Here is our update information about the Army Bands program. Please look this over and give me a call If you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Mark Lucero
Staff Sergeant, U.S Army
1st Recruiting Brigade Band Liaison
4550 Parade Field Ln, Ste 5380
Fort Meade, MD 20755
DSN 622-2985
Phone 301-677-2985
Cell 410-905-7366
Toll Free 1-877-275-5787
http://bands.army.mil/
http://www.armystrongstories.com/blogger/mark-lucero/
http://www.facebook.com/ArmyBand
http://www.facebook.com/ArmyBandCareers
1. The U.S. Army Band Program
2011 Vacancies
V 2.1 MAR 27 2010
2. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
U.S. Army Bands have vacancies for the following specialties:
Piano/Keyboard Guitar
Clarinet Trumpet
Electric Bass Trombone
Euphonium Saxophone
Flute Bassoon
French Horn
Tuba
Oboe
Percussion
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
3. MANY WAYS TO SERVE
Active Duty: A full time occupation, entrance into the Active Duty Army begins
with an enlistment of 48 or more months.
U.S. Army Reserve: A great choice for full-time students and professionals
with a full-time occupation.
Army National Guard: Similar to the U.S. Army Reserve, these citizen-Soldiers
continue to work and study in their communities while serving the Nation
through music.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
WWW.GOARMY.COM
WWW.NATIONALGUARD.COM
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
5. Unmatched Benefits:
Health Care
Dental Care
Life Insurance
30 Days Paid Vacation Each Year
Sick Days as Needed
Intangible Rewards:
Perform in a World-Class Musical Organization
Serve the Nation Through Music
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
6. First Year Salary Comparison
MONTHLY COMPENSATION TEACHER SPECIALIST (E4)
Monthly Net Income MONTHLY SALARY $27321 $18282
By Years of Experience
$4,500 UNTAXED ALLOWANCES $1126
$3,947
$4,000 HOUSING3 $629 $629
$3,500 $3,113 TAXES $5534 $1575
$2,621
Sergeant First Class (E7)
$3,000 HEALTH CARE6 $75 $0
$2,500 $2,168 $2,257 NET INCOME $1475 $2168
Staff Sergeant (E6)
$2,000 $1,849
$1,475 $1,599
Specialist (E4)
Third Year Salary Comparison
Sergeant (E5)
$1,500
MONTHLY COMPENSATION TEACHER SERGEANT
Teacher
$1,000
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
$500 MONTHLY SALARY $29081 $22302
$0 UNTAXED ALLOWANCES $1238
1 3 6 12 HOUSING3 $629 $629
TAXES $6054 $2185
BASED ON 2009 PAY AND ALLOWANCES HEALTH CARE6 $75 $0
NET INCOME $1599 $2621
*Other Allowances:
Clothing Allowance
Sixth Year Salary Comparison
Cost of Living Allowance
MONTHLY COMPENSATION TEACHER STAFF SERGEANT
Moving Expenses MONTHLY SALARY $32801 $27092
Family Separation Allowance UNTAXED ALLOWANCES $1323
HOUSING3 $629 $629
Special Pay
TAXES $7274 $2905
Temporary Travel Pay HEALTH CARE6 $75 $0
Foreign Language Proficiency Pay NET INCOME $1849 $3113
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
7. ARMY FAMILIES ARE ARMY STRONG
The Army takes care of its families. Services are free to Soldiers,
spouses, and children of Active Duty Soldiers.
