition Dates

Deadline to Submit Recorded Preliminary Audition August 3rd, 2026

Deadline to Apply for the Live Preliminary Audition August 31st, 2026

Live Auditions September 14th, 2026 Eligibility

All applicants must meet basic enlistment standards for The U.S. Army including:

• Age 17-42 at the time of the audition
• Currently hold U.S. Citizenship
• Meet height/weight standards
• Meet medical, moral, and physical requirements. If you have any preexisting medical conditions, recent surgeries, or criminal history, please consult with your local Army Recruiter prior to applying to confirm enlistment eligibility.

Members of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” receive a competitive benefits package that includes an annual starting salary of $83,209 without dependents or $91,633 with dependents, full medical and dental coverage, and 30 days of paid vacation each year. In addition, Soldiers may immediately begin contributing to a retirement account through the Blended Retirement System and become eligible for a pension after 20 years of active duty service. Educational benefits include tuition assistance for continuing education and full tuition support through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Musicians in “Pershing’s Own” hold the Military Occupational Specialty 42S, “Special Band Musician,” and are promoted to Staff Sergeant (E-6) two months after completing Basic Combat Training. Members receive a permanent duty assignment to Fort Myer, Virginia, located just outside Washington, DC.