by Inman Hebert
So You Think You Want to be in a Military Band…
National Military Appreciation Month in the United States brings to mind events ranging from the National Memorial Day Concert at the United States Capitol to free pops concerts hosted by towns and cities to honor the armed forces. As you play in or listen to a patriotic concert, have you considered what being in a military band might mean for your future as a horn player?
Understanding the role musicians have in the military band is paramount to this decision. Military bands perform in ceremonial roles and promote tradition through parades, command ceremonies, dinner receptions, foreign dignitary visits, and funerals. Musicians also offer entertainment through concerts and holiday celebrations. Above all, military bands operate as ambassadors to promote a nation and its military.
If such a role appeals to you, consider whether the physical and medical requirements may serve as a barrier. Musicians must undergo a comprehensive military medical exam, which includes physical and psychological screenings and assessments. As an example, disqualifications may result from being prescribed certain medications or even having food allergies with systemic symptoms.
All musicians in U.S. military bands must meet certain physical fitness standards that vary by branch. These requirements typically include height and weight standards and a certain number of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and timed runs. All American musicians (except those in the “The President’s Own” and the Coast Guard Band) must undergo basic training. Boot camp varies from 8 to 13 weeks and includes intense physical training and field exercises, with the goals of developing discipline, building teamwork, and instilling military values. No separate boot camp training exists for musicians.
The military operates in a hierarchy, and musicians operate within that system. Standards include a dress code and specified military grooming. Males still enter boot camp with haircuts that resemble a shaved head and must continue to maintain short hair off the ears and above the collar. Women have more flexibility depending on the military branch. Musicians sign enlistment contracts and remain bound to the rules under which they agreed to abide.
Each branch of the military posts it pay scales, which allows transparency when considering this career path. Musicians need to consider other benefits associated with the military. Specifically, the basic allowance for housing serves (in the United States) as a non-taxable monetary payment, supplementing the basic salary. In addition, certain benefits, such as health coverage, are covered at little or no cost to the active-duty service member.
If being a musician in a military band sounds appealing, consider the three types of military bands. Premier Bands remain the most competitive as the U.S. military has designated only 11 among all military branches. Most premier band musicians have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, but many often hold advanced degrees in music. Interested candidates can find announcements on the specific band’s website and must participate in a round of highly competitive and selective auditions. Those winning auditions serve as enlisted members who enter the military at a specified pay grade. Premier band musicians have enlistment contracts which dictate that they are not deployable outside of the United States. Most are permanently based in or near Washington, D.C.
All branches of the military, except the Coast Guard, offer regional or fleet bands. In regional bands, you may perform other roles and must understand the culture of the branch you serve. Marine Bands consider your first job as a musician but dictate that you must be ready as a combat Marine when needed, whereas Air Force Bands state that if deployed, your job will be to perform on your instrument. Similar to the Marines, the Army may require deployment with the rest of your division, whereas the Navy states your entire job is to play music, but you will spend 6 months annually on a ship at sea. Regional bands require auditions, but more positions for these exist than for the Premier Bands. Many musicians go into Regional Bands right out of high school.
Reserve and National Guard Band members serve part-time concurrent to civilian careers. These obligations may be one weekend per month (plus a two-week concert tour) but could include activation with deployment overseas.
A career in a military band allows horn players to pursue a full-time job in music. Military band musicians often tout the practical benefits and the intangible sense of family. Interviews with military musicians emphasize the fulfillment in exploring the full band repertoire, in addition to the traditional ceremonial marches. If the stability and the structure of military bands appeal to you, start getting in shape, musically and physically, and look for audition opportunities.
For more information, read the International Horn Society’s “Military Matters” column in The Horn Call that shares stories from military horn players throughout the world. If you are interested in another possible career—being a university teacher—read the May 2024 Horn and More Student Column “So You Think You Want to be a Music Professor…”