Relocation Assistance
Money Management
Family Advocacy
Legal Assistance
Child and Youth Services
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Services
Commissary and Exchange Privileges
Deployment Services
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
8. ACTIVE DUTY BANDS IN THE UNITED STATES AND OVERSEAS
Atlanta, GA Germany Petersburg, VA
Augusta, GA Hampton, VA Radcliff, KY
Colorado Springs, CO Hinesville, GA San Antonio, TX
Columbia, SC Hopkinsville, KY Sierra Vista, AZ
Columbus, GA Huntsville, AL South Korea
Dothan, AL Killeen, TX Tacoma, WA
El Paso, TX Lawton, OK Japan
Fairbanks, AK Manhattan, KS Watertown, NY
Fayetteville, NC Oahu, HI Waynesville, MO
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL *APPLICANTS THAT ENLIST FOR 48 OR MORE MONTHS MAY SELECT A STATION OF CHOICE
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM FROM A LIST OF AVAILABLE ASSIGNMENTS BASED ON CURRENT VACANCIES
9. U.S. ARMY RESERVE BAND LOCATIONS
Seattle, WA Rochester, NY Flushing, NY
Fort Dix, NJ Concord, NC Whitehall, OH
Arlington Heights, IL Bell, CA Livonia, MI
East Windsor, CT Norristown, PA Richmond, VA
Louisville, KY Lawrence, KS Oklahoma City, OK
Camp Parks, CA Birmingham, AL Fort Snelling, MI
Milwaukee, WI
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
10. MAKE GREAT MUSIC. YOURS.
Express your creativity in a wide array of ensembles:
Pop Top 40 Country
R&B Latin / Salsa Bluegrass
Rock Quartets/Quintets Traditional
Ceremonial Music Trios Show Tunes
Jazz Wind Ensembles Big Bands
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
11. A CAREER THAT LEADS TO MANY CAREERS
Enlistment as an Army Bandsperson (Military Occupational Specialty 42R)
offers the chance to seek other career paths.
Band Warrant Officer: Our Commanders and Conductors are selected from within our
own ranks. Prove yourself as a talented musician and leader, and you may find
yourself earning an appointment as a Warrant Officer One.
Band Officer: Do you have what it takes to command and conduct the finest military
bands in the world? A career as a band officer will earn you a commission as a
Second Lieutenant and the opportunity to lead the best of the best.
Special Bandsperson: Many of the musicians in our Nation’s top bands began their
military career in our ranks. Musicians below the rank of Sergeant First Class are
eligible to apply for these vacancies.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
12. JOIN US AND YOU’LL BE JOINING THE RANKS OF RENOWNED
PERFORMERS, EDUCATORS, AND COMPOSERS.
U.S. Army Veterans
Cannonball Adderly Bill Evans Alfred Reed
Herb Alpert Steve Gadd Nelson Riddle
Leroy Anderson Percy Grainger Frank Rosalino
Tony Bennett Joe Henderson Doc Severinsen
Irving Berlin Sara Jones Bobby Shew
Anthony Braxton Thaddeus Jones Wayne Shorter
Dave Brubeck Lennie Niehaus Claude T. Smith
Bill Chase Joe Pass George Strait
Paul Desmond Maceo Parker Grover Washington
Eric Dolphy Elvis Presley Paul Yoder
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
13. DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL MUSICAL SKILLS? GOOD.
Arranging Graphic Design
Composing Teaching / Training
Soloing Public Speaking
Recording / Mastering Singing
Conducting
Improvisation
Audio Technician
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
14. COMPETITION? THERE IS NONE…
Army Marines Navy Air Force
Assignments 32 14 12 13
Initial Rank E4 E1 E2 E3
Enlistment Bonuses Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal
Maximum Entry Age 35 29 35 35
COMPARISON OF U.S. MILITARY SERVICE BANDS: OCT 2009
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL CONTACT YOUR BAND LIAISON FOR MORE INFORMATION
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
15. ELIGIBILITY
Army Enlistment Requirements:
Be single or married with no more than two children under the age of 18
Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Be healthy and in good physical condition
Be in good moral standing
Be 17 to 35 years old
Additional Requirements for Musicians:
Pass an audition
Be accepted for an existing vacancy
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
16. AUDITION INFORMATION
Pre-Screening:
Applicants may be asked to provide a resume and recordings before
scheduling an audition with a qualified proctor is scheduled.
Audition Process:
Auditions begin with selections performed by you that demonstrate
your technical ability, artistry, and versatility. Rhythm players will need to
demonstrate proficiency on several styles of music.
Sight-reading is a must and you will be asked to read and perform
charts or excerpts appropriate for your instrument during the audition.
