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

Providing a musical backdrop for many of the nation’s most notable events, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band has a worldwide reputation for extraordinary musicianship. The musicians in this elite ensemble have been trained at some of the most prestigious conservatories and universities in the country. The Ceremonial Band is comprised of 72 musicians whose principal function is performing for high-visibility ceremonial events in the National Capital region to include memorial support in Arlington National Cemetery.

Ceremonial duties are primarily performed outdoors in ceremonial marching formations. The typical work schedule varies from day to day, but mainly consists of daytime work hours with an occasional night or weekend. Performances, in addition to those in Arlington National Cemetery, include White House and Pentagon arrival ceremonies, wreath laying ceremonies given in honor of visiting Heads of State and other dignitaries, and monthly military retirement ceremonies.

Ceremonial musicians substitute within other elements of The U.S. Army Band and have regular opportunities to perform on concerts, recitals, and as soloists.

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 October 5th, 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 October 5th, 2026.

Audition Dates

Deadline to Submit Recorded Preliminary Audition August 24th, 2026

Deadline to Apply for the Live Preliminary Audition September 21st, 2026

Live Auditions October 5th, 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.