After the Audition:
Applicants that pass the audition and a physical examination and
ASVAB administered by a U.S. Army Recruiter will be considered for the
next available vacancy.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
17. THE MEN AND WOMEN OF U.S. ARMY BANDS
Demographics of Recent Enlistments*
Gender: Average Education: 15.5 Years
Males 84 % *61% OF OUR NEWEST SOLDIERS HAVE AT LEAST A 4-YEAR DEGREE
Females 16 %
Previous Occupation:
Marital Status: Student
Single 62 % Music Educator
Married 38 % Freelance Musician
Average Age: 27
*BASED ON 2010 INFORMATION
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
18. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“I was told there were no vacancies at the moment, what should I do?”
You should schedule an audition to compete for the next available
vacancy. New active duty vacancies are available for most instruments
every three months. You may also inquire about opportunities in the
United States Army Reserve or Army National Guard bands.
“I double on another instrument, should I audition on both?”
Your eligibility to enlist will be determined by one instrument, usually your
primary instrument.
“Where will I audition?”
Auditions will be arranged by your Army band recruiting liaison
after you have qualified for military service.
“If I take an audition, do I have to enlist?”
No, you are under no obligation to enlist.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
19. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“I’m unsure which piece I should play for my audition. Who should I contact?”
Your Army band recruiting liaison can assist you in preparing for the
audition. They may put you in touch with an instructor at the Army School
of Music if you have additional questions.
“What happens if I fail the audition?”
In most cases you may be allowed to re-audition in as soon as 30 days.
“Can I practice while attending basic training?”
Usually the answer is no although sometimes your drill instructor may
allow you to practice or perform for your fellow trainees.
“Will the Army provide me with an instrument?”
Yes, once you arrive at the Army School of Music.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
20. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“Will I attend Basic Training?”
Yes, all new Soldiers are required to attend Basic Training.
“What other training will I receive?”
All musicians will be enrolled in a 10-week course at the U.S. Army School
of Music in Virginia Beach, VA after completion of Basic Training.
“What rank will I be?”
If accepted into the U.S. Army Band program you will begin as a
Specialist, pay grade E-4.
“How will I advance in rank?”
Upon graduation from the School of Music, you will advance
in rank based on your merits.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
21. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“How often do Army musicians move?”
On average, musicians move every 3-4 years. In many ways this works to
the musician’s advantage because it allows them the opportunity to serve
in other areas of the country or overseas and also gives them various
experiences/positions which are valued in the Army promotion system.
“Will my family move with me?”
Yes. There are very few exceptions to this which include tours to South
Korea for a one year period and deployments.
“What kinds of groups will I play in?”
Each band has the capability to perform together as a concert band or to
break down into several smaller ensembles. These ensembles might
include jazz band/combo, rock band, brass/woodwind quintet, Dixieland
band, country band, salsa band, etc. Most musicians can expect to
perform in more than one of these groups depending on their instrument.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
22. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“What is the typical day like in an Army Band?”
Most bands meet in the morning at about 6:30 for an hour-long workout
consisting of cardio or strength training exercises. Afterwards, band
members are free to go home for breakfast and conduct personal hygiene.
The band reconvenes at 9:00 and might have a large group rehearsal such
as concert or jazz band. From 11:30-1:00 the band usually breaks for
lunch. In the afternoon, small groups rehearse and band members spend
time doing their additional duties. There is also time to practice
individually if you are not involved in a rehearsal and have completed your
duties. Of course, this schedule is often adjusted for performances which
might occur during the day or if extra rehearsal time is needed for an
upcoming performance. A typical day ends at about 4:30.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
23. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“What are the additional duties for an Army bandsman?”
Each Army Band is completely self sufficient. This means that we book
our own performances, arrange for transportation, order music and
instruments, file paperwork to ensure timely promotions and leave, and
manage training requirements for the Army. Each musician is assigned to
an additional duty within the band such as working in the music library or
maintaining an inventory of instruments.
“Can I go to school while on active duty?”
Absolutely! In fact, the Army will pay 100% tuition assistance for courses
you take while on active duty. Many musicians take advantage of this
benefit and are able to complete degree programs while serving full-time
in a band. This can be accomplished through online universities, satellite
campuses, or local colleges. Of course, coursework cannot interfere with
your responsibilities at the band.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
24. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“Can I teach/gig in the civilian sector while serving in an Army Band?”
Absolutely! Many of our musicians enjoy teaching and gigging in the
community and we encourage this as a way to further professional
development and as a way to spread the word about our Army Bands. As
long as your outside obligations don’t interfere with your full-time job, the
Army Band, you are free to teach and gig as much as you like.
“Will I work on the weekends and holidays?”
It is common for the band to have a performance on a weekend or holiday.
When this happens, the band will be given time off during the week to
compensate. Other than performances, the band is usually off on
weekends and observes all national holidays.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
25. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“Will I have to deploy to a combat zone? If so, will I be reclassified into
another job?”
You may deploy as a musician with and Army Band to an area where the
U.S. Army is in continued conflict. You will NOT be reclassified into
another job in the case that your band is deployed. You will deploy as a
band and will serve in your assigned location as a band performing
concerts for the troops, playing for ceremonies, and using music as a
diplomatic tool to improve relations with the local nationals. Deployments
range in length from 1-15 months.
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
26. READY? CONTACT A BAND RECRUITING LIAISON
MASTER SERGEANT DAN SHANNON (SAX) STAFF SERGEANT MARK LUCERO (TUBA)
U.S. ARMY RECRUITING COMMAND 1ST RECRUITING BRIGADE BAND LIAISON
SENIOR ARMY BAND RECRUITING LIAISON CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV
OFFICE 502-626-0456 CELL 888-216-0960 OFFICE 301-677-2985 CELL 877-298-0221
HQ-BAND@USAREC.ARMY.MIL 1BDE-BAND@USAREC.ARMY.MIL
STAFF SERGEANT DAN ENGLE (SAX) SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JAMES DONAHUE (BASS)
2ND RECRUITING BRIGADE BAND LIAISON 3RD RECRUITING BRIGADE BAND LIAISON
AL, GA, FL, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, ND, OH, SD, TN, WI, WV
OFFICE 256-450-9571 CELL 888-253-7671 OFFICE 502-626-0228 CELL 888-684-4553
2BDE-BAND@USAREC.ARMY.MIL 3BDE-BAND@USAREC.ARMY.MIL
STAFF SERGEANT KATIE VERINDER (FLUTE) STAFF SERGEANT ANGEL PORRAS (SAX)
5TH RECRUITING BRIGADE BAND LIAISON 6TH RECRUITING BRIGADE BAND LIAISON
AZ, CO, MS, MO, NE, NM, OK, TX AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
OFFICE 210-295-8738 CELL 888-301-1754 OFFICE 702-639-2049 CELL 877-874-4370
5BDE-BAND@USAREC.ARMY.MIL 6BDE-BANDS@USAREC.ARMY.MIL
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
27. SOURCES FOR COMPENSATION COMPARISON
1. Teaching salaries are based on the 2009-2010 Texas Minimum Salary Schedule:
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/
2. Military salaries and allowances are based on 2009 military pay tables using “without
dependents” Basic Allowance for Housing rates:
http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/militarypaytables/2009MilitaryPayTables.pdf
3. Average housing costs are based on rental prices for one-bedroom apartments in San Antonio,
TX as reported by Apartmentratings.com:
http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate?a=MSAAvgRentalPrice&msa=7240
4. Tax estimation for high school teachers is computed by Salary.com and zip code 78205 with no
deductions: www.salary.com
5. Soldiers enjoy a significant tax advantage and much of their pay is not subject to federal income
taxes. Federal tax amounts were computed with the military’s tax estimator claiming no
deductions:
http://www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/mpcalcs/Calculators/RMC.aspx
6. Out of pocket health care costs for teachers were used from a 2009 report by Familiesusa.org:
http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/costly-coverage/texas.pdf
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM
28. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
WWW.BANDS.ARMY.MIL
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE U.S. ARMY BAND PROGRAM